Fluted vs Frosted vs Clear Glass Door: Which Is Best for Singapore Homes (HDB, Condo, and Landed)?

Glass doors have become one of the most popular choices in Singapore homes. They make small layouts feel brighter, create a modern look, and allow natural light to travel across different spaces. But with so many glass options available, homeowners often ask:

Should I install a fluted glass door, frosted glass door, or clear glass door?

Each type offers a different level of privacy, design style, and maintenance requirement — and the best choice depends on where you plan to install it.

This guide explains each option clearly so you can choose the right glass door for your home.

1. Clear Glass Door — Bright, Modern, and Minimalist

What Is Clear Tempered Glass?

A clear tempered glass door is fully transparent, allowing maximum visibility and natural light. It is the simplest and cleanest-looking option.

What Is Tempered Glass, and Why Is It Safe?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been heat-treated, making it:

• 4–5 times stronger than normal (annealed) glass

• More resistant to impact

• Much safer — if it breaks, it shatters into small pebble-like pieces instead of sharp shards

This safety feature is required for HDB, condo, and landed properties, especially for bathroom doors, shower screens, and railings.

Benefits of Clear Glass Door

• Makes the home look brighter and more spacious

• Ideal for homeowners who want an open-concept feel

• Easy to clean because the surface is smooth and flat

• Matches any interior design style (modern, Scandinavian, minimalist)

Downsides of Clear Glass Door

• Provides no privacy 

• Smudges and fingerprints are more visible

• You may accidentally walk into it if the door is extremely clean (Pro tip: Add a small decorative sticker — looks nice and keeps your home safe).

Clear Glass Door Is Best Used For

• Kitchen entrances

• Study rooms

• Balcony entrances

  
  

Clear glass is common in HDB and condo homes to make compact layouts feel more open.

2. Frosted Glass Door — Best for Privacy

What Is Frosted Glass?

Frosted glass has a matte, opaque finish that blurs visibility while still allowing light through.There are two types:

1. Sandblasted Frosted Glass

Sandblasting permanently roughens the surface. Not ideal because:

• It stains more easily

• Harder to clean

  
  

2. Frosted Glass With Film (Recommended)

A frosted film is added to clear tempered glass.

• Provides strong privacy

• Adds an extra protective layer

• If the glass cracks, the film keeps the pieces safely in place

Benefits of Frosted Glass Door

• Excellent privacy — shadows visible, not details

• Perfect for bathrooms or any private area

• Hides fingerprints better than clear glass

• Still allows natural light into dark spaces

Downsides of Frosted Glass Door

• Looks more functional than decorative

• The surface may trap mild stains if not cleaned

• Not as premium-looking as fluted glass

Frosted Glass Door Is Best Used For

• HDB and condo bathroom doors

• Home offices

• Utility areas or washer–dryer enclosures

Frosted glass remains the most practical choice for Singapore bathrooms because it balances privacy + brightness.

3. Fluted Glass Door — Stylish, Textured, and Trending in Singapore

What Is Fluted Glass?

Fluted glass features vertical grooves that scatter light.This creates a soft blur that gives privacy while maintaining a premium designer look.

Benefits of Fluted Glass Door

• Provides semi-privacy — shapes visible, not details

• Adds a luxurious, hotel-like feel

• Very popular in modern BTOs and condominiums

• Pairs beautifully with ultra-slim aluminium frames

Downsides of Fluted Glass Door

• Harder to clean because the grooves trap dust and water

• Slightly more expensive

• Not as strong at the edges compared to flat glass (but still safe for normal home use)

Fluted Glass Door Is Best Used For

• Walk-in wardrobes

• Bedroom entrances

• Home offices

  
  

Interior designers favour fluted glass because it offers privacy without making the space feel closed.

4. Comparison Table — Fluted vs Frosted vs Clear Glass Door

Feature	Clear Glass	Frosted Glass	Fluted Glass
Privacy	Low	High	Medium
Brightness	Very High	Medium–High	Medium
Design Style	Minimalist	Functional	Premium & Stylish
Maintenance	Easiest	Easy	Hardest
Fingerprints	Visible	Less visible	Less visible
Best Use	Kitchen, Study, Balcony	Bathroom, Utility, Home Office	Bedroom, Walk-in Wardrobe, Divider
Cost	$	$$	$$$

5. Recommended Glass for Each Room in Singapore

Kitchen Door

Best: Fluted or Clear

• Fluted glass door→ hides messy kitchen view

• Clear glass door→ maximum brightness

Bathroom Door

Best: Frosted glass door -Most privacy and easiest to maintain.Fluted works too, especially for master bathroom (premium look).

Study Room

Best: Fluted glass door - Provides privacy while still looking modern.

Walk-In Wardrobe

Best: Fluted glass door-Creates a boutique-style look and hides clutter.

Bedroom Entrance

Best: Fluted or Frosted glass door - Choose based on how much privacy you want.

6. How Strong Is the Glass Door? Is It Safe for HDB?

At Ho Ho, we always recommend tempered safety glass for all glass doors.

• 5 mm is the standard

• 8 mm is preferred for ultra-slim frames(Because the thinner frames make the door less visible — thicker glass improves safety and durability.)

Tempered glass is:

• 4–5× stronger than normal glass

• Heat-treated for impact resistance

• Designed to break into small, rounded pieces, reducing injury risk

Yes — clear, frosted, and fluted tempered glass doors are all safe and approved for HDB, condo, and landed homes.

7. Cost of Installing a Glass Door in Singapore

Prices vary based on frame thickness, glass type, design, and workmanship.

For ultra-slim frame glass doors, our typical prices are:

• Clear Tempered Glass Door: from $750

• Frosted Tempered Glass Door: from $800

• Fluted Glass Door: from $1080

Prices include:

• Installation

• Dismantling of old door

• Disposal

• 12-month warranty

8. Where to Buy Fluted, Frosted, and Clear Glass Doors in Singapore

Since 1976, Ho Ho has supplied high-quality glass doors for HDB, condominium, landed, and commercial properties.

Our Ultra Slim Frame Glass Doors Feature:

• 16 mm aluminium ultra slim frame

• 1.6 mm thick profile (stronger than standard)

• 8 mm tempered safety glass

• Custom sizes available

• Options: clear, frosted, fluted

• Optional lattice designs

• Free onsite measurement upon confirmation

• Factory-direct pricing

Our ultra slim glass door comes in different mechanism

• Ultra slim swing door

• Ultra slim sliding door

• Ultra slim bifold door

Visit our showroom: 194 Pandan Loop #07-07 Singapore 128383

Call us 67479019/96319288

Final Thoughts: Fluted vs Frosted vs Clear Glass Door

Choosing the right glass door depends on what you value most:

• Clear glass door → Best for brightness and open-concept look

• Frosted glass door → Best for privacy

• Fluted glass door → Best for style, semi-privacy, and premium aesthetics