Window privacy films are a great way to protect your home from nosy neighbors and strangers. By installing window films on your windows, you can keep your personal life private and prevent people from seeing into your home. Window privacy films are also helping to keep your home safe from burglars, as it makes it difficult for them to see what is inside.
If you are considering window films for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of window privacy films and how to choose the right type for your home.
What is a privacy film and how does it work?
Most people think of window film as something that is only used to tint car windows or reduce glare in the office. However, window film can also be used for privacy and security purposes in the home. Privacy film is a type of window covering that helps to obscure the view into your home from prying eyes.
It is typically made of a thin, semi-translucent material applied to the window glass. The privacy film allows light to enter your home while still providing some degree of privacy. They are especially useful when you are not able to add curtains, or if they would be a beneficial addition to your interior design.
If you are concerned about people being able to see into your home, choosing a privacy window film would be one of the best options to improve your privacy. Also, Privacy films do not have to be dark – you can choose a light frosted version or a decorative film as well.
Benefits of using privacy film
Let us go over a couple of benefits of privacy films other than being a cost-efficient solution:
Increased privacy
This is the most obvious benefit of privacy window films. They give you a sense of security knowing that people cannot see into your home. If you have valuables in your home, privacy films will make it more difficult for burglars to see them and target your home.
Safety and security
Since a privacy film can make it more difficult for burglars to see inside your home, they cannot see what is inside and they may be less likely to break in. Some privacy films come as a security film as well and are shatterproof which makes it harder for any burglar to get in quickly. These types of window films are usually thicker as they have multiple layers of various kinds of films.
Personally, I would use a security film on any entry door or frame around that door that has glass in it, no matter if it is the front or back. I do not want someone to smash the closest window to a door handle just to get in quickly.
UV protection and Heat
Some types of window film can also help to block out harmful UV rays. This can protect your furniture and carpets from color fading. This is especially important in any commercial store setup that has large storefronts.
These window films also keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by blocking out UV rays – this helps with heating and cooling costs.
Glare and reflection
Another benefit of window privacy films apart from UV light protection is that they can help to reduce glare and reflection on your television or computer screen. If you work from home or enjoy spending time watching TV, this can be a huge advantage. Glare can also be reduced in other rooms of your house, such as the kitchen or bathroom, where reflective surfaces are common.
Decorative aspect
Finally, window privacy films can add a decorative touch to your home by choosing colors or different patterns that naturally fit or even enhance your exterior or interior design. There are many unique styles and designs to choose from like textured, frosted, repeating patterns, and many more designs that help you to find something that fits your personal taste. It is a fantastic way to add style and personality to your home without spending a lot of money.
Types of privacy film available on the market
Window privacy films come in a variety of colors and shades, so you can find one frosted film, tinted film, or patterned film that will work for your home.
Blackout window film
Blackout window films are an effective way if you want to completely block the view through the window. You have options from colored or tinted films as well as decorative versions. While these films do not allow any view through the window, they also might reduce the amount of natural light passing through, resulting in a darker room.
Mirrored window films
These films are a great way to keep your home safe from burglars, as they make it difficult for them to see what is inside. Those mirror films are sometimes called one-way window films as well.
Word of caution: If you are using one-way films like a mirrored window film, please keep in mind that these films work great during the daytime but not so much during the night. If it is brighter inside than outside, you will lose the advantage with most mirrored films as you can see through them.
Frosted window films
If you are concerned about privacy but do not want to darken your windows, you can opt for a window film with a frosted or patterned design. These window films allow light to enter your home while still providing privacy.
They are truly an allrounder as you can use them everywhere, and they come in different colors as well. Most of the time you will see them in bathrooms on the shower doors or office doors. For me, it is one of the best window films and I would use them in areas where I want to block any views in or out but still let the natural light go through.
Decorative films
The name already implies it, those films are used to either match the home design or to enhance it by making certain decorative statements. Those films are either blocking the view completely or are having partial transparent areas as part of their design.
Security films
As mentioned earlier, these thicker films create a strong bond to the window and make them shatterproof. I would use these kinds of films in critical areas or windows or glass that are close to a door handle. If you are not able to find a tinted security film, try to double layer them, check with the manufacturer’s recommendation first as this is different for each film. Usually, you want the security film on the glass and the decorative film as the second layer on the security film and not the other way.
How to choose the right privacy window film for your home
As we just learned, there are many different types of window films available on the market, so it is important to know what to look for when choosing the right film for your home. The most important thing to consider is the level of privacy you need.
If you just want to keep people from easily seeing into your home, then a dark tint or decorated window film will be sufficient. However, if you want to prevent people from seeing inside your home even at night, then you will need a frosted window film or a blackout film with a solid color or pattern.
How To Install Window Privacy Film
Window film installation is not rocket science and depending on the type of adhesive film, the area to cover, and other factors, you can either hire a professional or do it on your own.
If you want to go the DIY way, here is a quick summary of you the steps and tips you have to take:
- Make sure the window is clean before installing the film
- Use a spray bottle filled with a water soap mixture to mist the window before applying the film
- Apply the film to the window
- Use a credit card or squeegee to smooth out any bubbles after applying the film
- Trim any excess film from around the edges of the window if you have not cut it to fit in a previous step
Here is a YouTube video on How To Install A Window Film
By following these tips and the video, you should be able to install the window film on your own. However, if you want to ensure that your window privacy film is installed correctly and will provide you with optimal privacy for your home, you might want to reach out to a professional installer.
How To Care And Maintain Your Privacy Film
With proper installation and care, your window privacy film will last for many years. To keep your window film in good condition, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on it. You should also avoid scrubbing the film too vigorously, as this can damage the adhesive.
When cleaning your window film, simply use a mild soap and water solution. If you need to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the film, you can use a soft cloth or squeegee.
If you have any questions about how to care for your window privacy film, please refer to the instructions for your window film or contact the installer or manufacturer.
Conclusion
Window films are the perfect solution to add or improve your privacy at home, they are budget-friendly and easy to apply. Personally, I would always cover any windows that allow people to peek through and do not have a curtain. Since some guy broke into my garage in the past, I would now make sure to use frosted films on any exterior windows or any glass panels on my garage door. If your bathroom window is too close to the neighbors, you might want to use some privacy film as well. There are so many creative window film options available.
