Selecting window treatments means carefully balancing form and function. You want window shades that compliment your decor yet offer the privacy, energy efficiency, and light control that you need. Sometimes that balance can be frustrating as you have to sacrifice one or the other to find a compromise. This is particularly true when balancing privacy and light.



Shutters or wood blinds offer full privacy at the expense of light, while sheer window shades let the light in but may give neighbors too much of a view.

The creative use of window films can supplement the privacy control that window blinds provide while still providing an attractive appearance. With privacy taken care of, you now have broader options in your window treatment choices.

Window Films Provide Privacy

Although films also add to the room's decor and provide light control, the main reason homeowners choose them is for privacy. They are a perfect choice for windows that face the street or a neighbor's yard, providing protection from prying eyes while letting in plenty of natural light. They are also a great option for a window that has an unappealing view.

Most people's experiences with window films are the dark ones used on car windows. Home and business owners have many more choices than just dark shades. These treatments come in many colors, opacities, and textures to fit with any decor and any choice of window shades.

And that is how films work best, when used in conjunction with complimentary window blinds or shades. Normal window coverings can be used for control of light or energy efficiency without sacrificing privacy.

Getting Imaginative with Windows

Films can be applied just to part of the window, offering privacy without blocking a breathtaking mountain view. They can be cut into decorative shapes allowing even more creativity for the homeowner, giving the appearance of etched glass without the cost.

Some homeowners change films to match the season or the holiday. Although the treatments have lengthy warranties, they can be removed easily to change the decor at a whim.

Beyond typical frosted styles, window films also come in reflective patterns that block people looking in without obstructing the outward view. These are more common in businesses than homes, but still have found their use in residential decor.

Films Are Best When Partnered With Window Blinds

One of the few downsides to films over window blinds is that blinds can be opened and closed frequently. The films, while easy to remove, are not something that you would remove every day. That makes them ideal for windows where you want a permanent or semi-permanent privacy block but not so much for windows that you sometimes want unobstructed.

Windows with films still need window blinds or shades for full control so the total window treatment will cost a bit more. However they can greatly expand the functional choices you have for windows so can be a real benefit to any home or business.