The paint? Perfect. The accessories? Impeccable. The view out the window? Cringe inducingly bad. But covering up the windows with curtains would be fussy. Window film peels. Here's another option:
Why not consider replacing the glass panes in your window with mirror? Especially in an older home, with multi-paned french windows, replacing the lower panes with mirror not only helps to block an ugly view but helps to bounce light around a small space. If you rent, consider having mirror cut to fit and "glue" it onto the window with museum putty. This is an especially good trick in a small bathroom or kitchen with a view out a back alley, ugly side street or directly across from a neighbor's curious eyes.
[image: Martin Drylov for Bolig Magazine]
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This is a good idea, but destroys the true benefit of a window: letting in natural light...
Interesting idea, but I think I'd rather have the bad view.
This is a GREAT IDEA. I wish I had had this suggestion with my last bath. The upper window was a great view, but the lower, not so much. I ended up hanging curtains over the lower half, but this would have been SO much better. And having mirrors cut to shape and size would have been so inexpensive. I like it!
Also, an Idea, possibly take an older window frame replace the panes with mirrors and make kind of a shutter on hinges. This way you can still open up if you felt the need for the natural light ? Just a thought....
I wouldn't mind doing the bottom half with mirrors and leaving the top as-is. Another great idea...thanks AT :)
what about using plexi 2-way security mirror? it would still filter in light yet provide the privacy and obscure some of that view as well....
just a thought..
While I like the idea of a mirror inside the bathroom, I have to wonder, if it's a mirror inside, what does it look like from outside? The back of a mirror isn't the best looking and if the window is visible from the street, your yard or from your neighbors, you should probably think about how you are affecting that view. Any thoughts on how to treat the outside?
"If your view is a brick wall, you get very little light from the window."
You might be surprised...
"if it's a mirror inside, what does it look like from outside?"
Black
I personally would do half or 3/4s of the window (of the one pictured above).
losing ALL of the light would be a mistake.....but if you can obscure the view and still let in some natural light, then this could work
Let's not forget that tempered glass windows are NOT the same as plates of mirrored glass. Unless your window is in a very light shaft sheltered from the elements and living at the equator, you're likely to end up with very cold room, and possible shattered glass.
I'd use one way or two way mirrored film over the glass.
I really wish the AT editors would research their ideas a little more before posting.
I use frosted glass film to let the light in and block the ugly out. It's worked out great.
i love the idea of the 2 way mirror film!
I had a kitchen door with six panes, and the neighbors could see right in. I used glaze on the panes, the same type of glaze that is mixed with paint for faux finishes, but I used it straight. It dried to a murky white and let in light. VERY inexpensive solution.
I was just about to share this when I saw Team Decor's above comment: http://lifehacker.com/399731/increase-your-privacy-with-16-diy-window-frosting
This is really easy and inexpensive and comes off in a snap when you want it to. Perfect renter's solution. We used painter's tape to block out a geometric design and then painted and removed the tape (leaving the 1" lines between squares unpainted). We also left the top portion unpainted because it felt claustrophobic otherwise.
Really great solution for those concerned about light and heat! Or removing it when you move or get sick of it.
I would not replace the natural light with a mirror. Simple stained glass would be a beautiful solution. For a cheap solution I would use cling film for windows.
If it is such a big window and the mirror is only at the bottom like in the picture, it looks OK, because it also provides a mirror for the basin.
This looks like the "after" shot. It has already been entirely enclosed. I wonder if opinions would change if we had seen the before shot?
I do like the stained glass idea!
"window film peels" what? (does no one read their posts on AT anymore before publishing them?) I don't think they're terribly fussy and they allowed me to take down gross blinds in my apt.'s bathroom and get sooooo much light privacy. Plus this option is way cheaper, and less fussy, than literally replacing panes of glass with mirror....
I think this is better.
http://www.blinds.com/control/product/productID,8772
Tho' I have a lovely view from my bath- I do not want my neighbors to have a lovely view of me in the buff. I have a similar cellular- the opaque part comes up from the bottom- I can keep all the way up or down or halfway up. The sheer part will mitigate any view while letting in light and the opaque part when all the way up, creates total privacy.
There are quite a few brands out there that maake similar styles.