A method of forming an anti-glare coating on a substrate is provided. The method comprises: (a) heating the substrate to a temperature of at least 100° F. (37.8° C.) to form a heated substrate; (b) applying a curable film-forming sol-gel composition on at least one surface of the heated substrate, to form a coated substrate with a sol-gel network layer having a surface roughness; and (c) subjecting the coated substrate to conditions for a time sufficient to effect cure of the sol-gel layer and form an anti-glare, coated article. The sol-gel network layer is essentially free of inorganic oxide particles and comprises: (i) a tetraalkoxysilane; (ii) an epoxy functional trialkoxysilane; (iii) a metal-containing catalyst; and (iv) a solvent component. Coated articles prepared by the method above and demonstrating anti-glare properties are also provided.