Smart Glass vs. Blinds
May 19, 2026
⭐ 5-star rated | Fast lead times | Competitive pricing | Nationwide installation
Chicago is known for modern architecture, innovative offices, and stylish interiors. Smart glass technology is quickly becoming a popular solution for businesses and homeowners who want privacy without sacrificing natural light or design.
With smart glass, windows and partitions can switch from clear to frosted instantly. This allows conference rooms, bathrooms, storefronts, and residential spaces to maintain an open feel while providing privacy when needed.
For retrofit projects, smart film can be applied directly to existing glass. This makes it a cost-effective solution for upgrading offices, healthcare facilities, hotels, and luxury residences throughout the Chicago area.
Common Chicago applications include:
Whether you’re designing a new space or upgrading existing glass, our team provides expert consultation and professional installation tailored to Chicago properties.
If you’re exploring smart glass for a project, contact us to learn more about the best solution for your space.
Opaque Smart Glass provides smart glass and smart film installation throughout Illinois. In addition to this location, we work with residential and commercial clients across several major cities in the state.
Switch from clear to private instantly with the touch of a button.
Smart glass adapts to any space — from offices and homes to healthcare and hospitality environments
OPAQUE™ offers both laminated smart glass and PDLC smart film solutions, giving you the flexibility to add switchable privacy to any space—whether you’re working on new construction or upgrading existing glass. Both technologies use advanced PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) technology to instantly transition from clear to opaque with the flip of a switch.
Smart Glass is manufactured with the PDLC layer built directly between glass panels, making it ideal for new construction and high-end applications where durability, clarity, and long-term performance are critical.
Smart Film is a retrofit solution applied directly to existing glass, allowing you to upgrade windows, partitions, and doors without replacing them—perfect for faster installations and cost-effective privacy upgrades.
Smart glass uses PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) technology that changes when electricity is applied. When powered, the glass becomes clear; when turned off, it becomes frosted for privacy.
Smart glass has the PDLC layer built directly into the glass panel. Smart film is applied to existing glass, making it a great retrofit option for upgrading current windows or partitions.
Yes. Many Chicago businesses use smart glass for conference rooms, executive offices, and collaborative spaces where privacy is needed without blocking natural light.
Yes. Smart film is specifically designed to be applied to existing glass surfaces, making it ideal for renovations and upgrades without replacing the glass.
Residential applications include bathroom privacy glass, bedroom partitions, skylights, and large window panels where homeowners want privacy without curtains or blinds.
Opaque Smart Glass provides smart glass and smart film installation for residential and commercial projects across this region. Below are some of the major cities where we frequently work with architects, contractors, and property owners on switchable privacy glass installations.
⭐ 5-star rated | Fast lead times | Competitive pricing | Nationwide installation
