Creative Uses of Decorative Window Film

Do you want to get rid of the ugly view on your window? Have you ever dreamed of changing your windows into those stunning stained glass because your prying neighbor never seems to get tired from peeking inside your home? No, there is no need to do some major window overhaul. There is a quick and economical way to solve these problems-use a decorative window film.

A window film for decoration is a thin sheet of vinyl that you can apply to your windows to give an alluring look to it, to hide an unwanted view, or to keep your home’s privacy. It works like sunglasses as it blocks the sun’s harmful rays from entering into your home but still allows soft light to brighten your room. An environment-friendly decor, films for window help conserve energy-it keeps your room from warming up on summer days and maintains heat on winter months.

Here are some ways on how and where you can use window films:

• Use it the traditional way. Forget about your dust-gathering draperies and curtains and replace them with decorative window films. Various choices are available from stained glass films, to etched- and frosted films, to decorative accents and borders. You can also choose whether to cover your entire window, cover only the lower half of it, or accent your window with borders.

• Make your front door a center of attention. If you have a glass door, decorative films make a fantastic treatment for it. You can dress up the entire door or just design the edges and corners for a unique effect. You can also apply a centerpiece oval for a little privacy without covering the entire surface.

• Jazz up your French doors. Those multiple windows need not be so boring. Add color and elegance to these doors by applying deco tints or stained glass films.

• Use it on glass cylinders. Having a dinner party? Add some pizzazz to the night by decorating your glass cylinders with strips of window film. When you are done, just peel off the film.

• Liven up your mirrors. This might be the update that you are waiting for to liven up your old bathroom. Surround the mirror with decorative accents to add beauty and excitement to the room.

• Make sliding doors safe for everyone. Did you ever experience running into the sliding door without realizing that it is closed? To avoid other people, most especially the children, from experiencing this, cut out several even squares of decorative window film and apply it at even distances on each door.

• Privacy for your basement windows. You may not notice it but basement windows are prone to prying. Put it on your glass panes to keep prying eyes at bay.

• Have a glass sunroom? While sunrooms are great, they are not very welcome during the summer months. To help reduce heat and save energy, stick privacy films for windows on it during summer.

There are actually endless ideas on how you can creatively use window films other than beautifying your windowpanes. Look around your home. As long as there is a flat, non-porous, clear surface, there is a place for sticking a window film.

By Randall Freedman

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Innovations in Decorative Window Film

Decorative window film is the fastest growing window treatment available. This innovative covering provides privacy while allowing light to filter through the translucent film. It is perfect for any window in your home and comes in a variety of designs. This type of treatment is similar to the same tint that is used on car windows. The main difference is that some of the window film is easily removed and can be reused when cared for properly. It is one of the most inexpensive treatments on the market today.

Some types of film looks like stained glass. These are any type of film that uses different colors to create a design. They can be contemporary in style, abstract or have a floral design to them. Most of the stained glass versions are used on the front doors of home as well as on bathroom windows. More of the energy efficient variety are solar film, reflective or mirrored. Solar window film helps absorb the light coming through the window without allowing it to heat up your home. Mirrored film deflects the light only allowing a small amount to enter your home. Both are great for windows that face east and west.

All of the decorative window film is modern in their designs. Some offer self adhesive so they are easy to put in place, remove and reuse. They do not require sticky glue that makes it difficult to remove or leaves a sticky residue. With these films you can change the looks of your home with the changing of the seasons. They are perfect as a replacement for shutters or even sheers because they allow light to filter through them. This type of window treatment is available at a large number of retailers that sell home supplies. If you are unable to find it at your local hardware or home supply store, search the vast number of online retailers that offer it online.

There is even decorative film that is available for kitchen windows. Many of these are frosted or etched to give the appearance of frosted or etched glass. Most of the films will not fog up with condensation when cooking and they obstruct the view of onlookers while allowing a soft light from the window. They are easy to install but you do have to be careful when cutting the film. If the film is not cut precisely, you cannot add to it. It is best to leave it at least ¼” larger all the way around so you can trim it with a box cutter or exacto knife once it is in place.

Prices are relatively inexpensive. There are some designer films that will be remarkably more costly than others but in many cases they are still cheaper than drapes, shutters, blinds and shades. In some instances the cost will depend on the style and size of film you need. Films for a full panel glass door will naturally be more costly than those of a small window.

By Kevin Wynn

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Decorative Window Film – Make Your Windows Sparkle With Style

Using decorative window film is one of the easiest and most unique ways to give windows a makeover. With a variety of styles to choose from, it is no wonder that this amazing trend in window treatments is spreading so rapidly. As featured on popular design shows, it is easy to install and offers privacy without compromising a room’s décor. But its usefulness doesn’t stop there, as this film also offers an element of privacy and energy efficiency.

Modern window cling can be used to give windows a stained glass, etched glass or frosted glass effect without the high cost of replacing windows for the real thing. Also referred to as window wallpaper, this product can be ordered online or purchased at home improvement chains. Customers rave about the ease in which it can be applied. It can be purchased in large sheets and cut to the exact measurements, shape, or pattern of the window it will cover. Made of vinyl, it also is without need of toxic adhesives since it remains in place using static electricity.

Of the many reasons to use wallpaper for windows, the beauty it can add to windows and its ease of installation are only a few. Decorative window film is also an environmentally friendly choice for window treatments. The natural lighting that is allowed entrance to a room through the decorative film helps increase the room’s brightness without the need for additional lighting. Further, decorative window film filters UV rays and minimizes the heat that can become trapped in a room during warm weather. By insulating windows using a decorative film, energy bills are reduced.

Decorative window film is also an excellent choice for those who would like privacy, but still enjoy the refreshing feel of natural sunlight in a room. From the outside, all passersby see is the beautiful design featured on the film. At the same time, however, sunlight is allowed to pass through the film and fill the room. There is no glare to be concerned about and, even at nighttime as indoor lighting is used to illuminate a room, outsiders cannot see in. Wallpaper for windows offers full privacy during the day and night, all while offering freedom from additional blinds or draperies.

As it is not affected by humidity, steam or moisture, decorative window film is an excellent choice for windows all throughout the house, even in bathrooms. In fact, some designs are perfect for shower enclosures and can be used to help redecorate a bathroom in a flash. Though window film is a great decorating choice for small or large spaces, it is especially good for smaller spaces as curtains and blinds can make a room feel smaller, while decorating with window film has the exact opposite effect.

Those who have used decorative window film are deeply impressed with the concept of updating a room with such a simple design tool. With varying colors, styles and design choices, wallpaper intended for windows is a designer’s dream. Films are completely reusable, so they can even be transported when a homeowner relocates. With this option, the look and feel of a comfortable home can be recreated anywhere thanks to the unique styling of decorative window film.

By Jason L Harrison

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Window Film and Energy Conservation

Many today are jumping on the “Green” band wagon and switching over to alternative energy resources, recycling methods and energy conservation practices not only to save the environment but to save money. With so many great ideas out there, which one do you pick first to do the most good? The answer is simple, start with the items that affect your bank account first. That narrows the field, but what is a priority? The car, the waste, the electric bill? One particular way consumers can begin to save money is by the way the heat and cool their homes. Interested? Keep reading.

Window film has been around since the 1960′s and has been called everything from glass tinting to the purple wrinkled stuff you find on the car windows of yesteryear. Today that is no longer the case. Film technology has made leaps and bounds since the days of dyed films to metalized products that are not only more energy efficient, but don’t change color or buckle with time, come with abrasion resistant coatings and can block up to 99.9% of the UV that intrudes upon your personal environment. With the ability to bounce energy back into the home, whether it is heating or cooling, window film can make your home more efficient and reduce the amount of money you spend on living in a comfortable environment. How does it do this?

Many manufacturers are using metalized films made from a variety of metals like Titanium, Platinum, Nickel, Copper, Silver and Ceramic, most are composite blends. These products reflect energy back into the home, the very energy your pumping out, thus saving energy loss through clear glass. I know what you are thinking. You’re saying to yourself, “I have dual pane gas filled windows and they are the best on the market for energy control”. Your right, they are very good, but window film can make them even better. Most windows, even the high tech dual pane ones, lose energy. Window film acts like an insulating barrier to significantly reduce energy loss and increase the over all efficiency of the windows performance, thus making your HVAC system work less. Now that makes window film worth looking at.

So how do you choose which film is right for your home? Leave that to the professionals. Window film installation companies are professionally trained to examine your needs and select a product that is right for you and your home. This is a very important step since many homes today use dual pane glass and film selection is critical. Why? If the wrong film is selected for a dual pane glass, let’s say a non-reflective smoke film that is very dark, the heat absorption level rises to a very high temperature causing stress on the glass. The end result could be a thermal fracture of the glass or premature seal failure. However, using metalized films reduces the absorption level to a comfortable degree thus reducing the possibility of problems. I say reducing since there could be some hidden issues like a pre-existing crack or damaged seal. It happens.

Another advantage to have window film professionally installed is the warranty. Check with the salesman as to the type of warranty offered and who handles the claim if it is ever needed. Many give a “Limited Lifetime Warranty” and handle the claim through the manufacturer, some don’t. Be sure to select the product manufacturer wisely. this goes double for the installation company too. Be sure they have a long history with window film products and a good reputation with the film manufacturer. If there is some form of accreditation from the manufacturer for the installation company, see if they show this on their website or business card. This demonstrates a high level of professional achievement in most cases. Also, ask for references on other work they have done, both residential and commercial. Finally, ask lost of questions if you don’t know the answers. Knowledge is power and the masses need education.

So, want to save some money? Sure you do. Pick up the phone, call the local window film installation company and spend your money once. Yes, once. This is a product you do one time and forget about it until you either buy another home or replace the worn out windows.

By Kevin Bingham

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