12 Surprising Design Uses for Window Film and Appliqués

Practical, Pretty Glass Surfaces

When drapes feel like a drag, nosy neighbors move in next door, or your kitchen cabinets are a mess, window film may be the answer to your problems. Take note of The Snug’s video tutorial on how to put on window film, which provides clear and concise guidance on how to apply non-adhesive and static cling window tints so they won’t budge.

Add a Frosted View for Bathroom Privacy

That salvage yard find will do just fine for your powder room with the addition of window film. Make doors with gracious glass panels work for a half bath by applying frosted film that offers a mere glimpse of the charming wallpaper within.

Our Recommendation: rabbitgoo Frosted Silk Translucent Window Cling, 35.4-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $27 on Amazon

Mimic the Look of Etched Glass

Acid-etched glass—which became popular in the mid-1800s as a way to shield bar patrons from view—elevates a plain front door.

Get more ideas for adding old-house charm on a budget.

Improve Your Home’s Daytime Privacy

The handsome sidelights on your Craftsman-style door are a great accent that also happens to give passersby an unwelcome peek inside your home. Put yourself at ease by installing decorative window film that won’t detract from your entryway’s scheme.

Our Recommendation: rabbitgoo Fractionated Glass Window Privacy Film, 17.5-inch by78.7-inch roll; About $11 on Amazon

Ornate Faux Stained Glass

Stained-glass windows are salvage gold, with many reuse possibilities, like serving as doors for a stylish bar cabinet. Add some of the beauty of stained glass—without the soldered lead rods and colorful pieces of glass found in the real deal—by sticking on film that copies the look. Perhaps you’ll love it enough to invest in actual salvaged stained glass.

Shown: Magnolia Decorative Static Cling Window Film by Artscape, 24-by-36-inch roll; About $24 at The Home Depot

Obscure Kitchen Cabinet Contents

Glass-front cabinets may make some people feel self-conscious. Hide mismatched dinnerware and chipped mugs by applying this gently obscuring frosted window film.

Our Recommendation: Coavas Silver Silk Glass and Window Film, 35.4-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $34 on Amazon

Provide Gentle Light Diffusion for Charming Windows and Doors

As seen in our Save This Old House column, ornate trim is a major selling point of fixer-uppers. When photographer Melissa and her husband purchased a 130-year-old Italianate, in Hudson, Wisconsin, they wanted to keep the focus on the gracious antique windows while preventing UV rays from damaging the refinished floors. So they opted for sun-control window treatment to let the windows and the landscape they frame take center stage.

Our Recommendation: Coavas Smokey Sun Control Window Film, 17.5-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $14 on Amazon

Turn a Surface Into a One-Way Mirror

A kitchen sink window overlooking the yard gives a chance to watch over playing kids, but also gives nosy neighbors a peek inside. Get a covert view by installing reflective, one-way window film on an exterior window for an eagle-eye view with privacy.

Our Recommendation: WPCTEV One-Way Mirror Window Film, 17.5-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $14 on Amazon

Create a Soothing, Nature-Inspired Look

Create a relaxing vibe with a soft look. This film imitates atmospheric rice-paper panels.

Our Recommendation: Coavas Silver Silk Glass and Window Film, 35.4-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $34 on Amazon

Cover Half a Window

Get the best of both worlds—a little solitude and unfiltered natural light—by covering only the bottom half of a window with decorative film.

Our Recommendation: Windimiley Geometric Frosted Glass Window Film, 35.4-inch by 157.5-inch roll; About $62 on Amazon

Deck Out Interior Windows

Add covetable architectural elements to plain interior windows with appliques that create a leaded-glass look.

Our Recommendation: VELIMAX Black Lattice Decorative Window Cling, 35.4-inch by 157.4-inch roll; About $53 on Amazon

Give a Shower Door Some Privacy

An expansive glass shower may have been a great design statement for a couple to make but now that it’s become a shared family bath—not so much. Make morning prep more private by enhancing your glass doors with a roll of matte, frosted glass film.

Our Recommendation: Coavas Frosted White Privacy Window Film, 17.5-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $15 on Amazon

Highlight a Window With Colorful Corners

A wall full of windows can provide a view, or they can provide a view. Fake a pricey focal point by sticking colorful, attention-grabbing appliques in the corners.

Our Recommendation: DKTIE UV-Blocking Stained Glass Window Film, 35.4-inch by 78.7-inch roll; About $40 on Amazon