How can I make my windows so no one can see in, but the light still comes in?

Question

I am moving to an apartment where the windows are right on the sidewalk and anyone can look in. It's a basement apartment and the windows are up high so I can see out them very well, but people could see in easily. I want to let all the light in, but block the view. Is there something I can stick over them?

Answer 1

Most large hardware stores sell a window film you can apply to a window. It makes the glass appear 'frosted', letting in plenty of light, but you cannot see through it. There were a couple of different styles, plain or patterned. I used it on a shower stall (my wife didn't like the clear glass), it cost me about $40 ($20 for the film and another $20 for the installation kit). My main advice is to have a friend help, once you separate the film from the backing it is very sticky, the film likes to curl and stick to itself; another set of hands will make it much easier.

Our local large hardware stores also sell pre-made curtains and curtain rods. If you put up a meshy curtain it will also have the same effect and might be a little more attractive.

Answer 2

There are a lot of window tints that may work, most are just a thin film that is applied to the inside of the glass. you can get them dark, or even mirrored (Just like the stuff used on limos). But once it gets dark out and the lights are on inside, then people can see in, but at night you can just close the shades/curtains. If you landlord allows, just get a mirrored tint on the windows.

Answer 3

As mentioned above, you can buy film to cover your window. It comes in many attractive colors and designs.

Personally, I cut a piece of white contact paper the size of the window and used that. Easy and cheap! Just make sure you can get it off when you move.

Answer 4

I would use sheers. They let the light in and you can still see out but people can't see in. I don't like the mesh curtains because people can still see in if they were right next to the window. But you still need blinds or curtains at night. Sheers have the opposite affect at night. If you have the lights on people can see in.

Answer 5

Home Depot and Lowe's sell tinted, plastic film that you apply with a hair dryer. The film comes in different types from glare control to black out mode.

Answer 6

Yu can Use Laminated Glass with Milky Coat on one side it will cut down the visiblity& bring in the sunlight..But in this case yu also cant see any one out side

Answer 7

Contact paper is what I think you are looking for. There is a web site where you can order a frost or stained glass pattern. I prefer the stained glass but had to settle for the frost pattern. Good luck!

Answer 8

you can go to a repairman and ask him to taint the window glass to a darker colour and maybe frost the glass. it really works....

Answer 9

move into another apartment!!!