Stained Glass Window Film

Archive for July, 2009

photo credit: OK-59

Privacy window film is becoming a very popular choice over other, more traditional window treatments for modern decorators. With so many stylish options to choose from, it is understandable why many folks prefer it for its beauty and practicalilty, but other reasons, including the fact that window film is a more energy efficient option for window treatments are causing more and more smart decorators to opt for privacy window film each day.

This type of window film is also sometimes referred to as “wallpaper for windows”. It  is an adhesive free film that can be customized to be cut and attached via static electricity to  fit over existing windows.  Because it is a film, it can enable natural light to fill a home, without allowing neighbors or passersby to see inside. When finished, a room can be transformed into a masterpiece of eye catching style (if done right of course)  There are many styles that compliment a variety of window designs and home decors. While this is an aesthetic departure from traditional window treatments…(think roman blinds or draperies), people are also opting for window film designs because they offer an energy efficient solution to room lighting and temperature control.  Green savings is hot these days!

It has already been stated that the film allows natural outdoor light to fill a room, but in doing so, it makes logical sense that the sun’s heat will also enter the home as well.  The good news is that depending on the style of window film you install, it may be able to  reduce a substantial amount of heat through reflection. This is particularly helpful for  westward facing windows that do not have the benefit of trees or  home awnings. A good quality privacy window film can be anywhere from  7-9 millimeters thick and filter up to 90-95% of the UV rays that might otherwise be allowed to stream into a  home.

Also a few more points to consider about the benefits of window film over other types of window treatments.  First, remember that there is no adhesive to contend with when installing privacy window film on glass, so there are never any fumes or toxins introduced to the home’s environment. It is also completely reusable, which further makes it a desirable choice for homeowners that are committed to preserving the earth through energy efficient and recycling efforts.  Just peel back a corner and slowly work it off the window.  Voila, you can reuse it where you see fit.

Second, while custom window treatments can be very beautiful and elaborate, they also can possibly collect dust, trap pet or cooking odors, and house allergens, which can contribute to the air quality of a home’s inhabitants. With the decorative window film, dust is easily cleaned with soap and water or ordinary window cleaner, making it a far better choice than draperies or blinds that are much harder to keep clean.

Third, even though we don’t like to dwell on this thought, sometimes traditional window treatments can sometimes be hazardous to toddlers and small children that can become entangled in drapery sashes, tassels, or cords.  Parents of young children are often warned to beware of these hazards that are of constant concern when present in a home. By using window film instead of traditional coverings, these hazardous parts simply do not exist, which places parents at ease and children in a more child-friendly environment.  Something to think about for sure.

photo credit: stiangd

Finally, with window film, it may seem trivial, but there is no need to spend extra time in the morning and evening opening and closing curtains or blinds. That chore is completely eliminated as privacy is afforded by day or night automatically. If you only have one or two windows to draw blinds for, its no big deal.  But if you get up to 10 or 20 windows, you can spend 10 to 20 minutes just “opening up the house” everyday!

With so many colors and styles to choose from and so many eco-friendly reasons to choose one, wallpaper for windows is easily positioned to be another great choice to traditional window treatments moving forward into the years to come.