Tinted Glass

For applications where aesthetic qualities or glare resistance are more important than pure visibility, tinted glass is an option for bringing an element of neutral color to a window, door, balcony, or mirror, while reducing light and heat transmission. The concentration of certain minerals can be increased or decreased to create glass that has a darker or subtler tint, respectively. Tint can also be added after manufacturing in the form of a chemical coating.

Uses for tinted glass are widely varied. Tinted glass is common in applications where natural light needs to be balanced with climate and glare control. Decorative additions of tinted glass may be used in front doors, to allow a measure of natural light through while still protecting privacy. Tinted glass is also frequently used in room dividers and on balconies, particularly ground floor balconies and patios where it can help to obscure the occupants from passing cars and foot traffic. 

While tinted glass can be produced in a variety of shades, the most common ones are neutrals including bronze, grey, and blue-green. A very subtle grey tint is popular for reducing glare in windows. A grey tint will block some light from passing through the window, but the color is neutral enough that the tint is basically invisible to the naked eye, allowing for the preservation of views while maintaining better energy efficiency.

Another common application for tinted glass is in mirrors. Tinted mirrors are lightly colored, meaning they are mostly transparent but offer a slightly color-infused reflection which can help to both reduce glare and add a more interesting look to a space. Bronze and grey tinted mirrors are frequently used in commercial applications such as restaurants and bars, as well as in homes to add character to contemporary interior design. 

Tinted glass can be used in place of clear glass in decorative applications such as acid-etching and patterning to create an even more aesthetically striking appearance, or to add further privacy to an already textured form of glass. Heavily tinted glass can also be used as bird-safe glass, as a darker colored glass will be more visible to passing birds. Coniston distributes tinted glass from a range of quality suppliers at thicknesses from 3 to 6mm. Contact us for specific product availability.