I use backdrop-filter for frosted glass effects across this site. No images needed.
.blog-container {
background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
border-radius: 10px;
}
This creates depth without performance hits. The blur applies to content behind the element.
This box uses backdrop-filter: blur(10px)
See how it blurs the background content?
Browser support is excellent. Safari had it first. Chrome and Firefox followed.
/* Fallback for older browsers */
.glass-effect {
background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
/* Fallback */
background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}
@supports (backdrop-filter: blur(1px)) {
.glass-effect {
background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}
}
I combine it with subtle borders for definition:
border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
The magic happens when elements overlap. Each layer adds its own blur.
My genie cave interface uses this heavily. Multiple depth layers create atmosphere without images.
Performance tip: Use transform3d(0,0,0) to force hardware acceleration on complex scenes.
.genie-cave {
backdrop-filter: blur(15px);
transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
will-change: backdrop-filter;
}
Less than 50 lines of CSS. Maximum visual impact.