Imagine sitting on your balcony, taking in the views, absorbing the silence, and breathing fresh air. You feel completely alone, so you lean back in your chair to nap. Before nodding off, you look to your side and notice your neighbour staring at you. If you’ve experienced this, you know how intrusive and unsettling it feels — so much that you consider never returning to your balcony.
Fortunately, there are many ways to make your glass balcony more private so you don’t have to avoid using it. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of glass options and design tips for enhancing privacy on your balcony.
You can create a more private and appealing balcony with various glass types.
Frosted or etched glass is sandblasted, offering a textured white, pale, or grey finish. Unlike opaque options, frosted glass allows natural light in while obscuring views into your balcony. It is an excellent choice for homeowners with frameless or framed glass balconies who want to enjoy unobstructed views and more privacy.
Tinted glass has a film or coating on the surface to reduce glare and conceal views from the outside. You can choose between different tints, such as orange, blue, yellow, pink, and red, to create a unique design. While this coating obscures outside views, it is see-through from the interior, giving you maximum visibility. Tinted glass is also an excellent solution for reducing heat and making your balcony more comfortable.
Another great option for making your balcony more private is glass with artistic etched features. It involves etching or engraving intricate designs and patterns onto frosted glass sections. You can choose artwork like geometric patterns, flowing lines and organic designs to create a unique visual space.
Laminated glass is one of the best options for making your balcony more private while maintaining openness. It is manufactured with an interlayer, bonding two or more glass layers. This layered or ticker glass reduces visibility from the outside and repels UV rays. It is ideal for residents who want a frameless glass balustrade with added benefits like seclusion, durability and comfort.
Smart glass is an electric glass that can change its colour, transparency and aesthetic. It works with a centralised system, smartphone app, or remote control. You can activate a specific setting on your control system or app to change your glass colour, clarity or appearance. Smart glass features include:
You can add more privacy to your glass balcony with the following convenient and creative design hacks:
Planters are great for incorporating nature into your space and making your balcony more private. They are also a subtle decor feature for homeowners who want to add more privacy to their balcony without compromising their view. You can place tall potted plants or shrubs along a glass area you wish to enclose. Or, creatively incorporate hedges, green walls, and hanging planters to screen your balcony.
Arrange your furniture or balcony seating to enclose your glass spaces and add more privacy to your balcony. Position your table and chairs in a corner of the balcony to close off views into your private space. You can also place a sofa, cushions and day beds along the glass to enclose your space.
An outdoor umbrella is a modern and cosy accessory for closing off your balcony space. You can strategically place these near your seating area and glass to close off views from neighbouring buildings. Umbrellas are excellent for shading your balcony and making your space more intimate. They are also easy to reposition and can conveniently be moved when needed.
If you want a more permanent solution, installing a sunshade, canopy, or pergola is an excellent option. These sun shading devices act as a barrier against the sun and effectively close off your space. They come in various custom designs and colours to match your unique balcony aesthetic.
Do you want a glass balcony that incorporates clear views and privacy? We’d love to help. Sydney Frameless Glass offers professional glass balustrading services, including designs, manufacturing, and installation.
Our experienced team works with you to bring your unique design vision to life. We offer expert recommendations to help create a personalised, functional, safe and attractive balcony space.
Get a free estimate online today.
For further information or to organise a FREE measure and quote you can contact Sydney Frameless Glass on 1300 388 920.
