Ideas for Covering Windows

Request: Ideas for Covering Windows

We just bought a new home and I would like to cover the windows by my front door. They are 7 1/2 inches by 34 1/2 inches. I just don't like people looking in my house especially if it is someone I am trying to avoid, like annoying relatives.

Mary

Feedback:

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

They make a window type cling that looks like stained glass. It comes in great artistic designs. You can find it at most home improvement stores and craft stores. The product lets light in, but keeps noisy neighbors and relatives out. :) (12/18/2008)

By xoxo13

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

My mom went one step further and made stained glass windows to fit. Very classy looking and added to the value. She does all kinds of crafts. (12/20/2008)

By Spit Happens

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

I once had windows like this on each side of my front door. I put a short rod at the top and at the bottom of the widow and put up a sheer curtain with pockets on each end on it. The light could still come in, but nobody could see through it. Since I used a sheer very close to the color of the walls, it was very unobtrusive. Hope this helps. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (12/21/2008)

By tedsmom

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

Had windows like that. There is an self stick for bathrooms that let light in but can't see through you can apply. Also for one of the windows I used rigid insulation cut to fit the opening and covered with fabric. Looked good and helped with heating/cooling. (12/21/2008)

By Dakota

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

Good ideas, all! I especially want to avoid people after dark, as I am a property manager who lives on site. They make a wonderful plastic you can't see through that has lace effects in it. You can get it at Walmart in the craft area, on rolls 5 foot wide. You pay $3.98 per yard, so it's really cheap. Or, if you have craft paint, you can simply dab some paint on the windows like a sponge effect. It comes off when washed, so it's not permenent. You can also get stained glass paint, and have some fun there, too. (12/21/2008)

By Poor But Proud

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

When my kids were small, we lived in a basement apartment. To protect our privacy, I would put colored paper or inexpensive wrap over their window to block the bright light and give a nice glow to the room. Good luck. (12/21/2008)

By awanawr

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

I've used the window treatment that clings to windows, too, and it's awesome! I chose a plain off-white opaque so the sunlight would still shine in brightly and didn't even have to close my curtains at night if I didn't want to ;-) Actually, I am considering putting it on my apartment kitchen window cause I get tired of having to have the blinds closed so that nosy neighbors aren't constantly peeking in as they walk by ;-)

Practice on a small window or glassed photo frame first !!! The only tools you'll need are an X-acto knife or razor blade and a squeegee :-) Oh, and if you decide you don't like it, it's easily removed :-) (12/21/2008)

By Deeli

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

This is for TedsMOM, I really want curtains but can't find rods to fit 7 1/2 inch windows. (12/21/2008)

By Mary

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

I use that space to post notices to anyone who comes to the door. One is "Please leave packages at this door." Another one is "Dog in training" - sorta permanently, she likes to rush up barking and scare people. And there's also "I (heart) Jesus". Good for you for thinking about security. (12/22/2008)

By kimhis

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

I'm like you. I hate people looking in! (of course I live in a trailer will lots of unsavory neighbors all around me!) Anyway, If it were me and I had the money I'd buy some of that Mirror-Tinted window film they sell at Home Depots. This window film also makes your windows more efficient when it comes to using power, especially in the summer by reflecting harsh light. So it will pay for itself in the long run! It's a bit pricey, about $20 or so per window.

A second idea that you could hang up with (or without) your window film is a set of mini-blinds. As far as window treatments go, mini blinds are some of the least expensive! and the best part is, you can open them to let in light, and if they are at the right angle, people still can NOT see in (even when they're open!). They come in 2 types; slightly transparent for light to enter or totally opaque, and the opaque ones cost a bit more. There are 3 other kinds of blinds you can buy "Verosol" blinds which are pleated blinds that open from the bottom or top and unlike mini-blinds, these you don't need to dust. They dust themselves each time you open them.

For more insulation, you can spend more and get the honeycomb type of pleated shade. But as I said in the beginning, of all of these, mini blinds cost the least with the exception of "Roller Blinds" Roller blinds roll themselves up (they're the old fashioned kind). These come in 3 types of thickness. Some you can not see through at all,and some you can see through just a little. You can also hang curtains in front of blinds for more privacy. In one or 2 layers, read below:

For even more privacy, over the blinds and/or the window film, you can add draperies. You can first put a layer of shear or lace draperies, then over those you can hang a double curtain rod and put thicker draperies. If you had a sheer set, then you can open up the thick set and have the sheer set not open. The sheer ones will stop people for being able to see in during the day (but not the night) and also let light in.

Drapes usually cost more than blinds, but pay for themselves eventually in energy efficacy. You'll use less power with them if they are thick enough and If you know someone who sews, they are fairly cheap to make if you get the fabric on sale. Of course in a pinch, you can always use a sheet or blankets and several thumb tacks for temporary curtains! The best (and most costly) curtains are "Blackout" curtains. They let no light in, and no one can see in either.

As a cheap temporary measure you can do what I did. On some of my windows, I simply went to the dollar store and bought plastic shower curtains (or shower curtain liners) that matched the color of the outside of my mobile home, then I cut them to the size of my windows with a box knife or scissors. You'll need no tape to stick them up because the moisture on the windows this time of year will hold them to the windows. They will block out your neighbors and most of your light. After the shower curtains, (inside my window sills) I hung rigid Styrofoam insulation and now my craft room is SUPER insulated!

To hang curtains,especially for easy or temporary duty, you can buy "spring rods" these telescope in and out and will fit most window-wells with no hardware at all needed. They just fit inside the windows with springs. They come in many sizes that adjust bigger and smaller and they are super-cheap! You can find them at Walmart, Home Depot, and many other stores!

* Our front door is made of metal, so we used magnets to hang a piece of fabric over the window. You can buy smaller curtain rods that are made to go above and below the window on doors. You hang a curtain in between the 2 small rods. They have screw-on or magnetic rods. You can also hang pleated shades that are opaque. I think people can still look in with the Window film (if they are close up) unless you buy the kind that looks like a stained glass window. Why not make your own "stained glass window" with permanent markers on plastic film, you can put tin foil behind it for added beauty and privacy!

For any questions about window treatments and privacy, write me here on ThriftyFun. (12/27/2008)

By Cyinda

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

As far as finding rods to fit a 71/2" window, you won't find one. But here's an idea. You could get a wooden dowel, cut it to fit less maybe 1/2 - 1/2". Then take an inexpensive tension rod, take the rubber ends off and put them on the dowel. Then push it into the space. The rubber should keep it in place. If not, then you could put attach small plastic container lid to the wall on either side and that would definitely keep the rubber ends from sliding off. You can find tiny containers at Wal Mart or the dollar stores, and a lot of them are clear so wouldn't show much either.

Personally though? I'd stick with the peel and stick stuff! It comes in so many pretty patterns now and you can do so much with it!

Another idea would be the window darkening peel and stick stuff they sell to go on car windows. Then you'd still be able to see out but people couldn't see in. I use this on my house windows during the summer, then take it off for winter and reuse it the next year. I buy mine at Wal Mart. It's much cheaper than getting it at Home Depot. (09/23/2009)

By Cricketnc

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

Hey, Cyinda! Where is she supposed to find mini blinds or shades only 7andfrac;" wide? You had some fine ideas, but the lady has extremely narrow windows that she's asking about. Shades, blinds, even drapes wouldn't be available in her widths! (09/23/2009)

By Cricketnc

RE: Ideas for Covering Windows

I used wax paper on my front door, it has a small narrow window in the middle and I don't like people looking in so I cut the wax paper to the size and I doubled it so no one can see through it. I used Elmer's glue only around the edges of the glass to stick it to the window and you can not even tell. It looks just like the cling on stuff but is cheaper. I even put it on my daughter's bedroom windows, works great! (09/23/2009)

By katlg31