10 Creative Uses For Decorative Window Film

10 Creative Uses For Decorative Window Film

by | Sep 28, 2018 | Decorative Window Film, Privacy Window Film, Reflective Window Film, Residential Window Film

10 creative uses for decorative window film

When you want to update the look of your windows, curtains and window blinds are usually the first thing to come to mind. But when you’re wanting something a bit different, that’s when decorative window film could be the answer.

Most people think decorative film is just for that – decoration. But it might surprise you to learn it has uses for so much more.

Let’s look at 10 creative uses for decorative window film that is more than just decorative.

Hide Kitchen Cabinet Contents

Do you have glass cabinet doors in your kitchen? Or thinking about putting some in?

Glass panels added to cabinet doors are very popular. They tend to open up the visual space in a kitchen and give it a light, airy feeling.

What isn’t so popular, however, is seeing all the pantry items behind them. Or having to keep your plates and glasses perfectly lined up to make it look neat and tidy.

But with decorative window film, you can have the best of both worlds. Keep the glass panes you love while adding the much-needed privacy.

And with the variety of finishes to choose from, there’s a film that will blend in with any kitchen decor.

Add Privacy To A Shower Door

Maybe you loved the look of your glass shower door when you first moved in. It served you well when you were newly married, but now you have kids and the bathroom has turned from “ours” to “everybody’s”.

You need to add privacy. But you don’t want to foot the bill for a whole new shower door.

Decorative window film can solve that problem. Apply the film to the shower door to get the privacy you need while keeping that extra cash in your wallet.

Stop Glare From High Windows Or Skylights

High accent windows and skylights are great for letting in lots of natural light while maintaining privacy. But that comes at the cost of sometimes letting in too much glare and damaging UV rays.

But getting window treatments can be pricey, especially if they are custom made. And they’re unreasonable to use if the windows are out of reach.

Use window film to block out the unwanted glare and UV rays. It will still let in the light you want without messing with the hassle of window treatments.

Create A One-Way Mirror

Decorative reflective window film has more ways than one use.

It can turn that antique flea market window you found into the perfect mirror for the entryway wall.

Or, if you want to be able to fully see out an exterior window but you don’t want anyone to be able to look in – make it a one-way mirror. You get all the privacy you want without an obstructed view.

Sidelight Privacy

Sidelights can give any front door major character. But with the character comes a lack of privacy. Any nosy neighbor can walk by and get a peek at what’s going on inside your home.

Get your privacy back with the help of decorative window film. Choose a finish that compliments the features of your front door.

That way, you’re not only adding privacy, you’re also upping the character and customization of your beloved sidelights.

Frosted Bathroom Door Privacy

Finding a great glass door at an antique shop or flea market can feel like a huge win. You’d love to add some character and swap out your current bathroom door with it. But how practical is a glass door for a bathroom??

Very practical if you use some decorative window film.

A frosted finish or etched glass gives the privacy you need while still keeping the character and letting light through.

For an added piece of whimsy, apply the word “Private” to the window as well.

Faux Stained Glass

Stained glass is timeless. It’s beautiful. And it’s also very expensive.

If you want to add the look of stained glass without the price, apply a faux stained glass film to any window.

And it doesn’t have to be only exterior windows. Use it on glass kitchen cabinets, the mirror above your fireplace, or as an accent behind the bar in your game room.

Cover An Unsightly View

Do you live in the city with the perfect view of a brick wall? Or maybe your neighbor has parked an RV outside your window?

Sure, you can shut the blinds or curtains to block the unsightly view, but that also blocks out all the natural light that could be coming in.

Why not use decorative window film instead? Not only will your view improve, but you also get to choose exactly what you’ll be looking at. Whether it’s a mural, stained glass, or any other finish. It’s sure to let the beauty and natural light in while keeping the ugly out.

Cover Half A Window

Sometimes you only need partial privacy from your windows. And in situations like this, covering half the window with decorative film is your answer.

It could be on a kitchen window, just above the sink. You can wash the dishes in privacy while still being able to watch the kids playing outside.

Or in the first-floor half bath. The covered bottom half of the window stops anyone walking by from seeing in, yet you still get a clear view of the sky and all the natural light.

Enhance Interior Windows and Mirrors

If you have decorative interior windows above any doors or between rooms, make a feature out of them. Adding film to make it look like more of an architectural feature rather than a blank space adds character to any room.

The same can be said of decorative mirrors. You can make a new mirror look old, frosted for the holidays, or whatever decor you’re going for.

Decorative Window Film Combines Beauty with Functionality

The possible uses for decorative window film are endless. And when you add in its beauty and budget-friendly price, it turns out it’s the perfect package.

Ready to transform your windows with decorative window film? Contact us today! We’d love to answer any questions you may have and give you a free quote.

8 Decorative Window Film Ideas to Add to Your Home

8 Decorative Window Film Ideas to Add to Your Home

by | Sep 26, 2017 | Decorative Window Film, Privacy Window Film

Have you ever thought that maybe your windows weren’t pulling their weight?

Don’t get us wrong: Your windows do an awful lot. No one wants to live inside a dark box. And there’s just no substitute for natural sunlight.

But in a world filled with rising energy costs, concern over the environment, and alarmism about privacy, it sometimes feels like your windows could be doing more.

If any of that strikes a nerve, you should consider a decorative window film to tint your windows.

Let’s learn more!

Why Should I Tint My Windows?

Tinting your windows is a great way to save on utility costs and get some extra privacy.

Adding some tint can block harmful UV rays and lessen the heating effect of the sun. This will protect your furniture and floors from damage, and keep your electricity bill low.

Tinting your windows can also allow you some privacy. Drapes and blinds have long been the go-to option, but they block out all the natural light you love.

Using tinted windows instead can keep the light in and the prying eyes out.

But window tint doesn’t have to be all function, no fashion. You can use decorative window film to get all the benefits of a tinted window with a touch of class or whimsy.

In this article, we’ll show you some ways you can incorporate decorative window film to give your windows a touch of elegance.

“Etched” Glass

Etched glass has a timeless look that everyone loves. However, creating it is a difficult process.

To make etched glass, the glass is treated with an acid that eats away at the surface. The result is a rough, semi-opaque surface that can be customized to any design you like.

If you want the beautiful look of etched glass without having to worry about working with acid, decorative window film is a great solution.

Buy a bit of frosted window film. Using a stencil, cut it to any shape you like. Then, simply apply it to your window.

It’s easy and inexpensive, and if you ever decide you want to change it, you don’t need to replace the entire pain.

Mimic Stained Glass with Decorative Window Film

Stained glass windows are undeniably beautiful. And they’ve got a price tag to match.

Traditional stained glass is created by cutting colored glass into small pieces. The glass is then put into place like a mosaic and soldered together.

If you want to obtain the gorgeous look of stained glass on a budget, decorative window film is the way to go.

You can find a premade design and apply it to your window in a flash. Or, you can create your own designs by cutting out shapes from colored film and assembling it yourself.

In either case, the end result is sure to be a stunning detail in your home.

Upgrade Old Windows

Window technology has come a long way in the last few decades. Modern windows are often pretreated to prevent UV rays from passing through.

If you have an old house though, upgrading all of your windows can be a costly endeavor. And besides, it’s hard to replace those old windows with anything that has that same charm.

Window tint is a much cheaper alternative. And if you use decorative window film, you can give your old windows a personal touch.

Get Privacy With Frosted Glass

Frosted glass is a great way to keep nosy passersby from getting an eye full, or to make your shower a little more private.

And it doesn’t hurt that it looks great.

Yet, proper frosted glass is expensive. It’s made by sandblasting the glass, or with the same acid process as etched glass.

With decorative window film, you can give any window the classy look of frosted glass. Frost the doors by your front door for added security. Get some extra privacy through any bedroom windows that face the street.

Want to live out any old fantasies of being a private eye? Put some frosty film over the glass on your office door.

Turn External Windows into One-Way Mirrors

Are you serious about your privacy? You can use privacy window film to turn your windows into one-way mirrors.

One-way mirrors allow you to see out your windows, but anyone on the outside sees their own reflection.

Privacy window film also blocks most ultraviolet light, which protects the interior of your home and keeps it cool in the summertime.

A Touch of Asia

Do you have a love for the exotic? Do you absolutely love the aesthetic of Japanese architecture?

You’re not alone. Everyone loves the look of Japanese rice-paper windows. They have a timeless elegance that many people would love to add to their home.

But unfortunately, it’s not that practical to replace your windows with Japanese paper.

What you can do is recreate that look with decorative window film.

Give your home a touch of Asian charm with custom-made window treatments. They can give you all the charm of Japanese rice-paper without sacrificing any durability or insulation.

Go Partial

Do you want to class up your windows, but don’t want to go all the way?

Use decorative window film on just a portion of the window to add beautiful effects.

A stripe of “frosted” glass can give a modern touch that you’ll love.

Or, you can get custom appliques to add beautiful corner treatments. These will add a stroke of vintage elegance that will be the talk of your neighbors.

Class Up Your Cabinets

Think window tint is only for your windows?

Think again.

If you have an antique china cabinet with glass doors, or if your kitchen cabinets have glass doors, add some decorative film to give it that special touch.

Not only will it look beautiful, but if your cabinets are a little less than display-worthy, it will hide the mess.

Upgrade Your Windows Today

There’s no limit to what you can do with customized window film. With a little imagination, you can get the windows you’ve always dreamed of at a fraction of the cost of replacing the windows.

Not sure if tinted windows are right for you? Browse our gallery to get a better idea of what we can do. Then, drop us a line!

Decorative Window Film: A Stained Glass Alternative

by | Nov 22, 2016 | Decorative Window Film, Residential Window Film

decorative-window-film-a-stained-glass-alternativeFor centuries, stained glass windows have graced have graced the most important buildings in the Western world. Everything from cathedrals and museums to stately homes and schools have all used them – almost to no end. At once, these serve both an artistic and a functional purpose. They are, by any definition, the epitome of what a window should accomplish. Unfortunately, they are also extremely expensive to create and install.

Interior designers and other aficionados of stained glass windows understand this last fact quite well and have developed a far more affordable alternative – decorative window film. While not an absolutely perfect replacement for a real stained-glass window, decorative window film is a very affordable alternative. Here is why:

  • It looks remarkably good – Decorative window film can be as simple as a uniform frosted glass through monochromatic crosshatching to a complicated and colorful stained glass replica. Properly installed, the effect can be quite stunning and realistic-looking. The decorative film adds elegance to front doors and their sidelights, interior glass doors – like those entering a library – and even the shower walls in your master bathroom if you are so inclined. In short, it is an excellent way to add value – both aesthetic and financial – to any room in your home.
  • It is extremely durable – Typically made from the synthetic resin polyester –  a compound renowned for its dimensional stability, tensile strength and clarity – decorative window film can also receive a number of surfaces applied or embedded treatments. The result is a scratch-resistant finish that also enhances the strength of the glass substrate itself. In other words, decorative films can also be to create “safety glass” in areas where breakage from a heavy impact might be dangerous such as a pool house or a child’s room. Additionally, this feature can also prevent intruders from entering your property when the glass is broken.
  • It is also functional – Traditional windows – even stained glass ones – often allow outsiders to see into a home. Decorative film can be produced that affords privacy but also allows a large amount of light into a room. in short, it provides the best of both worlds. In addition, decorative window film is completely smooth. This means that it does not accumulate dirt and grime in recessed areas and makes it far easier to clean than real stained glass. Finally, decorative window film blocks harmful UV rays from infiltrating your home and also protects against passive solar heat gain. All in all, a pretty impressive product.
  • Finally, it is truly affordable – Compared to the cost of a real stain-glass window, decorative film is an absolute bargain. There really is no comparison between the two. As artwork, the cost of designing, creating and installing a stained glass window can strain the budget of almost anyone short of a millionaire. On a more modest level, the cost of a mass-produced stained glass window can regularly stretch into the thousands of dollars. Decorative window film, on the other hand, can be installed for much much less.

There are many things – some fairly obvious and some less apparent – to consider before installing a decorative film window. In the long run, it pays to seek professional guidance before proceeding. For more information on the benefits of decorative window films, please contact us at Daystar Window Tinting Inc..

Incorporating Window Film in Your Interior Decorating

by | Jan 26, 2016 | Decorative Window Film, Residential Window Film

incorporating-window-film-in-your-interior-decorating

Decorating your home offers you the chance to personalize the space in which you live. You can make a generic space into a special place for you and your family to live and enjoy. Window treatments are naturally part of most interior decorating plans. What may not be part of your plan is window film. It is something, however, that you should consider when decorating your home.

The Reality of What Is on the Other Side of the Glass

Most of us would love to have wonderful views out of every window in our house. If you live in the middle of the mountainous wilderness, you may be that lucky. Unfortunately the rest of us may not be so lucky.

Do any of these views sound familiar?

  • The front window that is too close to the street. Everyone walking or driving by can see right into your living space unless you close the curtains.
  • The bedroom window that faces directly at the neighbor’s bedroom window. Unless you want to see Mrs. Jones in her intimates (or have her see you in yours), you have to keep your blinds down.
  • The bathroom window faces a brick wall. You live very close to your neighbors and that window gets no light and has nothing attractive on the other side.
  • The living room windows face directly south, getting all the sunshine year round. This has faded out the carpets and upholstery. It also makes that room very uncomfortable in the afternoons.

These views are extremely common all around Northern California. Window tinting is a semi-permanent solution that will fix those problems.

What options are available with window tinting?

Residential window tinting comes in many forms today. This makes integrating it with your interior decorating plans easy.

Here are some options to consider when making your decorating plans:

Tinted window film can protect your privacy. If you have a window that seems to let everyone see inside, this window film is the answer. It offers a reflective view to anyone on the outside, ensuring they cannot see in. Inside the house, however, you can still get plenty of sun and see what is going on in the world.

For windows that don’t have any kind of view, decorative window tinting is an option. This film comes in a variety of patterns that allow soft light to come in, but blocks the view from both inside and out. Some of the patterns available include frosted, geometric shapes, window panes or bamboo. It is available in a variety of colors that you coordinate with your home’s color palette.

Large windows pose a real hazard during storms and earthquakes. Using security film is one way to keep your family safe during a natural disaster. The film adheres closely to the glass. If something breaks the glass, the film will keep it together, preventing shards from flying all about. It comes in all the patterns and colors of decorative film, just with the added safety factor.

When you are considering how to decorate your home, be sure to add window tinting to your plans. If you need advice on what options are available, call on the Bay Area window film experts at Daystar Window Tinting Inc.. They have been in the business for three decades and offer plenty of options for your home.

Your Business and Decorative Window Film

by | Aug 17, 2015 | Decorative Window Film, Privacy Window Film, Window Tinting

your-business-and-decorative-window-film

Having the windows of your business sized up for decorative window film may seem extraneous. Or, at least it does until you start to consider the benefits. Consider all the reasons it may be right for your business, and then decide whether it is still just a costly extra.

Energy Efficiency

When it comes to running a business, one of the chief concerns of course is lowering your bottom line. While decorative window films certainly add to the aesthetic quality of your business, the biggest draw has to be the energy savings you will realize quickly. During the summer, it is possible to see savings of around 40 percent, just by eliminating the heat gain coming in through your windows.

Overall, decorative window film reduces heat gain to the tune of 80 percent, allowing your HVAC system to work much more effectively and efficiently. Installing window film may also make your business eligible for certain tax rebates or other incentives.

Ditch the Drapes

In the past, drapes and blinds were the only way to control the amount of sunlight entering your business. They are just not as effective as decorative window films, however, at eliminating the UV rays and heat gain. Allowing natural light to fill your business creates a much more inviting atmosphere. You can also get rid of the blinds and drapes that discolor and misalign, while giving your whole business a cleaner and more uniform exterior appearance.

Increased Productivity

Eliminating the UV rays and harsh glare of natural light makes it easier to get work done as well. Trying to work near a window when the sun is shining directly can be a headache-inducing process. Window film cuts down the glare that can make computer screens almost unreadable, and also helps reduce eye strain in other areas. You also save your employees and customers from the damage the sun’s harmful rays can have on the rest of their bodies.

Getting the Right Look

Depending on the architecture of your building, decorative window tinting can also have a very aesthetic effect on your exterior. Maybe your business is in an older building and you’ve been worried about the effect that new, modern windows could have on the historic appeal of your building.

Decorative window film can also be a big part of a larger effort to increase the security of your business, by limiting what possible intruders can learn about you just by gazing in the windows. Good security window film even offers you protection against simple smash and grabs, increasing window strength and eliminating a broken pane as a point of entry.

No matter the reason, many business owners turn to decorative window film to solve both problems, making the workplace safer while enhancing the overall appearance.

If you haven’t seriously considered decorative window film for your business before now, perhaps it is time that you did. Weigh the positives it could mean for your customers and staff, and then contact our team. We can help you design a look for your establishment that looks good both in person and on paper.

Creating Privacy in the Bathroom with Window Film

by | Apr 13, 2015 | Decorative Window Film, Privacy Window Film, Window Tinting

creating-privacy-in-the-bathroom-with-window-film

One room in the home that everyone usually agrees requires a higher level of privacy from the outside world is the bathroom. When you want to ensure more privacy for your bathroom, one excellent option is privacy residential window film.

How it works

Window film is the application of a film on your windows, usually from the inside, applied using a mounting  solution. When applied by professionals, the film is measured and cut to the size of your window, the solution and tinting film are applied, and a squeegee used to remove the excess liquid and ensure a smooth finish.  After it dries, which is dependent upon the type of film and the weather, your tinting is completed.

Types of residential window film

When residential window film was first introduced to the market, there were only a few different types to choose from, one of which is the reflective tinting that can still be seen on some corporate buildings to this day. For residential use, however, many home owners prefer none reflective and usually see through film to preserve their views. There is a now a wide-range of products to choose from.

Depending on your level of privacy and your design needs, here are some privacy bathroom window tinting options:

Dark tinted window. When you want to emphasize the privacy element, using dark tinting will ensure that you have daytime and nighttime privacy.

Private to semi-private. You can always select from a range of decorative tinting if you don’t want to go with a darker color, or you can select within a range of possible colors to add some level of light into the bathroom space.

One-way mirror effects. This type of tinting is also known as observation glass. In the bathroom, you can see out, but people outside of the bathroom cannot see in. This effect is created by using a reflective solar film.

Window frosting. You can achieve 24-hour privacy with window tinting frosting. It has the added benefit of still allowing natural light to filter into your bathroom, while still blocking 99 percent of UV rays. Window frosting should also be safe to use with double pane windows.

Patterned opaque film. This is similar to frosting in that it gives you the privacy you require with some additional design elements. You can choose from a a variety of decorative pieces, or you can have a tinting that is custom cut to a design that you prefer. They also come in black opaque, which highlights your design even more.

Stained glass and color film. A popular choice for homeowners who love the look and privacy of stained glass without the expense, window tinting in a stain glass design is a welcome alternative. You can also use choose different colors for your privacy tinting to match your home’s window treatments or decor.