Window Privacy Film
Privacy window film can be an inexpensive alternative to shutters and blinds,saving you from the daily ritual of manually opening and closing them, plus they come in dozens of styles and colors to match any decor.
Here are tips from my window film experiences and why buying and even installing a small sample is a wise choice.
In this luxurious bathroom above, the arched window provides several design challenges. Wood shutters although beautiful, would have cost a small fortune and why put in expensive windows like this to cover them up?
Most window covering ideas would require you to step into the tub to open and close them and motorized ones can be costly.
Window privacy film with a decorative scroll pattern is a fabulously frugal choice that lets the light in while keeping the eye focused on the architectural details.
The Many Uses For Opaque Window Film
Frosted, etched, or opaque window film as it is sometimes referred to comes in varying levels of privacy, styles and color choices.
Below is a rice paper window film used in the shower of an Asian inspired bathroom and was very easy to install.
Privacy Window Film Gets Colorful!
Frosted window film (white) can look very contemporary and maybe even commercial, so if that’s not your style, look for patterns or designs in the frost that make it work for your decorating theme.
One of my favorite looks using static window film is when you use blocks of color. Take an old fashioned wood window with panes, and put different colors in each one, or make a pattern of alternating colors.
You can even choose opaque window film on the lower half of the window and semi transparent on the upper.
Frosted privacy window film was used on this french door (left) in a young girls bedroom to let light in during the day while the blackout drapes allow for a better nights sleep.
You could go with colors or patterns if you're free from home owners association restrictions.
Artscapes decorative window film has Disney themes like Cars and Tinker Bell or floating clouds.
Older kids may enjoy a modern art inspired stain glass window film, or patterns like cracked ice.
Local stores carry limited sizes and patterns, while there's a much larger selection online , I recommend ordering a sample first and then installing it to be sure.
Low E Window Film
A lot of new and replacement window manufacturers are using low e window film or coatings in between the panes of glass to help save money on utilities.
You can add this film to your existing windows to cut down on the heat coming from the sun as well as to protect furniture, carpets and drapes but typically these don't offer privacy. Try opaque window films like Gila's fiberglass pattern for both energy efficieny and privacy.
Compare each manufacturers products for your specific needs and see if they are made for the home installer as some need to be professionally installed.
Can You Make Mistakes With Window Privacy Film?
You betcha! Thinking I was already the expert after two good experiences with static cling window film, I bought adhesive backed, swirled glass window film that totally flopped. Picture Nana's bathroom window circa 1940, frugal ~ but certainly NOT fabulous.
Not only was the adhesive backed much harder to install, the deeply textured pattern made it next to impossible to get all the air bubbles out. It looked OK when I finished but the next day it was bubble city. (Not pretty)
Luckily, the online store I purchased from took back the remainder of the order after a 10% restocking fee, but it was still an $100. mistake.
The look I wanted couldn't be duplicated with window privacy film so it was time to buck up and go for the real thing, leaded glass replacement windows. To see the fabulous outcome, check out window decorating ideas.
