When it comes to designing a storefront, the glass you choose is more than just a window, it’s a key part of your brand image, security, energy efficiency, and customer experience. Storefront glass sets the tone for how people view your business before they even walk through the door. With various types available, understanding your options is essential to making the right investment. Commercial Glass Systems offers a breakdown of the most common types of storefront glass and how to choose what’s best for your needs.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is one of the most commonly used types in commercial storefronts. It’s heat-treated during manufacturing to be four to five times stronger than standard glass. If broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. It’s Best for high-traffic areas, retail stores, restaurants, and businesses that prioritize customer safety. It’s also often required by building codes for doors and large windows.

Pros:
Extremely durable
Safety-enhancing
Resistant to thermal stress

Cons:
Cannot be cut or modified after tempering
Slightly more expensive than standard glass

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or resin between two sheets of glass. This interlayer holds the glass together even when shattered, offering superior security and noise reduction. Best for jewelry stores, banks, dispensaries, and any business concerned about break-ins or needing extra noise control.

Pros:
Excellent security
Blocks UV rays
Reduces noise pollution

Cons:
Heavier than other types
Can be more expensive to install

Insulated Glass (Double or Triple Glazed)

Insulated glass units (IGUs) consist of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer and filled with gas (usually argon or krypton) to improve thermal insulation. Best for businesses in extreme climates, offices, or stores that want to reduce energy costs and increase interior comfort.

Pros:
Great for energy efficiency
Reduces condensation
Helps regulate indoor temperature

Cons:
Thicker and heavier
Costlier upfront

Tinted Glass

Tinted glass has a colored coating that limits the amount of sunlight entering your space. It can reduce glare, UV exposure, and interior fading, while also adding a sense of privacy. Best for businesses with strong sun exposure or those wanting a sleek, modern look—like salons, boutiques, or tech stores.

Pros:
Reduces glare and heat
Protects merchandise from UV damage
Adds a stylish aesthetic

Cons:
Can limit natural light
May not be suitable for nighttime displays

Frosted or Etched Glass

This type of glass has a translucent surface that allows light through while obscuring the view. It’s often used for branding, privacy, or interior partitions. Best for spas, medical offices, or areas requiring privacy without blocking light.

Pros:
Enhances privacy
Customizable with logos or patterns
Diffuses light gently

Cons:
Less visibility into the store
Not ideal for product displays

Window Installation, Repair, Replacement & More in Acton, Aqua Dulce, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Hughes, Lake Los Angeles, Lancaster, Leona Valley, Littlerock, Mojave, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Rosamond, Tehachapi & Antelope Valley, California

Ultimately, the best glass for your storefront balances safety, efficiency, appearance, and budget. It’s often wise to consult with a commercial glass professional like Commercial Glass Systems to customize a solution that fits your brand and environment. Call us today!