How do I stop people from looking through my windows?

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.