Flat Glass, Curved Glass or Aluminium: Choosing a Switch Front
26.10.2026
Quick answer: Choose flat glass, curved glass or aluminium by the desired wall appearance, matching assembly and finish schedule. A frame or front panel is passive: switching, dimming and wireless connectivity are determined by the fitted mechanism.
Understand what the front component actually does
The front component establishes the visible surface or surround of the wall control. It must match the mechanism, mounting arrangement and operating layout. Choosing a material does not determine how the light is switched or which network the control uses.
The Siment TouchLight 1P Glass Frame V2 surrounds one modular position. The Siment TouchLight Curved Full Glass Frame 1G forms the front surface for its matching one-gang TouchLight arrangement. The Siment TouchLight 1P Aluminium Frame surrounds one modular position in the corresponding assembly.
These product formats must not be treated as identical simply because they occupy a similar area on the wall. A modular opening, a full touch front and their mounting components have distinct purposes. Compare the actual part list before choosing a visual alternative.
Flat glass: a defined plane at the wall
A flat glass surround creates a clear planar outline. Review its edges, opening and finish alongside the selected mechanism. In a repeated row, small differences in mounting alignment become more visible because the straight edges provide a strong reference.
The TouchLight 1P Glass Frame V2 is offered in Black, White and Grey. Its published dimensions are 86 × 86 mm. That dimension describes the frame; it does not establish the required wall-box depth or prove compatibility with another series.
Evaluate a physical sample against painted walls, stone and joinery. Inspect it under daylight and evening lighting from the intended viewing direction. Reflections and surrounding contrast affect how prominently a glass control reads in the room.
Selection at a glance
| Front option | Design review | Technical check |
|---|---|---|
| Flat glass surround | Straight outline and reflected light | Module opening and matching assembly |
| Curved full-glass front | Edge profile and printed touch layout | Gang layout and fitted mechanism |
| Aluminium surround | Relationship to metal finishes | Matching mechanism and frame positions |
| All front materials | Physical sample under project lighting | Exact product dimensions and mounting parts |
Curved glass: review the edge and complete layout
A curved glass front changes how the edge and surface meet the surrounding wall visually. The choice is architectural, while the correct gang layout remains functional. Match the printed touch positions to the mechanism and circuit arrangement behind the front.
The TouchLight Curved Full Glass Frame 1G is a passive front for the matching TouchLight mechanism. It does not contain the radio or switching electronics. Use its documented configuration and compatible assembly when preparing the bill of materials.
Do not order a full front simply as a replacement for a modular surround without confirming the assembly. Ask for the full list of required mounting parts and mechanisms, then check the completed sample before applying the same detail throughout the project.
Aluminium: coordinate it with the room’s metal finishes
Aluminium surrounds provide another visible material within the TouchLight system. Compare the chosen finish directly with door hardware, lighting trim and furniture metalwork. Descriptions such as gold or silver do not establish that unrelated manufacturers use the same colour or surface treatment.
The TouchLight 1P Aluminium Frame is offered in Black, Silver and Gold. It is a passive surround with published dimensions of 86 × 86 mm. Its switching and connectivity functions come from the fitted mechanism.
Use material samples rather than claiming a universal durability ranking. Scratch resistance, cleaning compatibility and environmental suitability belong to the exact product and finish. Do not assign an IP rating, corrosion class or impact rating from the material name alone.
Make the final choice with a controlled sample review
Prepare one sample of each shortlisted front using the correct mechanism and mounting arrangement. Place the samples against the actual wall finish, at the intended installation height. Review the complete combination instead of comparing loose components under unrelated light.
Record the selected series, material, colour, position count and operating layout. Include finish references in the room schedule so later replacements retain the intended appearance. Multi-position arrangements require compatible mounting centres and opening layouts.
For maintenance, follow the product instructions and use only approved cleaning materials. Keep aggressive solvents and abrasive construction cleaning away from finished controls. If a front does not sit correctly, investigate the mounting and component match rather than forcing it flat.
Technical troubleshooting
The front does not sit flush
Check wall flatness, mounting alignment and the specified assembly. Have the installer correct the underlying fit rather than bending or forcing the front.
The touch markings do not match the controls
Replace the front with the documented layout for the mechanism and gang count.
Two finishes look different after installation
Compare material samples under the same lighting before ordering replacements. Record the exact finish and product reference for repeated rooms.
Related Siment products
Siment TouchLight 1P Glass Frame V2 — A glass frame for TouchLight modular wall controls.
Siment TouchLight Curved Full Glass Frame 1G — A curved glass frame for TouchLight modular wall controls.
Siment TouchLight 1P Aluminium Frame — A aluminium frame for TouchLight modular wall controls.
Explore the wall-control arrangement in Siment Studio. Confirm the final product configuration against the circuit schedule and installation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a glass frame include Zigbee electronics?
No. The linked glass frames and fronts are passive components. The fitted mechanism provides communication and switching.
Is curved glass a different wireless system?
No. Curvature describes the front design, not its communication protocol.
Is an aluminium frame a complete switch?
The linked TouchLight aluminium frame is a passive surround and requires the matching functional assembly.
Can I use any 86 × 86 mm front with any switch?
No. Matching outside dimensions do not establish mechanism, opening or mounting compatibility.
How should I choose between black, white and metal finishes?
Review physical samples with the wall, lighting and surrounding hardware, then record one consistent finish schedule.
Continue reading
How to Match Switches and Sockets to Your Interior Design
How to Choose Switches and Sockets for Your Project
Technical references
Siment TouchLight 1P Glass Frame V2