apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have small basement windows with a nasty view.
The films are fantastic (good quality, easy to put on, great selection), but since my windows are tiny, and I have the need for weird cut outs (for dryer venting, etc.) they didn't look that great on my windows.
Instead, I made light weight frames and covered them in rice paper.

I did a faux stained glass on my bathroom window. Lay the leading down and then fill in the spaces between with a paint. Everyone actually thinks that the windows ARE stained glass until they get up close to them.

I used reflective film on my South-facing set of windows in Southern California, mostly to protect everything inside from the roaring glare of the sun. It provides total privacy from the beachgoing throng outside during the daytime; at night I have to close the blinds or be an exhibitionist.

The film has only the slightest darkening effect in the room, nothing to speak of, and certainly worth the benefits.

You could go to an art supply store and pick up a bottle of matte medium. If you sponge it on the window you will achieve a translucent look. More coats = more opaque. You can also put a design either by embedding something thin into the matte medium once it is on the window, (ie. tissue paper, skeletal leaves, etc.), or mask off a design with contact paper and peel it off after the medium drys to reveal clear areas.

Ikea has some inexpensive application film. I think they have 3 designs - not as cool as pictured but some one creative might be able to mirror the designs. I have the plain. I originally put it up when I moved in and was without window coverings. My two large bay windows have a lovely view of the neighbors- inlcuding 4 patios, and many more windows. It worked fabulously- and I loved the light coming in so much once I got window coverings,I have kept the film up- OH by the way they are not permanent, super easy to apply; a little soap and water and a squeegee.