A frosted glass desk is a type of work surface made from translucent glass. The glass is acid etched or sandblasted to produce a frosted look, hence the name. In many cases, frosted glass is used to enhance privacy in a room when the windows are made with this type of glass, though on a frosted glass desk, the appearance is meant to be a purely aesthetic enhancement. The desk itself may be made entirely of glass, or it may be made from glass and other materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic.
Unlike other glass desks, a frosted glass desk will not allow a person to see through the desk clearly. Instead, a person will be able to make out shapes, but no definitive details. Light will be able to pass through the glass, but not clearly or unbroken, as is the case with clear glass. This changes the overall aesthetic of the desk, though this feature of the frosted glass desk does not have any real impact on the overall strength or durability of the glass. Frosted glass is prone to shattering, just like other types of glass, and it must be cared for to avoid impacts that might lead to cracks.
Metal frames and wooden frames are often combined with glass to construct a frosted glass desk. The frame material is usually more stable and durable than glass to prevent damage to the desk over time. Glass can be damaged easily, and it does not have exceptional support capabilities, so a metal or wood frame will provide strength and durability not otherwise possible with an entirely glass desk. Using other materials also allows for more customizations, such as the inclusion of shelves, drawers, and slide-out keyboard trays for computer keyboards. If a computer CPU is being placed anywhere on the desk, frame materials such as wood and metal are more likely to support the weight without elevated risk of damage.
Depending on the method used for frosting the glass, the glass itself may have a texture on its face. This means the surface may not be ideal for writing with a pen or pencil. To counter this problem, sometimes only one side of the pane of glass is frosted. The smooth side of the glass will face upward, providing a smooth writing surface, and the frosted side will face down to allow for this particular aesthetic without affecting the work surface.