Adding Wallpaper for Windows to Stop the Peep Show
I’m about to share something a little embarrassing with the whole world. I confess to you that I regularly walk in my bathroom naked in front of the only window in our master bathroom!
Why would I do such a silly thing? Why? Well, I’m not intentionally trying to flash the world, that is for sure! I do it because I don’t want to cover that window that provides light and a view of our wooded backyard. I like to watch hawks, deer and other wildlife as they cross behind our yard. During the spring, summer, and fall I have plenty of privacy from the trees. BUT, in the winter that privacy is nearly nonexistent.
Now, I’m not insinuating that my neighbors are the peeping tom types, but I still feel a little self-conscious getting out of the shower at night in a brightly lit bathroom.Dear Mr. & Mrs. Jones (not their real names), if I inadvertently flashed you on one such night, I’m sorry.
When Wallpaper for Windows contacted me to ask if I wanted to try their product, I immediately said, YES! The name of their company is slightly misleading, because they sell a wide range of privacy films and decor clings for more than just your windows. You can find products in their online store for glass shower stalls, mirrors, side lights, and more.
I was instantly drawn to the decor tint line. The decor tints are sold in privacy and see-thru opaquenesses. With a variety of  11 colors to choose from, I knew I could find one to work with our blue bathroom. Ultimately I chose the sky blue see-thru film.
Why not privacy you ask? Well, here’s the thing, I didn’t want to block my view of the wildlife (and the kids playing in the yard), but I did want to keep my neighbors from thinking that I lead a wild life.
How to Install Wallpaper for Windows Window Clings
Materials:
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- Razor blade
- Window cleaner
- Water and soap mixed in a spray bottle (the Shaklee Basic H2 works for both cleaning and spraying)
- Clean rag
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors (if you don’t have an X-ACTO knife)
- Wallpaper for Windows film
- Wallpaper for Windows squeegee
Difficulty: Easy to apply the film; Moderate if cutting shapes
Installing the Window Film
Step. 1 – Start by scraping any debris off your windows using the razor blade. (Confession #2 – that debris you see below is hairspray. Truth be told, I lived through the hair band 80’s and haven’t weaned myself off hairspray yet.)
Step 2. – Clean the windows thoroughly with glass cleaner and wipe dry.
Step 3. Measure each window panel. You may choose to add 1/4″ to the dimensions if you are unsure about your measuring or cutting skills.
Note: Wallpaper for Windows will cut your panels exactly to size (1 flat $6.50 fee for the all the divided lights in my window), but I chose to do it myself. It isn’t hard to cut the film, but you might want to pay to have Wallpaper for Windows cut it if you aren’t practiced at using an X-ACTO knife.
Step 4. – Transfer the measurements to the back of the window film (the white paper side.) Hold the ruler firmly on the back of the film and cut your panels.
Set the panels aside in a dry spot. Don’t let the paper backing get wet.
Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any oils or dirt. If you don’t, you could leave fingerprints or smudges between the glass and the film.
Step 5. – Wet the window with the water/soap mixture. (I used the Shaklee Basic H2 window cleaner.)
Step 6. – Peel the backing off the decor tint film.
Remember how I said not to get the backing wet, here is why:
Those little white spots of backing paper were near impossible to get off.
Step 7. – Position the window film onto your window. You can peel it off and reposition it as needed.
When the film is centered on the window, use your hand to press and smooth it onto the glass.
Step. 8 – Use the provided squeegee (also a credit card will work) to press from the center to the edges of the film. Push any air and water bubbles out to the sides.
Step 9. – Use a sharp X-ACTO blade to trim any excess film from the window.
This is how the see-thru decor tint (blue sky color) looks on the bottom half of the window. You could stop at this point and enjoy the privacy that it creates.
Here is a close up view of the blue sky tint next to the open window:
Cutting a Graphic out of the Window Film
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I’m the blogger who likes to push that “Amp Up the Creativity” button on all my projects. Which is why I wanted to cut graphic shapes out of the decor tint.
Step 1. Install the window film (see directions above). Let the window and film dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Install a fresh blade into the X-ACTO knife.
Step 2. – Use a sharp X-ACTO blade to lightly cut through the film. Use enough pressure to cut through the film but not to scratch the glass.
Step 3. – Use the X-ACTO point to pull a corner free. Peel the shape off the window.
Continue until you have completed the scene. I cut out simple graphic trees from the window film.
In the late afternoon, the sun shines through the cut-outs and projects this beautiful scene on the opposite wall.
And now I have the perfect amount of privacy and yet can still see wildlife and wild boys in the backyard.
The closer I get to the window, the more I can see out the cut outs:
However, as you can see, there is still enough of the film to protect my neighbors from seeing more than they bargained for.
If the tinted decor film isn’t your style, they have a plethora of other films to choose from!
I really like the faux stained glass films and I really, really love what you did with the privacy film. That’s an idea worth stealing.
I, too, have a privacy issue that could use some film. I have a bathroom window directly opposite the shower that is shielded from the highway by the foliage most of the year, but once those leaves fall …
I adore the trees you cut into the film- what a fantastic idea! I love the creative touch you add to your projects.
Chrysta
I am not exactly a flasher but have tons of windows in my house and I would love to leave some of them “open ” for lighting. I love the cutouts that you did!
I love the eden etched glass
I NOW FOLLOW YOUR BLOG
I follow your posts and love window clings!
Love the trees you cut out! I have a window just like yours but mine is twice as big so if I was to keep the shutters open while showering my neighbors would see everything!! Yikes! I love to look out into my backyard too and it’s the only window so I climb into the garden tub (major design flaw by builder) to fold open the shutters after dressing. This film would be great. If I win will you cut some tress out for me?
This is what I need for my front doors and my living room windows! The front doors allow a lovely view of my entire house, but I don’t want to block my view of the kids playing outside. The living room has large windows and they let in a lot of light, which I don’t want to change… But I’d sure like to make sure the neughbours don’t have to watch everything.
Follow you on twitter. I would use it on my side window panels on my front door and in 2 bathrooms. Loved the design you cut out.
I need to install this on my front door. It has a full length glass panel that provides wonderful light into the foyer, but also a wonderful view into my foyer.
I’d love to use the Crosses of Various sizes on my windows at my church.
I’ve followed your blog for about a year now, and I’ve really enjoyed implementing some of your projects! (especially the weather stripping on the garage doors)
My front door has a huge piece of glass in it and it needs something to break it up. The inside of the house has tons of gingerbread wood work.
If I would put anything on my front door, it would be the Doral Etched Glass Corner Accents. My house is Victorian Farmhouse.
I have followed your blog for a while now. Great posts and ideas!