18 April 2025

Backing Glass

Autumn Leaf door backing glass

Want to add a decorative touch without going overboard? Or maybe you’re concerned with privacy? With our backing glass options, you can choose your new composite or UPVC door with confidence, knowing that there is no compromise when it comes to style or privacy for your home.

 

 

 

 

What is backing glass in a door?

Backing glass is a pattern added to glass panels for reasons of privacy or decoration.

 

  • It is part of a double-glazed unit – The front (outside) section of glass is clear or features the main glass design, while the back (inside) has the texture or design known as backing glass.

  • It adds privacy – Each backing glass offers a different level of obscurity.

  • It adds decoration – For plain glass or simple designs, it provides extra texture without being overpowering.
Closeup of Croydon Kiel glass with Stippolyte backing glass
The Kiel glass design paired with Stippolyte backing. Notice the obscurity of the design when viewed from inside.

 


Is obscure glass expensive?

While elaborate glass designs with textured elements can be more expensive, the addition of backing glass to simple styles does not affect the price – so you pay the same for Diamond Lead whether it has clear backing or the more ornate Autumn Leaf.

 

 

The benefits of backing glass

Two glazed doors and one solid door with toplight viewed inside
Notice the difference in lighting and privacy between a door with clear glass, obscure glass and a solid door with toplight.
  • More privacy than clear glass – You get the same simple look as clear glass with the bonus of obscurity.

  • Allows more light than solid panelling – While solid panels offer maximum obscurity, these can darken your hallway; conversely, backing glass allows nature light to enter whilst also obscuring viewing into your home.

 

 

Can people see through obscure glass?

Different obscurity levels exist to suit each person’s desired need for privacy.

 

 

Backing glass obscurity levels

Privacy Level 0

Privacy Level 1

Privacy Level 2

Privacy Level 3

Privacy Level 4

Privacy Level 5

Full visibility

Minor distortion

Greater distortion

Balances decoration & obscurity

Significant blurring

High-end obscurity

 

 


The backing glass styles we offer

 

  • Clear – Untextured. Maximum visibility.
Clear door glass
  • Autumn Leaf – A botanical design of large leaves.
Pilkington Autumn Leaf door backing glass
  • Charcoal Sticks – Organic vertical lines with smaller horizontal texturing.
Pilkington Charcoal Sticks door backing glass
  • Contora – A texture like raindrops rolling down a window.
Pilkington Contora door backing glass
  • Cotswold – Vertical organic texture like graphite.
Pilkington Cotswold door backing glass
  • Minster – A hammer chiselled pattern with some dimpling.
Pilkington Minster door backing glass
  • Stippolyte – Small dimples. Our most popular option.
Pilkington Stippolyte door backing glass
  • Sandblast – Completely frosted.
Sandblasted door glass

 

 


Can I replace backing glass?

No. As it is part of the glass unit, the whole glass would have to be replaced.

 

 

 

 

Where can I have backing glass?

 

  • Most double-glazed composite and UPVC doors can have it.

  • Triple-glazed doors can’t have it - These already have some textured elements for decoration and obscurity.

  • Toplights, side panels and flag windows can have backing glass too

  • So too can UPVC windows – perfect for matching a door!

  • You cannot replace backing glass in an existing unit.
Composite door, toplight and side panel with sandblasted glass
An example of a composite door with obscure backing glass, and the toplight and side panel matching.

 

 

Ready to bring your new door to life?

Get in touch today:

 

 

Order your new door Fully Fitted

or

Order your new door Supply Only