English
[Industry Insight] Acrylic sheets have become a staple material across architecture, interior design, advertising, and even DIY communities. Thanks to their high durability, modern aesthetics, and glass-like clarity, acrylics are gradually replacing traditional glass in a wide range of applications.
Among the many variations, clear acrylic and frosted acrylic are the two most commonly used—but choosing the right one isn't always straightforward.
“To make a smart choice, you need to go beyond just looks,” says Li Cheng, a materials consultant at a design firm in Shenzhen. Below, we break down their differences in appearance, functionality, applications, maintenance, and cost—so you can select the right material with confidence.
Visual Appeal: See-Through Shine vs Soft Glow
Clear acrylic mimics glass with its high transparency—up to 92% light transmittance. It’s ideal for projects where maximum clarity is essential, such as protective panels, display cases, and lighting fixtures.
“In our museum display renovation, we chose clear acrylic exclusively,” says Ms. Wang, a project lead from a Guangzhou-based exhibition company. “It preserves color accuracy and offers a clean, sleek look—without the weight or fragility of glass.”
Frosted acrylic, by contrast, has a matte surface that diffuses light and softens harsh reflections. This gives it a modern, muted aesthetic that's ideal for more subtle design styles.
“There’s something calming about frosted acrylic. It creates a visual barrier without completely shutting off light, which works well for spaces that need privacy but still want a sense of openness,” adds Li Cheng.
Transparency vs Privacy: What Does Your Space Need?
If full visibility is important, clear acrylic is the obvious choice. It’s commonly used in store displays, retail shelving, product covers, and lighting applications—anywhere that detail and openness are a priority.
“We switched from wood to clear acrylic for our cosmetic displays,” shares Chen Lin, a visual merchandiser for a Shanghai-based beauty brand. “It made our products pop more, and customers stayed longer to browse.”
On the other hand, frosted acrylic allows light to pass through while obscuring visibility—ideal for office dividers, meeting rooms, bathrooms, and clinic interiors.
Interestingly, recent design surveys indicate a 40% increase in frosted acrylic use in modern office interiors since 2022. As more companies adopt open-plan layouts, designers are turning to frosted panels for subtle privacy.
Where to Use What: Real-Life Application Scenarios
Clear acrylic works best in:
Display cases and museum cabinets
Point-of-sale displays
Protective sneeze guards
Picture framing and artwork protection
Safety barriers for equipment
Frosted acrylic is better suited for:
Office partitions and cubicle dividers
Light-diffusing panels in kitchens or bathrooms
Signage and logo backdrops
Feature walls in commercial interiors
Semi-private medical or wellness spaces
Liu Wenjie, who leads commercial space projects, recalls: “We installed frosted acrylic dividers in an investment firm’s open-plan office. The team was surprised how it helped reduce noise and visual clutter while keeping the space bright.”
Maintenance & Wear: What Holds Up Better?
Both clear and frosted acrylic are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than glass, and they resist yellowing from UV exposure. However, when it comes to day-to-day wear, frosted acrylic has a clear advantage.
Its matte finish helps mask fingerprints, smudges, and minor scratches—perfect for high-touch environments like reception counters or public areas.
“Our facilities team reported fewer cleanings needed on frosted panels—about two per year versus three to four for clear panels,” says Zhang, a property manager at a mixed-use development in Hangzhou.
So if you’re working with a high-traffic space or one that demands low maintenance, frosted acrylic may save time and effort in the long run.
Cost & Eco-Friendliness: What’s the Tradeoff?
From a pricing standpoint, clear acrylic is generally more affordable, as it requires less processing. Frosted sheets go through additional surface treatment, which adds about 10–15% to the cost.
However, this difference is usually minimal for mid-sized commercial or interior projects, and the long-term benefits—like reduced cleaning and improved ambiance—can outweigh the upfront costs.
On the sustainability front, both clear and frosted acrylic are recyclable. More manufacturers are now offering recycled or partially recycled acrylic options, in line with the growing demand for eco-conscious building materials.
“Increasingly, our overseas clients are asking if we use recycled acrylic,” says a sales rep from an acrylic supplier in Shenzhen. “It’s become a selling point, especially in the European and Australian markets.”
Final Thought: Don’t Just Pick a Material—Match It to Your Vision
Ultimately, there’s no universal answer. If you need complete visibility and want to highlight details, go with clear acrylic. If your priority is soft light, visual comfort, or a touch of privacy, frosted acrylic is the better choice.
In fact, many design teams now combine both types for layered effects—clear acrylic for display elements, and frosted acrylic for partitions or backdrops. Whether you’re revamping an office, outfitting a retail space, or tackling a DIY design project, knowing your materials is the first step toward getting it right.
