Flagship guide · 11 min read
The Complete Guide to Glass Specification
The frame gets most of the attention, but the glass does most of the work. This is our full guide to choosing it properly.
Tinted Glass Explained
Tinted glass adds colour and a degree of solar reduction. It is chosen as much for appearance as for performance.
3 min read
Tinted glass has colour introduced into the glass itself during manufacture, most commonly in bronze or grey tones, rather than relying purely on a surface coating. It reduces glare and solar gain to a degree, but its main appeal for most homeowners is aesthetic — a warmer or cooler tone to the glazing that can complement a frame colour or a period property.
This guide covers how it compares with solar control and reflective glass, and where it suits a project.
How tinted glass differs from solar control glass
| Tinted glass | Solar control glass | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Colour introduced through the body of the glass | Thin coating applied to one surface |
| Visual effect | Visible bronze or grey colour throughout | Near-neutral, very slight tint |
| Light transmittance | Lower, typically 40–60% | Higher, typically around 70% |
| Best suited to | Design-led projects wanting a warm or cool tone | Performance-led projects prioritising comfort and daylight |
The two are not mutually exclusive — a tinted outer pane can be combined with a solar control coating on the inner surfaces for a stronger combined effect, though this further reduces light transmittance and is worth viewing as a sample before committing.
Where tinted glass suits a project
- Bronze-framed aluminium systems, where a bronze-tinted glass continues the material palette
- Elevations with strong glare from low sun where a warmer tone is preferred to a mirrored reflective finish
- Feature panels or internal screens where colour is a deliberate design choice
- Conservation or period properties seeking a softer, less stark appearance than clear low-iron glass
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