Replacing a sealed unit does not have to mean like-for-like clear glass. It is also a good moment to change the look of a window or door, or to add some privacy.

Here are the decorative options you are most likely to come across.

Georgian bars

Georgian bars divide a pane into smaller sections, giving the look of a traditional window made from many small panes. There are two main ways of doing it.

  • Bars inside the unit. The bars sit in the gap between the two panes. The glass faces stay flat, so cleaning is easy, and the bars are protected.
  • Bars on the glass. Bars are fixed to the outside faces of the glass, often with a matching spacer between the panes behind them. From a distance this looks very like individual panes.

Both can be matched to white, coloured or wood-effect frames.

Bevelled glass

Bevelled glass has its edges ground and polished at an angle. The angled edges catch the light and break it up, which gives a classic, high-quality look. It is popular in front doors and the glass panels beside them.

Patterned and obscure glass

Patterned glass lets the light in while blurring the view through it, so it is the usual choice for bathrooms, toilets and front doors. There are many patterns available, and they are often rated on a scale for how much privacy they give, from lightly obscured to very private.

Leaded and stained glass effects

Lead strips can be applied to the glass to create traditional designs, and coloured film or glass can be added for a stained glass effect. These are often used in door panels and feature windows.

Things to bear in mind

  • Glass in doors and other critical locations needs to be safety glass, whatever its finish.
  • Decorative units can still be energy efficient. Energy efficient glass comes as standard on our replacement units.
  • If you are replacing one pane in a set, bring a photo of the others so the new one can be matched as closely as possible.

Tell us what you have now and what you would like, and we will talk you through what is possible. Get in touch for a free quote, or see our door glass page.