Laminated glass in a modern interior – how to create a safe and striking space?

Laminated glass is one of the best choices when you want to combine the aesthetics of glazing with real everyday safety. It involves permanently bonding at least two glass panes with a film (most often PVB), so that after breakage the fragments remain stuck to the interlayer instead of scattering into sharp pieces.

In this post I show the types of custom laminated glass, how VSG differs from VSG ESG (laminated glass made from tempered panes), how to understand thickness markings (e.g., 44.2), when to choose Float and when Optiwhite, and how to approach frosted glass, mass-tinted glass (Antisol), and coloured glass (PVB film).

What laminated glass (VSG) is and why it’s considered “safe”

Laminated glass (VSG) consists of two or more glass panes bonded together with special interlayer films, which increases in-use durability and, above all, improves safety. The key benefit is practical: if damaged, the glass doesn’t “fall away” or shatter violently, because the interlayer bonds the fragments, reducing the risk of injury.

In construction and modern interiors, laminated glass is chosen not only for windows, but also for elements that are used “close to people” — balustrades, partitions, canopies, terrace glazing, and decorative solutions. It’s a material that fits well with current design trends (lightness, daylight, minimalism) while also providing peace of mind in everyday use.

VSG ESG – what it means and when it makes sense

In practice, you’ll often see two abbreviations together: ESG and VSG. ESG means tempered glass, and VSG means laminated glass (layered glass).

VSG ESG is simply laminated glass made from tempered panes bonded together with an interlayer film. This configuration is often chosen for more demanding applications (e.g., balustrades, canopies, heavily used glazing) because it combines the benefits of tempering with “fragment retention” on the lamination side.

How to read thickness codes like 44.2, 55.2, 66.2 (and what it changes)

In custom laminated glass product descriptions, you’ll regularly see markings such as 44.2, 55.2, or 66.2. This is a shorthand for the build-up: the first numbers refer to the thickness of the panes, and the “.2” indicates two layers of PVB interlayer between the panes.

What does that mean in a real project? The “heavier” the configuration, the greater the stiffness and the more suitable it can be for more highly loaded locations (e.g., larger formats, balustrades, structural elements). It’s always worth choosing thickness based on the intended use and installation method, because an internal partition has different requirements than external glazing exposed to wind and daily use.

Float vs Optiwhite – a difference you can see (especially with colour)

When ordering “custom laminated glass”, one of the key decisions is the base glass: Float or Optiwhite.

Float is standard glass with a slight greenish tint that can be noticeable on the edge and may subtly affect colour perception. Optiwhite is low-iron glass with higher clarity, usually chosen where colour needs to look “clean” (whites, bright interiors, bold coloured interlayers, premium projects).

If you’re planning coloured laminated glass (with a PVB interlayer), Optiwhite is an especially good choice because it adds less greenish cast to the background and helps achieve a more accurate visual effect.

Types of custom laminated glass – which one for what Clear laminated glass (VSG / VSG ESG)

This is the most versatile option: maximum light transmission, a neutral look, and broad use in construction and interior design. It works well for balustrades, partition walls, glazing, and canopies, because it combines visual lightness with the safety function of lamination.

If you need a “stronger” solution, choose the version made from tempered panes (VSG ESG), especially in high-traffic areas or where the structure has higher performance requirements.

Frosted laminated glass – privacy without losing light

Frosted laminated glass is a great answer to the question: “how to get daylight, but without full visibility.” In practice, it’s used for partitions, sliding doors, elements in private zones, and office layouts.

The frosted effect in laminated glass can be achieved using an appropriate finish/layer, while the laminate construction still provides the safety benefits.

Mass-tinted (Antisol) laminated glass

If you want the colour to come from the glass itself (not only from the interlayer film), you choose mass-tinted glass—often selected in shades of brown, graphite, or black. This option is popular in modern interiors and façades where the colour is meant to “calm” the light and add elegance.

With lamination, you also gain safer behaviour after damage, which matters for larger panes and elements close to users.

Coloured laminated glass (PVB interlayer) – a decorative and functional effect

Laminated glass with a coloured interlayer is an option for those who want glazing to be part of the interior design: a strong colour accent, semi-transparency, and sometimes even a “privacy glass” effect without blinds.

At the same time, it’s still laminated glass, so you benefit from the key advantages of a layered construction: everyday safety and greater resistance to accidental damage compared to a standard single pane.

Most common uses of laminated glass

Custom laminated glass is widely used in architecture and interiors—especially where, alongside aesthetics, performance matters.

The most common applications:

• Interior and exterior balustrades (often as laminated glass made from tempered panes).
• Terrace and balcony glazing, and modern enclosures.
• Canopies and roof glazing, where safety after potential damage matters.
• Office and home partitions (also in a frosted version for privacy).
• Glass doors and glazing in residential and commercial areas.
• Benefits that most often drive the choice

Laminated glass beats “ordinary glass” because it’s designed with accidental events and intensive use in mind, not just appearance.

Most commonly cited advantages:

Safety: fragments remain bonded to the interlayer after breakage.

Durability and in-use resistance: the layered construction improves how the pane behaves in more demanding conditions.

Acoustic insulation: lamination can reduce noise transmission.

Aesthetic options: clear, frosted, mass-tinted, and coloured interlayers make it possible to match the glass to the project.

How to order custom laminated glass (a simple framework)

From a customer’s point of view, it’s easiest to treat the order like a checklist, because it minimizes the risk of mistakes.

1. Define the application: balustrade, partition wall, terrace glazing, canopy, door.
2. Choose the type: VSG ESG (if you want laminated glass made from tempered panes).
3. Select the base glass: Float (standard) or Optiwhite (maximum clarity and better colour rendering).
4. Choose the effect: clear, frosted, Antisol (mass-tinted), or a coloured PVB interlayer.
5. Match the thickness to the installation location and expected performance.