Glass options & Specifications
Choosing the right glass is an important part of creating your bespoke shower enclosure. From ultra-clear low iron glass to fluted, frosted and tinted options, every glass type offers its own balance of appearance, privacy and practicality.
This guide explains the glass options available from Redleys, helping you compare finishes, understand their characteristics and choose the most suitable specification for your project.
At a Glance
Glass Type
Clear
Low Iron
Fluted
Frosted (Acid Etched)
Bronze
Smoked
Privacy
None
None
Moderate
High
Low
Low
Natural Light
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Good
Appearance
Clean & timeless
Ultra-Clear & premium
Textured & architectural
Satin & contemporary
Warm & luxurious
Contemporary & refined
Best For
Bright open bathrooms & showcasing tiles
Luxury bathrooms & light-coloured finishes
Added privacy without reducing natural light
Maximum privacy while maintaining brightness
Traditional & warm-toned interiors
Modern bathrooms & darker colour schemes
Which shower glass should I choose?
For most frameless enclosures, 8mm clear toughened glass is the usual starting point — offering a clean, open look and a well-balanced feel for everyday use.
As every enclosure is fully bespoke, you can also choose thicker glass or alternative finishes depending on your design and level of privacy.
Clear
The most commonly chosen option. Clean, bright, and timeless — ideal for creating an open, spacious feel and showcasing your bathroom design.
Available in 8mm & 10mm.
Read our Glass Thickness Guide to learn more about selecting the right option.
Ultra Clear (Low Iron)
A premium upgrade for enhanced clarity. By reducing the natural green tint found in standard glass, it delivers crisper transparency and truer colours.
Available in 8mm & 10mm.
Frosted (Acid-Etched)
A smooth, satin finish created through acid etching. Unlike films or coatings, this is a permanent, high-quality finish within the glass itself, providing consistent privacy while still allowing light to pass through.
Available in 8mm & 10mm.
Fluted
A textured finish with vertical fluting, designed to diffuse light and increase privacy while adding a distinctive design feature.
Available in 8mm only.
Our Fluted vs Clear Glass Guide explains the differences in privacy, appearance and maintenance.
Smoked (Grey)
A contemporary option with a subtle grey tone, offering a sleek, architectural look with a touch of added privacy.
Available in 10mm only.
Bronze
A warm, elegant tint that adds depth and softness, creating a more relaxed, luxurious atmosphere.
Available in 10mm only.
Once you've chosen your preferred glass, you can compare all available Hardware Finishes to complete the look of your enclosure.
For added convenience and long-term performance, we offer an advanced
Easy-Clean.
This invisible protective layer:
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Repels water and helps reduce limescale build-up
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Minimises marks and residue
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Makes routine cleaning quicker and easier
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Helps maintain a clear, high-end finish over time
While all glass requires some upkeep, Redleys Easy-Clean coating significantly reduces maintenance and keeps your enclosure looking its best for longer.
For a more details, see the Redleys Easy-Clean page
Common Questions
Which shower glass is most popular?
Clear glass remains the most commonly chosen option, offering a clean, bright and timeless appearance that works well in almost any bathroom.
Which shower glass offers more privacy?
Frosted and fluted glass both provide increased privacy while still allowing light through.
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Frosted glass provides a more obscured finish
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Fluted glass softens visibility while adding texture and detail
What is the difference between clear and ultra clear glass?
Ultra clear (low iron) glass reduces the natural green tint found in standard clear glass, creating a brighter and more
colour-neutral appearance.
It is often chosen for lighter bathrooms or where a cleaner, more refined look is desired.
What’s the difference between the glass types?
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Clear / Ultra Clear → most open and transparent
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Frosted / Fluted → increased privacy
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Smoked / Bronze → tinted, design-led finishes
For a more detailed comparison, see our Fluted vs Clear Glass Guide
Is all shower glass toughened?
Yes, all Redleys shower glass is manufactured using toughened safety glass as standard and complies with the relevant safety standards for use in shower areas.
Which glass works best for a modern bathroom?
Clear, smoked and fluted glass are all popular choices for contemporary bathrooms, depending on the level of privacy and overall look you want to achieve.
Can I choose different glass thicknesses?
Glass thickness availability varies depending on the finish and application.
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Clear, ultra clear and frosted glass are available in 8mm & 10mm
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Fluted glass is available in 8mm
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Smoked and bronze glass are available in 10mm
We’re always happy to advise on the best option for your specific layout.
How do I care for and maintain my glass?
For guidance on cleaning and maintaining your shower glass, please see our Care & Cleaning Guide.