 Traditional Exterior by Bethesda Interior Designers & Decorators Design In A Day | Sidelights are those long, narrow windows on one or both sides of a front door. They allow sunlight to pour in and easy view of whoever is at the door. But, they also allow people to see in. Many people enjoy the light, but would like a little privacy, too. A quick walk around my own neighborhood and the most common sidelight window treatments are small curtains or faux wooden blinds (to match the other windows in the front of their home). But with a little imagination and on-line exploring, |
you'll discover a whole world of possibilities! First, if you don't already know about window film, let me introduce you. There are so many types of window film today that I'm going to devote this whole blog entry to this one possible solution.
1. DECORATIVE WINDOW FILM
Simply google "window film for sidelights," click on "Images," and you'll be amazed at the volume of options! Dozens of designs with varying degrees of privacy. This is an easy DIY project. Local home improvement stores stock some styles, but more are available on-line. Depending on the quality of the film and the size of your windows, this project could easily be completed in a few hours and would only cost between $20-$50.
 Traditional Entry by Brooklyn Photographers Rikki Snyder |  SolarXSarasota.com |
 Traditional Window Treatments by Portland Window Treatments Artscape Inc. |  Traditional Window Treatments by Portland Window Treatments Artscape Inc. |
2. MIRROR WINDOW FILM
A type of window film that is a one-way mirror. You can still see out, but they can't see in! For an added bonus, they block UV rays that can fade interior furnishings! A roll of this film can be bought on amazon.com for less than $30!
 www.homedepot.com |  Contemporary Landscape by Winchester Landscape Architects & Designers Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC |
3. FAUX WROUGHT IRON WINDOW FILM
If you love the look of wrought iron, but either can't afford the real thing or it isn't feasible (live in apartment, for example), there's another more affordable way to have wrought iron. You guessed it - window film! Take a look at ApexFilms.ca at the large variety of patterns.
 ApexFilms.ca |  ApexFilms.ca |
Apex Films can also add security laminates to any of their window films for added security. They call this "shatterproof window film." Watch the video below and you'll see why!
Window film is an easy and affordable option for adding privacy without sacrificing light. If you take your time and install it with accuracy, it really looks like etched or frosted glass or a more pricey stained glass. If window film is not the way you want to go, I'll be discussing more options in Part 2
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