Customize your view, privacy, and design with the right glass.
At Iris, we offer several glass options so you can find the perfect balance of light, privacy, and style for your windows or doors.
Below is a quick “How To” guide to help you choose the right glass for your space - followed by images of each style we offer.
How to Choose the Right Glass
| If You Want... |
Choose |
| Maximum visibility |
Clear Glass |
| Fingerprint-free privacy |
Acid Etch |
| Textured light diffusion |
Sand Blasted |
| Soft tint and glare control |
Bronze |
| Artistic pattern + privacy |
Glue Chip |
| Security |
Security Glass |
💡 Pro Tips
-
Mix & Match: You can mix glass types throughout your home—use clear in your living areas and frosted options in bathrooms or doors.
-
Natural Light ≠ No Privacy: Etched and textured glass allow plenty of sunlight in while obscuring outside views.
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Design Matters: Decorative options like Glue Chip make a design statement while serving a functional purpose.
Not sure where to start?
Check out the five glass types below to find your perfect match:
1. Clear Glass
What it is: Traditional, transparent glass that lets in maximum natural light and provides a crystal-clear view to the outside.
Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, or anywhere you want full visibility and brightness.
Pro Tip: Pair clear glass with blinds or curtains if you want privacy without compromising the view.
2. Acid Etch Glass
What it is: Smooth, satin-like glass with a frosted appearance created through acid treatment.
Best for: Bathrooms, entry doors, or home offices—any space where privacy is needed without blocking natural light.
Pro Tip: Unlike sand-blasted glass, acid etch resists fingerprints and smudges better, making it great for high-touch areas like doors.
3. Sand Blasted (Pinhead) Glass
What it is: Textured, semi-obscure glass with a pebbled surface that distorts visibility while still allowing light through.
Best for: Laundry rooms, basements, garages, or side windows where you want light but no direct view in or out.
Pro Tip: Sand-blasted glass adds texture and a modern look—ideal for contemporary homes.
4. Bronze Tint Glass
What it is: Lightly tinted glass with a bronze hue that reduces glare and softens sunlight.
Best for: South- or west-facing windows where you want to reduce heat gain or protect furniture from fading.
Pro Tip: Bronze glass adds warmth and a subtle tone to your exterior—perfect for creating contrast with light-coloured frames.
5. Glue Chip Glass
What it is: Decorative glass with a crystalized, frosted pattern that looks like fern or ice crystals. It's both beautiful and private.
Best for: Front doors, sidelites, and decorative feature windows where aesthetics and privacy matter.
Pro Tip: If you want a touch of elegance and texture without full opacity, glue chip is your go-to.
6. Security Glass
What it is: Laminated Security Glass is made by bonding two panes of glass together with a tough interlayer in between. Even when impacted, the glass stays intact, creating a strong barrier that resists forced entry.
Best for: Perfect for homeowners who want extra protection in areas more vulnerable to burglary or break-ins. The thicker interlayer (minimum 0.060" width) makes it harder to penetrate, adding valuable peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Combine laminated glass with secure locks and reinforced frames for maximum protection. This multi-layered approach makes it even more difficult for intruders to gain entry.
