Create Privacy Without Curtains With This Affordable And Stylish Window Treatment

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Curtains, drapes, blinds, shades. There are window coverings in so many styles, colors, and textures that it can be hard to decide which to use and where. If your primary use for window coverings is to provide privacy rather than to make a design statement, there might be another solution. Window film adds privacy while hugging the glass directly, removing the need for calculations about drapery rod sizes or curtain lengths. Prismatic window film, specifically designed to reflect rainbow patterns into the room when light is shining through it, adds a magical touch.

Prismatic window film is made from durable vinyl that you apply directly to the glass in your windows. It's easy to use and comes in a variety of patterns to fit your style, so you can almost instantly have shimmering rainbows dancing through the rooms of your home. Prismatic film comes in single sheets or rolls of varying sizes, and prices range from under $10 for smaller pieces to $50 for a piece large enough for a sliding door. When you're shopping for prismatic film, keep in mind that patterned choices will obscure your view out the window. Some plain "smart" films do not, but they are much more expensive, starting around $37 per square foot.

Some film brands are electrostatic while others are self-adhesive. Electrostatic films are easier to install and remove because the properties of the material make it stick to the glass without glue. They're usually thicker than adhesive films and can simply be pulled off. Thinner adhesive films, on the other hand, have glue on one side. They're harder to install and remove, but they may appear more glass-like than electrostatic film. Adhesive films also have a longer lifespan, five to 15 years, when compared to electrostatic films, which last around two years.

Replacing your window coverings with prismatic window film, sometimes called rainbow film or holographic film, is a straightforward process. Measure the size of the window or individual windowpanes, cut the film to fit with an extra inch or two on each side, and either press it into place or glue it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lastly, smooth the film to remove bubbles and trim the edges. Whichever method your film calls for, always start with a squeaky-clean window. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it down to prevent lint.

Prismatic window films do more than add visual interest to your home environment. They block 84% of ultraviolet A rays (UVA) and 99% of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB), which not only protects you, it also protects your furniture from fading. You can use prismatic film wherever you want to add privacy to the windows in a room, but its special properties make it a fun addition to a child's room, where changing colors and rainbow patterns create a wonderland effect. Removable film is renter-friendly since it can be installed and taken down without fear of violating the lease.

Prismatic window film is great for adding privacy and still letting light in, but you should be aware that most window films don't provide complete privacy at night when the lights are on inside your house and it's dark outdoors. If you're using it in a room where that matters, like the bathroom, you'll need an additional window covering like a curtain.