Creating Privacy with Reeded Glass Partitions

The Brief

Basements are typically full of dark corners, awkward access and low ceilings. The kind of spaces that can make even the most organised office manager break into a cold sweat.

Our client had exactly that. A basement office that needed to be divided into private workspaces without turning it into a gloomy dungeon. To make it even more interesting, the only access was down a narrow, winding staircase that required careful planning to get the glazed panels in safely.

The basement office needed to feel open and welcoming, so traditional walls were off the table. Alongside this, our client also needed privacy for staff calls, meetings and focused sessions. Plus, the space needed to feel modern and professional.

The basement was the perfect location. It had plenty of floor space and the opportunity to create multiple work zones. But, before we began, we highlighted a few potential challenges:

• Tight Access – Standard panels wouldn’t fit down the narrow stairs, so we had to think outside the box.
• Limited Light – Being underground, natural daylight was at a premium, therefore, we needed to maximise as much of it as possible.
• Privacy Needs – Open glass partitions can make a space bright and airy, but staff need discretion.

By understanding the space and potential challenges upfront, we were able to develop a solution that met both their practical and aesthetic needs. We soon set to work to deliver the perfect solution to our client.

The Solution

Step one was a technical survey. Every angle of the basement and the staircase was measured as the glass partitioning arrived at the site, made-to-measure. If these were too wide, we wouldn’t be able to transport them down the winding stairs, so accuracy was crucial to avoid delays or damage.

Armed with these measurements, we supplied glass panels that were narrower than your standard partitions. This made it easier to manoeuvre them and safer for the installation team to carry them down the stairs.

⭐ If installation is a concern for your project, read our guide on how we overcome challenging glass partitioning installations.

To combat privacy, we applied a reeded film to the glass. This is a textured, translucent finish that lets daylight pass freely while blocking direct visibility, giving each office a sense of seclusion without darkening the space. This is just one out of many solutions we have to add privacy to your glass partitioning system. These small touches make a huge difference in confidence and comfort for staff.

To complete the look, we added partitioning banding. The black, horizontal lines add structure, breaking up the panels visually without blocking light. Together with the reeded glass partitioning, we created a contemporary office divider. It made the basement a usable, attractive workplace rather than just a storage area.

We also considered small practical touches, such as ironmongery, to give a cohesive, professional appearance throughout the basement office.

If your workplace has award access or challenging spaces, let’s talk. We can advise on the best glass partitioning solutions to create light, privacy and style (even in the trickiest environments).