A whiteboard may seem like a minor detail in a project, but its impact on appearance, collaboration, and everyday use is significant. Glassboards are often chosen for their sleek, modern look, but luxury doesn’t always need to shine. Chameleon’s whiteboard with SatinTones offer an aesthetically equivalent alternative with a subtly matt finish that combines style, comfort, durability, and ease of use – well worth considering for interior architects, fit-out specialists, and end users in education or office environments.
News
SatinTones vs. Glassboards: Six key differences explored
What exactly are SatinTones and glassboards?
Glassboards are made from toughened safety glass and are available in a variety of colours. Their glossy finish provides a luxurious and contemporary appearance, often favoured in meeting rooms, executive spaces and other high-profile environments.
SatinTones stands for whiteboards made from ceramic steel, finished in a matte surface with modern, stylish colours. The enamelled top layer is scratch-resistant, colourfast and highly durable. Its low-reflection finish creates visual calm, making it an ideal fit for sophisticated interiors that prioritise writing comfort, material harmony and thoughtful design.
Both are premium options, but differ significantly in terms of user experience, aesthetics and practical application.
SatinTones vs. Glassboards: Six key differences explored
Choosing a whiteboard for a school, office or commercial project is no longer just about basic functionality. Appearance, comfort, integration, ease of installation and sustainability are equally important. Here, we compare glassboards with Chameleon whiteboards with SatinTones – an innovative matte-surfaced ceramic steel alternative – across six key areas. What are the implications for readability, writing comfort, aesthetics, installation, sustainability and customisation? And what does this mean for the user, installer and end customer? We break it down clearly below.
1. Readability and User Experience
A whiteboard must first and foremost do its job: being easy to read from any angle without distracting reflections.
• Glassboards reflect light, especially in areas with natural daylight or strong artificial lighting. This can make it difficult to read content from certain positions or distances.
• SatinTones have a matte surface that diffuses light instead of reflecting it. This reduces glare, provides a calmer visual experience and improves readability – essential in classrooms and meeting rooms.
2. Writing Comfort and maintenance
The surface of a whiteboard determines not only how it looks, but also how it feels to use and how easy it is to clean.
• Glass has a very smooth surface, which can feel unnatural when writing. On the upside, it is generally easy to wipe clean.
• SatinTones offer pleasant writing friction, excellent ink adhesion and effortless cleaning thanks to the ceramic steel top layer. Even after years of intensive use, they continue to perform like new.
3. Aesthetics and Integration
Luxury isn’t always about shine – often, subtle material choices elevate a design.
• Glassboards are eye-catching with their gloss and depth. This works well in high-impact spaces, but can be distracting in calm, minimalist interiors.
• SatinTones are designed to blend into the overall interior. They complement architectural lines without drawing attention. The soft tones pair beautifully with wood, textiles, felt and other natural materials.
4. Customisation and creative freedom
No two projects are the same – which makes flexibility essential.
• Glassboards are typically available in standard sizes and offer limited options for shape or edge detailing. Creative shapes or integration into bespoke furniture is technically complex and costly.
• SatinTones offer extensive customisation: from specific dimensions and cut-outs for sockets or cables to curved shapes or full wall installations. This allows seamless integration with the space and its usage.
5. Sustainability
In tenders and modern project design, sustainability is more than a trend – it’s a requirement.
• Glass is technically recyclable, but in practice it’s difficult. The colour is usually applied to the back and permanently bonded, making clean separation and reuse nearly impossible.
• SatinTones are designed with sustainability in mind: they’re demountable, reusable and recyclable. The ceramic steel surface lasts a lifetime without losing quality.
6. Ease of installation and flexibility
In commercial fit-outs, every hour spent installing – and every millimetre of precision – counts.
• Glassboards are heavy and fragile. The risk of transport damage or breakage increases with larger sizes.
• SatinTones are lighter and feature a magnetic mounting system, making them easy to install, relocate or replace. Ideal for changing layouts, refurbishment projects or modular interiors.
Who are SatinTones ideal for?
• Interior architects: SatinTones offer design freedom. No harsh glare – just a calm, understated element that harmonises with your overall concept. Colours that suit contemporary interiors, without compromising on quality or presence.
• Dealers and Professionals: A product that installs quickly and safely, meets sustainability criteria, and performs reliably for years – that’s commercially sound and operationally dependable.
• End Users in education and offices: In classrooms, clarity and calm are key. In office spaces, comfort, ergonomics and visual appeal matter. SatinTones combine these effortlessly. No ghosting, no glare – just ease of use and long-lasting quality.
Experience the difference first-hand
Are you an interior architect, dealer, facilities manager or decision-maker in education or business? Now is the perfect time to explore SatinTones in person.
Request a free colour sample, book a demo or visit our showroom. Our specialists are happy to advise on custom solutions, applications and integration within your project.
Checklist – When to choose whiteboards with SatinTones
✅ You want a premium look without reflections
✅ You need functional writing comfort for daily use
✅ You value aesthetics and seamless interior integration
✅ You’re working on projects with strict sustainability goals
✅ You’re looking for a durable solution that’s easy to install
✅ You need tailored solutions that truly fit your design
Need immediate help and advice with your choice?
