Glass is one of the few materials that is not only flexible (i.e. easy to work with) but also aids in improving the aesthetics of a house. Textured glass panes come in a variety of designs.
This form of glass, also known as patterned glass or decorative glass panes, is often created by laying a smooth sheet of glass over a textured mould and heating the glass at high temperatures in a kiln. The heat melts the glass sheet onto the mould and, when it cools, the glass has a rough surface on one side.
Given its properties, the glass can be used for aesthetic purposes as well as for ensuring confidentiality in corporate environments. More and more interior designers are choosing textured glass instead of wooden dividers to create separate spaces.
Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, has compiled a guide on how textured glass can optimally be used in residential and commercial buildings.
History of Textured Glass
Victorian glassmakers introduced a new form of glass known as ‘rolled window glass’ or ‘patent rolled glass’. Given below are major milestones in the development of textured glass between 1890 and 1940:
Table Rolled Plate Glass
In 1838, James Hartley was granted the patent for ‘table rolled plate glass’. The process required the molten glass to be poured onto an engraved surface and smoothed over by a roller.
Glasgow Plate Glass Company
The process at Glasgow Plate Glass Company (GPGC) required the glass to be poured over a flat surface, while an etched roller printed the desired pattern on the glass.
The Mason and Conqueror Patent
This patent required the glass to be poured on an iron plate and then rolled between two iron rollers, rotating in opposite directions.
Chance’s Double Rolled Figure Plate Glass
The Chance brothers were glassmakers who improved upon Hartley’s process. Molten glass was poured between a set of rollers that squeezed the glass to the required thickness, and a subsequent set of rollers printed the pattern on the glass. This method of texturing or printing is now a standard method for the production of textured glass.
Modern Textured Glass
Nowadays, the Chance brothers’ double rolled method is used for the production of textured glass. The ‘annealing lehr’ is a modern addition to the process, which is an insulated tunnel that gradually cools the glass to prevent shattering.
Features of Textured Glass
- On average, the thickness of the textured glass is 4mm to 6mm.
- Textured glass, as compared to float glass, allows less light to pass through and provides privacy without shutting out too much natural light.
- Light is diffused when it passes through textured glass, which makes smaller areas appear bigger than they actually are.
- Patterns on the textured glass can be customised to block more light in order to get an opaque surface and increase privacy.
- Wired textured glass can be used for privacy as well as for its fire-resistant properties.
- Textured glass can also be laminated or tempered for safety purposes.
Applications
Taking the customizability of textured glass into account, it has the following applications:
- The primary application of textured glass is provision of privacy without compromising on natural light.
- Interior design companies now frequently use frosted texture doors, windows, counters, shelves, wall cladding, backsplashes etc.
- Designers also use a combination of patterned and tinted glass in shower cubicles and bathrooms.
- In corporate offices, etched glass is used to maintain confidentiality.
- Patterned glass is also used in making decorative glassware like lamps.
- Hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and high rise buildings use textured glass for commercial glazing.
Application of Textured Glass at Homes
Following are the applications of textured glass in the interior design of your home:
Windows
Textured panes are highly recommended for windows that have been inconveniently built directly opposite your neighbour’s windows. This does not mean that you have to keep the curtains drawn; frosted glass allows you to take advantage of natural light while keeping the window closed, without any fear of peeping neighbours.
Doors
If a clear pane of glass is installed on any door inside the house, it poses a security risk. If you want to add a unique touch to your door, patterned or frosted glass are popular in the market. Please keep in mind that you may be able to purchase custom-designed glass panels in the desired size and texture by contacting a supplier and perusing their pattern portfolio.
Dividers
Nowadays, glass is commonly used as a divider in rooms. However, the use of frosted or patterned glass instead of a clear sheet can increase privacy. These dividers can be made more appealing by using different types of tints or patterns.
Cabinetry
Textured panels are ideal for cabinet and cupboard doors if you want to make them look more visually pleasing, while keeping the filth hidden from your guests. The textures usually add just enough opaqueness to the pane to make colours and shapes visible.
Showers
In order to ensure privacy, textured glass can be used in shower stalls.
Decoration
Tinted and frosted glass is also used for house decoration as it can be moulded into different shapes, and various colours can be added. Smaller pieces of textured glass can also be used to embellish interiors. A little piece hung inside a window can produce some brilliant reflected effects that shower streaks of colour over walls. Larger pieces are useful for filtering out harmful UV rays, which help to preserve the finish on furniture, carpets and upholstery. Installing textured glass is a low-cost approach to improve energy efficiency, reduce carpet fading, and create a more opulent home environment.
Tables and Counters
Textured glass installed on one side is an effective method to protect your tables and counters. The glass can be permanently attached or left as a removable stain-resistant and easy-to-clean cover. Tempered glass is a good option for this because it does not scratch as easily as conventional glass, and has a higher tensile strength.
Application of Textured Glass in Public Spaces
Following are the applications of textured glass in public spaces:
In Libraries
Colouring is added to textured glass in order to add colour, personality, charm, and character to any structure. Because of the quiet and tranquil air it creates, stained glass works brilliantly in libraries.
It is a classic method to add flair, refinement, charm, and beauty to your establishment’s overall design and appearance. It not only allow you to enjoy natural light without sacrificing privacy, but they also prevent the risk of unpleasant glares and distracting views outside.
In Offices
Furthermore, in commercial contexts, a conference room with textured glass makes meetings private without making the entire office feel isolated from people within or outside the facility. It’s also a good approach to preserve daylight in areas that would otherwise be windowless due to the building’s location.
There has been an increase in the use of this type of glass in interior as well as exterior designs. A window of concealed glass permits bedroom light to fill an otherwise windowless hallway. When installing a window isn’t an option, this is a brilliant way to keep areas feeling open and bright.
