Glass is often one of the most overlooked decisions when choosing new windows and doors. At Infil, one of the glass ranges that we offer is the Pilkington decorative glass range, which gives you far more choice than a standard clear double-glazed unit. Whether you want a little privacy in the bathroom, a decorative touch in your front door side panels, or something genuinely striking in a hallway window, there’s a glass option for you.
What is decorative glass?
Decorative glass covers any glass that goes beyond standard clear float glass. The main types are:
- Textured glass (also called patterned glass): glass with a surface texture that obscures the view to varying degrees while still letting good light through
- Etched glass: glass with a smooth, matte finish that looks high-end and works equally well in modern and traditional settings
- Privacy glass: designed specifically to limit visibility, available across multiple levels of obscuration
The key point is that decorative glass is not just about aesthetics. It’s a practical solution for rooms where you need natural light but also need privacy. Think bathrooms, cloakrooms, landing windows, and front doors.
The Pilkington Texture Glass Range
Pilkington is one of the most trusted glass manufacturers in the world and the brand we stock and recommend. Their Texture Glass range currently offers 21 different designs, from subtle and contemporary to bold and decorative.
Designs are graded from Privacy Level 1 (least obscuration) to Privacy Level 5 (greatest obscuration), so you can choose exactly how much or how little you want to see through the glass.
Some popular designs include:
- Warwick™ (Level 1): a barely-there texture, ideal for a modern, understated look
- Chantilly™ (Level 2): a fine, delicate pattern with good light transmission
- Taffeta™ (Level 3): a swirling, fabric-like texture with a contemporary feel, giving a good level of privacy without losing light or character
- Mayflower™ (Level 4): a soft, daisy-inspired floral design that works well in traditional and period settings; popular for front door glazing
- Everglade™ (Level 5): a bold, deep botanical texture offering maximum privacy, a perennial favourite for bathrooms and cloakrooms
The Pilkington Oriel Collection
For something more premium, the Pilkington Oriel Collection offers etched glass with a smooth matt finish and a high-end appearance. Unlike textured glass, the surface is smooth to the touch, easy to clean and ideal for feature panels, glazed internal doors, and anywhere you want the glass itself to make a design statement.
The Oriel range includes designs such as Laurel™, Canterbury™, Burdock™, and Saturn™, all offering excellent light transmission combined with various levels of privacy.
Where to use decorative glass
Decorative glass works well across a wide range of locations:
Bathroom and cloakroom windows: privacy without losing natural light, the most common application
Landing and stairwell windows: useful where a window overlooks a public area or neighbouring property
Front door glazing: add style and character to your entrance with a decorative or etched design
Side panels and fanlights: decorative glass in door surrounds enhances the whole entrance
Kitchen windows: a subtle texture can soften the look of a utility-facing window
Internal partitions: useful in extensions, loft conversions, and open-plan spaces
What about safety glass?
All Pilkington decorative glass options can be supplied toughened or laminated, making them suitable for safety-critical locations. Building Regulations require impact-resistant glass in areas such as glazed doors, low-level glazing, and bathrooms. If you’re not sure whether safety glass is required for your project, our team will advise you as part of the survey. It’s included as standard.
Ready to explore your options?
Glass choice is part of the conversation from the very start when you enquire with Infil. We’ll walk you through what makes sense for your project and make sure you’re happy with your selection before anything is ordered.
Get in touch today, or visit our Halstead showroom to see some of the designs in person.
Call: 01787 477231
Email: info@infil.co.uk
