If you're in need of some privacy but still desire natural light, then the architectural panels by Chrysalis are perfect for you. Chrysalis, the flagship of Duraglas, Inc., has designed two separate lines of translucent panels: the HD and Studio Collections. Made of Eastman Chemical's Spectar Copolyester resin (PETG), the product is NOT acrylic but rather a superior material that allows light into interior spaces.

Chrysalis Architectural Panels. Manufactured by Duraglass.

Measuring 3′ x 8′ (though next year the size will increase to 4′ x 8′), the HD panels are the more economical line, "inspired by the clean designs of architectural glass." And yet the wide range of choices will satisfy any interior design. City Lights features ½" semi-transparent squares; when lit, the panel looks like glass mosaic. Various designs incorporate frosted lines against a translucent background: if you want to emphasize or echo geometric forms, then Manhattan, Quantum Frost, Frostline, Mini Frostline, White Cubes, and Westhampton are good choices. For futuristic or technology-inspired design, opt for Me2, which has round, metalized fresnel lenses with 5% light transmittance: the overall look is one of stylized bubbles or Go playing stones. Glasblox and Perception also use fresnel lenses but these are square, giving the appearance of glass blocks or peppermint Charms (which don't exist, by the way, though they should because I certainly don't want to compare these dazzling panels to Halls). A few designs also translate unexpected texture into the panels, including one that mimics linen and another that looks like shoji screens.

The Studio Collection offers more intricate designs, from tribal motifs to leaves and dragonflies. Duraglas states that the Studio line "expresses the versatility of design that your project needs." One big difference from the HD Collection is that the Studio panels incorporate color: you can opt for a style such as Groovy, which has pink, blue, green, and orange swirls; or a style in solid color, such as Skye or Mango. The Studio Collection comes in 4′ x 8′ panels.

For private or public projects, Chrysalis translucent panels will effectively and beautifully divide space-and for little space, since they're only 3/16th" thick. Since they can be easily cut, formed, and fabricated into any shape you like (using a standard carbide-tipped woodworking tool), the design possibilities are boundless. The product meets all Greenguard V.O.C. requirements and is available in up to 98% recycled material, and Duraglas is working on a program "to accept used Chrysalis panels back for recycling." Currently, the company donates $1 from every panel sold to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the World Wildlife Federation, proving that good design can also do good.