Ditch Boring Blinds: There's A More Beautiful Solution That Adds Privacy To Windows

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Basic blinds with horizontal slats aren't doing much to add style to your room, hence the popularity of drapes, valances, and window scarves. However, when it comes to choosing the best window treatments for your privacy needs, you don't have to sacrifice style. That's where these DIY lace window films come in. With water, cornstarch, lace fabric, and a few craft tools, you can make a privacy film that adheres to the window pane. It instantly blocks the view of outsiders while still allowing sunlight to filter in.

Think of lace window films as a modern take on cafe curtains. You get the vintage look of lace but without the traditional flowy fabric. Better yet, this project is also renter-friendly. If you want to change the lace with the season or give your windows a deep clean, simply remove the lace with soap and warm water. Wipe the solution on the fabric, and it should easily come off without any damage to the glass. This project is even a great way to spruce up glass kitchen cabinets and hide functional but not aesthetically pleasing dishware. Further, if lace is too grandmacore for your taste, you can use other lightweight fabrics or even repurpose old bedsheets.

Unfortunately, this window covering can't handle much more than a dusting, so it's not ideal for areas where it's subjected to excess dirt and grime. However, because it's so chic and easy to install, it might be worth throwing the fabric into the washer and reinstalling it whenever it needs a refresh.

First, ensure the window is clean and dry. Your favorite glass cleaner and microfiber cloth will do. Measure the glass window panel and cut the lace fabric to match. Then, make the cornstarch paste that will act as the glue. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a paste. This mixture then gets dissolved in 1 ½ cups of boiling water. The end result should be thick and goopy like craft glue.

Now, brush the cornstarch glue onto the window glass — enough so it's fully covered, but not to the point of dripping. Then, attach the lace fabric on the glass. For large windows, it helps to start from one corner and gently unroll the lace across the glass, pressing it in place as you go. Because lace is an openwork fabric, you don't have to worry about air bubbles getting trapped underneath as with traditional film. Finally, brush another layer of cornstarch glue on top of the lace. Keep in mind that the homemade glue will appear white at first, but it will turn clear when it's completely dry. That's it! Now you know how to successfully turn any window into a feature.

As an alternative, you can forgo the cornstarch glue for tape like, Art3d Double-Sided Mounting Tape. It'll be easier to remove the lace for cleaning, and the tape will adhere to the glass and fabric just fine, so you can simply add a piece to the four corners of the window pane. You won't get the same flushed, film look, but the fabric will do its job of adding style and shielding your interior from wandering eyes.