** I was thinking there are products out there that I could use to 'frost' the panes so that they aren't so transparent and leave them at that. Anyone here ever hear of this? **
I believe it is called 'etching'. I have never done such a thing but I have heard there are products you can apply to clear glass to achieve the effect. Maybe someone with some experience will drop by and offer some advice.
An alternative though might to purchase some Mac Tac in a style you like and apply that to the glass. It might give you an idea how etching would look but still be reversible (for a while) afterward if you don't like it.