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Privacy Window Using Contact Paper

contact paper shapes being applied to small window
You can create a sense of privacy without adding shades or curtains to a window. Contact paper is an inexpensive way to create a privacy window in a bathroom or any other window you would like some privacy but not loss of light. By cutting the contact paper into a shape you can create an elegant pattern. The contact paper gives the illusion of frosted or etched glass.
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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 899 Posts
December 12, 2012

I decided that I didn't want to use curtains on our bathroom window so I was trying to find an alternative. I looked at the window films that they sell and didn't like how expensive they were. This idea I saw on Pinterest was much cuter and cheaper. So instead, I purchased a roll of contact paper and cut out shapes that nested together. I did just the lower half of the window to allow light in. The neat part is that clear contact paper actually appears frosted on glass. I absolutely love it!

Total Time: 2-3 hours

finished window
 

Supplies:

  • 1 roll clear contact paper ($6.99)
  • template
  • scissors
  • window film kit (cutting tool and squeegee), optional ($3.99)
window supplies
 

Steps:

  1. Transfer your template onto a thin piece of cardboard and cut it out. Then trace around the template using a Sharpie onto the backing-side of the contact paper.
  2. trace template
     
    window film template
     
  3. Once you have a bunch of them traced, cut them out with scissors.
  4. cut out shapes
     
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  5. Clean your window with glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Allow it to dry completely.
  6. clean window
     
  7. I chose to start applying the shapes in the center of the window. So I measured to find the center, then marked that spot with an eyeliner pencil.
  8. Peel back part of the paper backing and adhere the contact paper to the window. Then use the squeegee to remove any air bubble as you remove the rest of the paper. NOTE: It is important to get this first shape straight so that all of your other ones line up properly.
  9. using squeegee
     
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  10. Apply the remainder of the shapes, nesting them with the ones next to them.
  11. adding shapes 1
     
    adding shapes 4
     
  12. Most likely you will need to trim the shapes down that are along the edges. I recommend adhering a full shape and then trimming it down. To do this, use the squeegee to adhere the shape up to the edge, then use the cutting tool to carefully trim off the excess where it meets the edge.
  13. trimming edges
     
  14. In some areas I could tell that I would only use one half of a shape so I cut it in half before adhering it. That way I didn't risk ruining the other half when cutting it along the window edge.
  15. cutting down a shape
     
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  16. Now you have a privacy window without spending a lot of money. The best part is that conact paper is repositionable, so you can change the pattern later or just remove it.
  17. adding shapes 7
     
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3 Videos

January 9, 2013

This video shows you an inexpensive way to make a window more private by using contact paper.I decided that I didn't want to use curtains on our bathroom window so I was trying to find an alternative. I looked at the window films that they sell and didn't like how expensive they were. So instead, I purchased a roll of contact paper and cut out shapes that nested together.

I did just the lower half of the window to allow light in. The neat part is that clear contact paper actually appears frosted on glass. I absolutely love it!View the full project here:Privacy Window Using Contact Paper

Comment Pin it! Was this helpful? 11
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Questions

Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 523 Posts
April 26, 2018

I just read a question regarding 'Removing Old Contact Paper from Windows'. While I don't have an answer, the article caused me to have a question of my own.Is This Contact Paper? Contact paper design on a window

 

In the picture, the window appears to be frosted glass. Am I to understand the glass is not frosted and that the frosted effect is a result of contact paper used on the window?

It may be obvious that this is true, but I am asking because I was not aware that such a type of contact paper for windows existed.

Are there other TF members who have had experience with this paper? How easy is it to apply? How realistic does it appear? Is it non yellowing?

I'm asking all these questions because I very much like the effect shown in the picture and can think of several places I would like to use the paper.

Answers


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
April 26, 20180 found this helpful

They do have contact paper like this. I'm not sure if this window has it. You would have to look in the corner and try to peel it back to know for sure.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
April 26, 20180 found this helpful

i do not know if you saw the picture on the Internet or if you saw it in person but contact is just that, "paper" that has a sticky backing and is put on whatever you wish to cover. But contact paper comes in many different colors and designs as well as clear and plain. Maybe the nicest thing about contact paper is the low cost and that it is sold in so many stores.

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 267 Posts
April 27, 20180 found this helpful

Here is a similar craft that we have posted, using Contact paper.

www.thriftyfun.com/Privacy-Window-Using-Contact-Paper...

I have a different sort of cover on my garage door window, using a translucent window film.

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This type is not sticky but adheres with water. That sample you showed could be either type.

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 255 Posts
April 29, 20180 found this helpful

Contact paper will loose its sticky and will turn yellow over time, especially if exposed to sunlight over long periods. You could have real frosted glass, or there are kits that you can buy to frost or etch your own glass.

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Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 107 Posts
May 31, 20180 found this helpful

for what it's worth i am not sure the above pic IS contact paper, it looks too 'perfect'

things like contact paper are devilishly hard to get right because of the inevitable air bubble and wrinkles that can occure when you apply it. If the above is contact paper it was probably done by a pro and the question to ask would be are you willing to live with the results if the whole thing goes pear shaped?

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
September 2, 20181 found this helpful

I did this to my sidelight and it was perfect. I just removed it to change pattern and no issues. Fun, easy and inexpensive I cut shapes with my Cricut.

Reply Was this helpful? 1
September 2, 20180 found this helpful

I live in Arizona and applied this to my front sidelight. Never yellowed or peeled ( on 2 years )

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
November 9, 20200 found this helpful

The clear does not go on frosted I can assure you. Its netter to find a roll of your preferred design and apply. Find a good source. I paid 20.00 for one from Walmart., bubbles wouldnt come out. Cheap, find good quality. It doesnt have to be thick

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