Need privacy, but still want light?
We all have that one window (or more) where we love the light that comes in, but we always feel the need to cover it up for privacy. This could be in a bathroom that faces a neighbor's house, a bedroom that faces a heavily trafficked area, or a garage that we use for storage, but don't want all of our stuff on display. In some of these places curtains make sense, but you lose the light, or a curtain would just look wrong there. What do you do in those situations?
Privacy film to the rescue!
There are many different kinds on the market (check out this Amazon search here) ranging from adhesive to non-adhesive, with about a million different pattern options... ok, that may be an exaggeration, but only by 37 or so.
I recently purchased a couple of rolls of this product to add privacy to my garage (which like most people is used for storing just about everything except a car). Our home was built in the early 50's, and I like the retro feel of this cross hatch pattern.
Be sure to check the measurements of the windows and what size the rolls come in before you buy. It's much easier and better looking if you don't have to have a seam running through the window. I needed enough for 4 windows on the overhead garage door, and one larger window on the back door of the garage, so I had to buy 2 rolls.
I was able to install this window in just a few minutes. I measured the window and cut my film to size. The window had to be cleaned (duh) and then sprayed with soapy water (I had a spray bottle with water and a squirt of dish soap). Then you remove the clear plastic backing, line up your film, and smooth it with your hands to position it. Lastly you use something like a credit card or small scraper (I have a Pampered Chef scraper that was included when I bought my baking stone) to smooth out all the air bubbles. Start at the center and work your way out. All it all it was a pretty easy process.
I haven't finished the front windows yet, but here are a few shots of the exterior of the back door (film is applied on the interior of the window).
My hubby is extremely happy that now people can't look in and see
a) all our junk, and therefore
b) any reason to break into our garage.
Additionally this film can help keep the space cooler in the summer, because it does block some of the light coming in.
There are many places this film would be useful. In addition to bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens, this would also be great on those tiny non-egress basement windows (especially for those of us with unfinished storage spaces in the basement).