Adding Style to a Privacy Window

As I continue to work on the library, one of the major issues to address was the window. One of the first things I purchased for our new home, was window treatments for the main two first floor windows. I got some top-down bottom-up blinds, mostly for the purpose of being able to drop the top part down and let light in, but keep most of the privacy. The window in the library faces the interior courtyard, so even though there aren’t a ton of people that walk by, they do so very sporadically. The blinds served their purpose, and in fact, I have no desire to change the one in the dining area, but the library was suffering because the blinds blocked out too much light. With the courtyard being filled with trees, that window was already fighting an uphill battle. So, I searched for some alternative solutions until I found some inspiration. Instead of just slapping some privacy film on top of the window, I found a project that was done where they took advantage of the window panes by using a variety of colors and patterns to block out unwanted eyes, but allow in the natural light.

I picked out a few patterns of window cling that I liked and waited for them to be on sale on Amazon. Meanwhile, I also bought some camera light filters in a few colors (and after researching extensively, went with these because they were big enough for our panes, but I could get 3 or 4 out of each sheet). I ended up picking the lightest of each color that I was looking at, and am glad I did. Once I got all my materials in, I cut them to be the size of the window panes and decided on how I wanted to arrange them all.

You might have to look a little harder at the photo above and below because the colored film is hard to see. Luckily, once the pattern went on, they became more obvious and playful.

To actually adhere them to the window, I used a mixture of water with a little window cleaner added in a spray bottle. I sprayed the window gratuitously, then laid the film on. I put the tiles with color on first, because I realized that the back of the privacy film wasn’t always smooth, depending on the pattern. Then, I repeated the process with the privacy film afterwards on top of the color. Once the film was on the window, I used a gift card wrapped in some paper towel (to avoid scratches) to press down the film and get rid of any air or water bubbles.

It definitely took me a little while, but the prep of cutting all my materials to the right size before I started was a game changer. And to be honest, this is how the window sat for many a month, because I’m the queen of 90% done projects… We certainly realized how much we enjoyed the project, but it needed one more thing before I could call it complete…

The only issue I had at this point, was that the window panes on my window are fake, and they are only divided on the exterior. So, to combat that, I made my way to Hobby Lobby and found some basswood strips that were wide enough to mimic the pane dividers on the outside of the window, but flat enough that I would be able to slide the window open and not mess up my hard work.

The process wasn’t bad from there. I bought about 18 pieces of the basswood, brought them home, spray painted them white, then with a clear gloss, and cut them to size. To adhere them to the window, I just used a couple Glue Dots. Have you ever used Glue Dots? They’re amazing. Duck tape for delicate projects.

The final product is exactly what I had hoped for! The privacy cling meant that I could remove the blinds to allow the maximum amount of light into the room at all hours of the day. The colored pieces add a cozy, playful feel with some variety. The whole project makes my heart sing. And best of all is that it’s completely removable in case my feelings ever change about it (or if you want to try it as a renter!). Love, Shauna