Author: EB

 

If you love the look of a medieval interior but you’re not sure how to replicate it at home, or you live in a period property and want to decorate in a way that celebrates the history of the property, it can be tricky to get right.

It can be expensive to replicate the look of a medieval interior too – after all everything was handcrafted, made to measure and solid back then – so if you’re looking to do it on a budget, it’s important to balance out cost with the finished look. Here’s everything you need to know about this interior style that’s rooted in history, but with modern options.

Medieval lighting

Mention medieval lighting, and your first thought is probably traditional candlelight, chandeliers or stone hallways lit by burning torches. While real flame lighting looks incredible, modern lighting is way safer and more energy efficient. You can get the medieval lighting look in a more modern way with energy efficient LED candles and chandelier lights. This means you get the medieval ambiance without compromising on modern comforts.

Patterned window film

Windows play a huge part in defining the character of medieval interiors. However, intricate stained glass windows can be seriously expensive, tricky to maintain and – if you ever change your mind – an absolute pain to change back. To achieve this look without all of the above, window film is the perfect choice to get the look – especially our medieval window film collection. With harlequin, coat of arms, stained glass and traditional scenes there are designs that work with all types of property, or you can even create your own custom design.

Solid furniture

Back in medieval times, furniture was handmade, solid and pretty chunky. Luckily, you can still get this look in modern furniture as rustic, solid styles have been on trend for a while now. Go for pieces made out of natural wood with dark metal joins and solid shapes – even better if it’s been crafted by hand. There are also touches like wood carvings and chair shapes that can give a nudge towards medieval without it feeling like you live in a castle (unless that’s the look you’re going for).

Play with pattern and texture

No two medieval households were alike, thanks to the use of luxurious materials like linen, wool and silk. However, there were trends, usually defined by what royalty were doing at the time, but because of the lack of a mass market, things were a lot more individualised.

When implementing patterns and textures, you should look for handmade and patterned wall coverings, cushions and home accessories. Go for rich colours, fabrics that were available at the time (think sumptuous silks and linens) and a hand sewn feel for the medieval look.

Get the medieval interiors look

If medieval interiors is your thing, window film is a great place to start. You can be as creative as you want, without blowing your budget or having to commit long term. Get in touch with Purlfrost today to start transforming your home into a medieval haven.

Victorian interiors are a classic style that people still love today. It’s all about rich colours, space and high ceilings. If you want to get the distinctive Victorian aesthetic in your modern home, here’s everything you need to know about this interior style.

What is Victorian interior design?

Victorian interior design is an aesthetic rooted in the 19th-century Victorian era. This style was characterised by patterns and textures, jewel tones inspired by gemstones and attention to detail. Victorian homes often feature high ceilings and large windows, embracing both architectural and interior design elements. 

Maximalist touches like wallpaper, chandeliers, tapestries, damask, wainscoting and dramatic window treatments were all part of the look. And large stained glass windows with ornate designs were a big part of this.

The history of Victorian interior design

During Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to mass production, making decorative products more accessible to the middle class. Victorian architecture gained popularity, inspiring people to seek or incorporate Victorian features in their homes. People still look for Victorian properties with original features when they choose properties today, wowed by the design of these homes.

Characteristics of Victorian interior design

Victorian interior design is all about luxe, richness, texture and detail. Details like parquet flooring, rich upholstery and dramatic window treatments are all synonymous with Victorian interiors. Wallpapers adorned with intricate patterns (like florals, damask or geometric patterns), ornate chandeliers and tapestries are all examples of opulent Victorian interior design too.

Extravagant furniture, especially heavier pieces with detailing like velvet, brocade, tassels and fringe are also part of Victorian interiors. Carvings and detailing are also hallmarks of elaborate Victorian interiors – especially if there were Gothic revival influences, paired with antiques and collectibles. The Victorians also loved to put a grand fireplace in their home, out of necessity as well as a design element to focus on. 

Within the Victorian era, there were different phases such as Early Victorian (1837-1860), Mid-Victorian or High Victorian (1860-1880), and Late Victorian (1880-1901), each with its own variations in design trends. They also mixed influences from different periods of time for an eclectic design feel.

How to implement Victorian interior design

Want to add some Victorian touches into your home without it feeling like a museum? There are some easy ways to get the Victorian feel into your home, with a modern twist.

Choosing to use core pieces that are inspired by Victorian interiors can help you to get that Victorian feel. Think opulent, patterned wallpaper or heavy furniture in dark wood with intricate designs. You can also look to make more of a feature of your fireplace, in the same way that the Victorians did. Instead of going for a flat, minimalist design go for a fireplace that’s carved, designed and made out of traditional materials.

Don’t be scared to mix and match influences either. Mixing a little Victorian style with modern pieces is a truly Victorian approach. They regularly mixed and matched pieces from different eras in their interiors, so there’s no reason why you can’t do this too.

They also didn’t choose lots of clashing colours, but instead preferred to use rich tones to accent and complement one another. You should pick a couple of colours for your room to centre around to avoid colour clashes. , think about different textures and materials too – damask and upholstery were popular in the Victorian period.

How can window film help you achieve a Victorian interior design?

Window film can help you to get that opulent Victorian feel without having to splash out on real stained glass windows and their maintenance. Heritage window films are an affordable way to get that decorative Victorian feel without the long term commitment. If you’re renovating your period property on a budget, then patterned window film is an ideal option.

Heritage patterned options haveemerged as a budget-friendly solution to achieve the stained glass window aesthetic synonymous with Victorian design. Purlfrost offers a variety of heritage patterned window films, allowing you to elegantly transform your windows without the cost of implementing actual stained glass. 

Explore Purlfrost’s period window films to see how you can implement Victorian styles in your home.

Stained glass is still popular today, and for good reason. People love the look of this ornate, expertly-crafted glass, especially in a period property. However, real stained glass usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag. It needs ongoing maintenance too, and isn’t always as efficient as more modern methods of glazing. This means that stained glass windows can be really expensive.

However, there are some ways that you can get the stained glass look on a budget. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to achieve a stained glass effect on your windows.

Window film

Window film is a seriously cost-effective alternative to stained glass. It’s easy to apply, comes in a range of designs – you can even create your own – and doesn’t need extensive ongoing maintenance. You can create intricate, detailed designs that look just like stained glass and allow the light to shine through.

However, you can apply window film to modern windows so you get the look of stained glass, without the downsides. Whether you’re looking for Victorian stained glass, art deco or something abstract, there are a range of stained glass window films available. Plus, this way you can change designs so that your decor stays up to date without the prohibitive cost.

Paint or markers

For a hands-on approach, you can try using acrylic craft paint, glass paint or enamel paint to recreate the stained glass look. You need a steady hand and an ability to be patient as it can be pretty labour-intensive to recreate your designs in this way.

Start by thoroughly cleaning the window to remove grease or dust. Next, use tape to outline the design you want, creating something that looks a bit like a stencil. You need to make sure that you do this carefully. Paint within the taped boundaries, making sure that the colours stay vibrant and distinct. This DIY method allows you to customise your windows, but it isn’t always a quick fix. If art’s your thing then this might be a project that you actually enjoy doing.

Faux-lead adhesive strips

Replicate the appearance of traditional leaded stained glass windows with faux-lead adhesive strips. This budget-friendly option is easy to apply and customise to create the designs you’re looking for. Simply cut the strips to match the size and design of your windows. 

It’s a simple but effective way to get a look of stained glass without the costs involved. It can be tricky and does require attention to detail, as well as the dexterity to add the pieces to your design.

Transform your windows for less with stained glass window film from Purlfrost.

 

Have you ever noticed that your furniture looks a little bit faded? This can be caused by constant exposure to sunlight, even through your windows. You’ll notice it if you have furniture where one piece of it is regularly exposed to the sun – it’ll look lighter.

If you’re looking for a solution to fading interiors, then window film can help. Here’s everything you need to know about how window film can prevent fading.

What causes furniture to fade?

Sunlight, while essential for creating a bright and inviting living space, can wreak havoc on your furniture. Sunlight hitting furniture, upholstery and carpets regularly can effectively “bleach” the colour out of your furniture. 

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are the most common reason for furniture fading. They can penetrate through windows and cause the most damage to the colours of your furniture. The everyday light we see also plays a significant role in fading too, gradually altering the colours of your furnishings. Solar heat caused by sunlight also contributes to faster fading.

How does window film prevent fading?

Window film acts as a UV filter, preventing these harmful rays from penetrating your windows and safeguarding the vibrancy of your furniture. It also reduces glare, which can accelerate fading, giving you a dual-layer of protection for your furniture.

By effectively blocking UV rays and reducing glare, window film ensures long-term protection against fading. Solar window film can help with heat reduction, glare reduction and UV control so that your furniture stays looking good for longer.

Other benefits of window film

While preventing fading is a big advantage of window film, there are other benefits too. Solar window film can help you reduce energy costs and consumption as well as protect from fading. They can also help you create more privacy in your living space, so you can enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy.

Window film also comes in different patterns and styles. This can seriously add to the aesthetics of your home and if you fancy a change to your decor, you can easily change your window films. They’re easy to apply and remove but stay in place as long as you need them to. Window film is a budget-friendly option, especially compared to specialist glass or designs. 

Ready to shield your furniture from the fading effects of sunlight? Find out more about our range of window film.

Living with reactive pets can be stressful for you, your pets and your neighbours. If you have dogs who bark at every passerby or cats that are constantly reacting to what’s going on outside, it can be disruptive at any time of day..

There’s a simple and effective solution to reactive pets in the home – window film. Discover the difference that a window film from Purlfrost can make when you’re dealing with reactive pets in our guide to both.

Understanding reactive pets

Reactive pets, as the term suggests, are animals that react strongly and often negatively to various stimuli in their environment. Common reactive behaviours include excessive barking, growling, scratching, or even destructive actions. 

These triggers, ranging from the neighbour’s dog to passing strangers, can create a whirlwind of stress and anxiety for our pets, leading to big disruptions to our homes’ peace and harmony. A variety of different things can trigger these reactions, but one common source of stress for reactive pets is what they see through windows.

The role of visual triggers

Visual triggers from the outside world can be a major source of agitation for reactive pets. The mere sight of other animals or strangers passing by the glass window can send them into a frenzy of barking or hissing. The stress and anxiety caused by these triggers can take a toll on your pet’s wellbeing and contribute to behavioural problems, as well as disrupting your day and possibly upsetting the neighbours too.

Window film as a solution

This is where window film comes to the rescue. Window film can effectively reduce visual triggers for reactive pets. It acts as a shield, obscuring the view from the outside while still allowing natural light to flood your living spaces. There are different types of window film options available to suit your home, style and needs, including frosted window film, patterned window film,and privacy window film. All of these can help to calm your reactive pets by blocking triggers from their line of sight.

Benefits of using window film for reactive pets

Using window film has different benefits for you, your pets and your home. They can help give you and your pets a sense of calm and security. Here’s how window film can benefit your reactive pets:

• It helps to block out visual triggers, leading to fewer reactions from your pets, and less disruption to your home/.
• Window films don’t block light from your living space in the same way that curtains and blinds do.
• Plenty of designs to fit the aesthetic and feel of your home, you don’t need to compromise on your taste when dealing with reactive pets, and you can even customise your design.
• Easy to apply, change and update as needed.
• Fits any shape or size of the window.
• Window films stay in place whether you’re at home or not, so you don’t need to worry about your pets or neighbours being stressed out while you’re at work.

Installation and placement

Proper installation and placement of window film are both important, luckily it’s easy to apply and full instructions come with every set of window film. Install the film on windows in living areas where your pets spend most of their time. 

Follow our easy window film installation video and instructions for a DIY solution to reactive pets that’s easy to master.

Additional tips for managing reactive pets

Handling reactive pets at home can be a challenging situation, but it can be managed. As well as applying window film to any sources of triggers, you can use positive reinforcement, look at moving your pets into a different room and staying consistent. Try to avoid punishment for reactiveness as this can increase anxiety and fear.

Making sure that your pet has enough training, exercise and mental stimulation can help with reactive behaviour too. If it continues to be a problem, is really severe or it’s causing a lot of distress to your pet, then speak to your vet. They can help diagnose underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments or medications.

Remember that every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take time and experimentation to find the right strategies to help your reactive pet live a happy and stress-free life at home.

Safety and health considerations

To ensure your pet’s safety and wellbeing, consider some key safety and health considerations when using window film. Proper ventilation and temperature control are crucial, as window film can affect indoor climate. Additionally, always choose pet-safe window film products to prevent any potential health risks (all of ours are safe)

Window film is a valuable addition to any strategy for managing reactive pets. By reducing visual triggers and creating a more peaceful environment, you can greatly improve your pet’s wellbeing and quality of life. Window film from Purlfrost is an easy and effective solution for creating a peaceful and stress-free environment for you and your furry friends.

Get The Whole Family Involved

“Decorating for Halloween is a full (Adams…) family affair! It’s a great excuse to get the whole family involved – Halloween crafts can be fun for all ages. If you have younger children, doing activities appropriate for small hands can be really fun, creating spooky finger paintings or colouring! For those a little older, pumpkin carving or painting is a great activity and can be on show during the spooky season.

 

Don’t Shy Away From Your Windows

“For a more unique type of Halloween decor, get creative with window stickers to add a spooky addition to the inside and outside of your home. Easy to install and remove, the window film adds an eerie touch. For those out trick or treating, create a windowscape using the stickers to create a scary but inviting silhouette!

 

Work With What You Have Got

“The window stickers aren’t just for windows. Those wanting to be a little more creative can look for ways to add further decoration throughout the home. From glass jars, mirrors and hanging pictures. A great activity for the whole family; let your imagination run wild and try them out on any smooth, non-porous surface including metal, plastics and laminates, painted and varnished woods, as well as walls.”

 

Be Obvious You Are Involved

“Pumpkins aren’t just for decorative use but actually symbolise the welcoming of trick-or-treaters. If you are happy to welcome local door knockers, don’t forget to get your pumpkin on the windowsill and stock up on your snacks!”

 

Be seated at a scary tablescape

“Create a spooky dining experience by extending the decorative touches to a Halloween-themed tablescape. Easy tips for sprucing up your table could include using mini pumpkins and squashes along the table runner – these can then be used post-Halloween in a delicious autumnal soup. Other easy additions include napkins, table runners and cloths. If you are feeling really creative, hop on Pinterest to find a selection of spooky recipes to impress your guests.

 

Find out how one way window film can create a comfy and secure living space, without blocking natural light.

Whether you’re renting or you own your own home, you may not always want passersby looking through your windows. However, it can be difficult finding the balance between stopping people from staring through your windows without blocking natural light.

 In this blog we explore a few ways you can prioritise window safety, and the benefits that come with it.

Why is window privacy important?

The importance of window privacy can vary based on your own preferences, location and circumstances. It’s always advisable to strike a balance between privacy and natural light to create a comfortable and inviting living environment where you still feel safe and secure.

Window privacy can often help you feel much safer in your own home, and can leave you

with peace of mind that your belongings aren’t on show to the public. Window privacy solutions such as window film is important because it protects your possessions from UV rays, gives you another level of protection and privacy and can reduce energy consumption.

Here are 4 benefits of installing window film

1.An added level of protection

Window film prevents outsiders from observing your home and activities without consent, ensuring security and safeguarding personal space. Residential window film can also stop harmful UV rays from bleaching your belongings.

2.Feeling more comfortable at home

The most obvious benefit of window film is the privacy it offers. When the outside world can’t look in, you can relax and enjoy your home without fear of being watched or judged, creating a sanctuary where you can be yourself. Window film can also reduce glare from the sun, which can make it difficult to see computer screens and TV screens.

3.Energy efficiency

When installed properly, residential window film can reduce heating bills by 30%, as they retain 55% more heat during the winter. Window treatments can also regulate sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption even further. As the cost of energy continues to increase, this is something everyone can benefit from.

4.Security

Window privacy adds an extra layer of security by deterring potential burglars or intruders from easily assessing your home.

How to improve privacy

If you want to improve your home’s privacy, there are a few window covering solutions to suit different lifestyles and tastes. Find out more about how to choose the right window treatments to suit your needs in our latest blog.

Frosted and patterned window films

Frosted window film is a stylish way to make your home more private, without it affecting the light or feel of your home. It’s affordable, durable and easy to apply – but it doesn’t let you see outside as clearly as some other options, so if you still want a clear view of what’s going on outside your home then there might be a different type of window covering that’s better for you. You can also get patterned window films too, which are sheer but have an overlaid pattern on them for privacy and aesthetic reasons.

Window blinds or shades

Privacy blinds or shades let you see outside when they’re open, while keeping things private once they’re closed. However, this means that when they’re closed you won’t be able to see outside and your living space will be dark. It also means that when they’re open, everyone passing by can see into your home.

Sheer curtains or drapes

Sheer curtains or drapes look great but they have the same issues as window blinds and shades. They keep things more private when they’re closed, but they also obscure your view and mean that people can probably see in too. You can choose different colours, fabrics and thicknesses depending on what you want but these will always have an impact on the look and feel of your home.

Mirror window films

Mirror window films, also known as one way window films or reflective window films, are the best thing to use if you want to stop people from seeing in while still letting them see out. Passers-by can’t see in during the day – it just shows a mirror-like effect on the outside – but you can see out easily, and your light isn’t obscured in any way. If you add curtains to your mirror window films, you can keep it private and cosy at night too.

Window privacy screens

Window privacy screens or panels are decorative screens that can be installed permanently or used as temporary solutions. You can get them in different materials, like wood, metal or fabric, and can be customised to match your home’s aesthetic. They do tend to obscure your view as well as stopping people from looking inside your home.

The best option for privacy without blocking your view

The window cover for privacy

A mirror window film is the best type of window covering to keep your home private without stopping you from seeing out. They’ll preserve your privacy as well as the natural light coming into your home, plus they’re not noticeable at all. You can even choose how reflective or opaque they are, meaning you can totally customise the look and feel of your space.

Get in touch with Purlfrost to find out which window film will work best for your home. Shop our Privacy Window Film collection.