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!
My favorite product is the Savannah Privacy Stained Glass Window Film – I love the look of stained glass.
I follow via email!
I love the eden etched glass film for privacy and could really use it! My only bathroom has a window in the wall where the tub is. I tried spray on faux etch finish from the hardware store and it cracks. It would also be great to cover the front door with something that lets light in and my cat could still see out.
*I am also guilty of the occasional un-planned peep show. We are moving to a home with 6 french doors! I can’t horrify the new neighbors before I even meet them!
*I love the Avalon window film
I’m a flasher! Well, not really but I would be if I didn’t keep my bathroom blinds closed! Previous owners used something to paint the glass and it’s now all faded and needs to be scraped off and I’d love to be able to replace it with something pretty.
Love the tutorial and the graphic shapes really adds something special! 🙂
I’ve been a flasher for about 15yrs.I have a 92yr old home colonial with tons of windows & panes (old style w/wood frames) Lots facing the street. I would feel much more comfortable with this.Thanks for the idea. And I’m a new fan.
I like the Doral Etched Glass Corner Accents
I’ve been a follower. I desperately need to shield my neighbors eyes as I’m a total flasher every morning when I make my coffee before getting dressed. We’ve got a bay window off the breakfast nook and I’m afraid when my neighbor takes his dogs for walks in the morning, he gets a real eye opener .
I need the privacy screens cause I am a chronic naked dasher from room to room!
I just subscribed!
Love this! We have been looking at the big box stores for some privacy film and haven’t found anything that matches our style. Love your idea with the tinted film & cut out trees, might just have to to duplicate this! We acquired some new neighbors as a street was added behind our house. I put up heavy curtains to get us thro the winter, but we’d rather have some kind of privacy film up so we can still see sunlight. Might have to steal your idea…
I love this idea! I have two small windows next to my front door on ehich this would definitely be eye candy. And allow me to get rid of those temporary stick up blinds!
quelle bonne idée que cette découpe en forme d’arbre.
magnifique !
As for why I could really use it? Well, we live on 1/16 of an acre, so my right side neighbor is 10 feet away, and the left one 15 feet away. My back door is a French Door, and I can see into my neighbor’s kitchen in the back (and they into ours). I am not usually the one to flash the neighbors, but my husband actually perfers to walk around in his boxers. I am sure that the neighbors would appreciate something a little prettier to look at! thanks for such a fun contest- I hope that I win. 😉