Dear AT,
We have window in our bathroom right over the tub.
We applied window film to the panes and it looks very nice.
However, at night when the lights are on people outside can see our outlines through the window film.
Do you have any suggestions how we can maintain our bathroom privacy?
Thanks! Linda
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
newyork(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
Link To All Good Questions
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
newyork(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
Link To All Good Questions
Veronica & Keith's Handmade Chic 
The World's Ugliest Condo: The Big Bathroom Reveal 
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Hunslet Dinner Plate
A Beginner's Guide to Superb Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy Meals from a Wok
Homesteaders' Cocktail Recipe: Lovage Simple Syrup
Comments (9)
You need a more opaque window film - look for one that transmits a maximum amount of light, but allows for more privacy. DecorativeFilms.com has a lot of options & includes descriptions and photos of each type.
If you decide to go with a more substantial window treatment such as blinds or shutters you should keep in mind that those treatments made of real wood will most likely warp over time in a moist environment such as a bathroom. I would probably recommend something simple like the films suggested in the previous post, but if you do decide to go with a blind, make sure you purchase faux wood... they will hold up much better in the bathroom (and they'll be cheaper).
Good Luck.
BlindFINDER.com
"All you could ever want to know about window treatments."
I think your window treatment is fine - it's your lighting that's the issue.
If you put a light over the tub and use that one in the evenings, they won't be able to see "your outlines" because you won't be silhouetted from the light behind you any longer.
I have the exact same issue in my bathroom! I was actually going to go shopping later today for some fabric for making curtains. Like you, I put a window film up -- in our bath, it's on the bottom pane only. I'm going to make curtains that I'll put on a tension rod. The curtains will be open most of the time, but we'll close them when needed.
Another option for you might be putting up a hanging plant in the window or a potted plant on the sill. Perhaps he coverage may be sufficient?
Anyway, good luck! And the film looks beautiful, by the way!
Two words: Glass Blocks
I have these on the full length of my shower wall. They have a "blurred vision" look while letting in the sun light. I just bought a place in Harlem that was fully restored. One of the reasons I loved this place was the bathroom. If it were not for these my bathroom would look smaller and dark. I believe they are not that expensive but would require installation. I am happy to send a photo of my bathroom if you want!
If all else fails, instal a rod in the window, throw a cool shower curtain on it and pull it back when you are out of the shower to let in the light!
Put up a curtain - thats what they're for!
the umbra ziggy blind might work....it is accordion-pleated so that when drawn up, it virtually disappears, and it can be cut to fit your window
http://www.umbra.com/ustore/product/234740/c660/ziggy_blind.html
If you have a good figure, why not show off your outline? Think James Bond girl...
I use curtains on just the bottom half of the windows. That way we still get plenty of light in the day and views are blocked. A tension rod looks like it would work well with your window. In my case I used standard curtains, mine were from Urban Outfitters and hemmed them to the length I wanted.