Clear vs Ultra-Clear Glass

Clear Glass

• Composition: Standard float glass made from silica sand, soda ash, limestone and iron content.
• Appearance: Has a greenish tint, especially visible on the edges due to the natural iron content.
• Light Transmission: Around 83-87%, meaning it lets in a good amount of light but slightly distorts colours.
• Cost: More affordable than ultra-clear (low-iron) glass.
• Best For:
  • Applications where colour distortion isn’t a major concern.
  • General glass furniture, shelving, and standard glass table tops.
  • Cost-conscious projects where clarity isn’t the top priority.

Ultra-Clear (Low-Iron) Glass

• Composition: Similar to clear glass but with a significantly lower iron content (about 10% of regular glass levels).
• Appearance:
  • Has a more transparent, true-to-colour look without the greenish tint.
  • Edges appear light blue or crystal-clear instead of green.
• Light Transmission: Higher clarity, allowing 91-93% light transmission, making it ideal for high-end furniture.
• Cost: More expensive than standard clear glass due to extra processing.
• Best For:
  • Luxury glass furniture & table tops, where a premium, clear aesthetic is needed.
  • Showcasing true colours of materials underneath (e.g. wood, marble or metals).
  • High-end interior applications where maximum transparency is desired.

Which One to Choose for Glass Furniture?

• If budget is a priority, clear glass works fine, but expect a greenish hue.
• If a high-end, crystal-clear look is important, low-iron glass is the best choice.