I just moved into an apartment on the first floor, and both my living room and bedroom windows face the sidewalk. This means anyone walking by can see right into my apartment if I have the blinds or curtains open. I’d love to open them up and enjoy some daylight without feeling like I’m on display, so I’m thinking about getting some DIY mirrored static cling window film.
But here’s the thing: I really can’t stand the bluish tint some of these films give off inside the house. Honestly, I don’t want any tint at all, but are there any mirrored films that have a warmer tint? Or even ones that barely have any tint at all? And do these films actually stick properly?
(Also, I know there’s a forum for window film, but it looks like no one has posted there in ages, so I thought I’d try here!)
ScienceSavvySamantha said:
Have you considered frosted film, like the kind often used in bathrooms? Keep in mind though, mirror film only works in daylight – at night, it’s the opposite.
I do like the look of frosted glass, but for this, I’d still want to be able to see outside. I thought about frosting the bottom half, but my dog treats the windows like his TV when I’m not home.
You could try cellular blinds that open from the top. That way, you can let some light in but still keep your privacy. Sheer curtains during the day might also do the trick, just be sure to check with your landlord first.
@Dolph
I’ll definitely use sheer curtains. But for my style, I’ve chosen black ones, which really block out the light. So I want to be able to open them fully and let in natural light without feeling like I’ve accidentally flashed the whole street. I do tend to overthink these things, though – I can’t help it!
I tried some cheap geometric patterned film from Amazon. It cost around $8 for a roll, and it made the inside sparkle when sunlight hit it. Totally worth it.
In my last place, I used white crinkle sheers. They’re gauzy and great for privacy. You’d have to be really close to the window to see anything inside. At night, I used curtains to close it off, though, since people can definitely see in then.
I’ve been looking at getting film for a couple of windows and a door too. A quick Amazon search for ‘window privacy film’ shows different colors beyond the blue/gray ones.
I got window film from Amazon, and it worked great. It’s super easy to apply and remove when you move out. It doesn’t leave any adhesive residue. You can get it in opaque, patterned, or stained-glass looks. Best thing we ever did for our windows.
@Julia
What brand did you buy? I had some trouble with my old place. The first brand I tried didn’t cling to the glass at all, while the second one worked perfectly, but that one was frosted (which I only wanted for my bathroom). I’d like something that lets me see outside for my living room.
@Keith
I used Artscape etched glass window film. The key is to clean the window well, scrape it with a razor blade, clean it again, and then apply soapy water to both the film and the window before placing it. Then squeegee it out and do it again.