How to Add Privacy to Any Window

Ever since I updated my front door with a much more efficient (and pretty!) door I’ve been so much happier. However, the only set back was how exposed I felt with the see through windows. There’s nothing worse than having complete strangers knock on your door and stare inside till you answer. So, without permanently altering my door (which would cancel the warranty) I needed to find another way to add some privacy. Here’s how I did just that!

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As you can see below my door has 6 small windows, all of which are completely see through. After we had our first visitor who stood there and peered into our home I did what most would do, throw up some paper with tape! Not so pretty I know, but at that time I rather of had privacy than a stranger looking into our home.

Over time my paper solution was not holding up, so I searched for other options that wouldn’t be permanent on my door.

How to Add Privacy to Any Window

Here’s how I fixed my door to add privacy. This is also a great solution if you’re a renter and want to add privacy as well.

Materials:

- Privacy Window film, this is what I used and it was so easy to work with.
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- Plastic scraper tool, or a credit card or gift card works great
- Window cleaner
- Spray Bottle with Water

Steps:

1. Start by cleaning your windows. They’ll need to be as clean as you can get them.

2. Measure and cut the film to size. You can always measure over 1/4″ each way and then after it’s applied use a razor blade to trim it. Otherwise, I just measured and cut each piece to size.

3. Next, lightly spray the window with water.

4. Then peel the film and apply to the window. It’s okay if you don’t get it perfect as you have time to work with it.

5. Once it’s in place use a plastic scraper or card and scrape all the bubbles to the edges. (sorry I don’t have a picture for this step, but it’s pretty self explanatory.)

Repeat each step for each window. Since I had 6 small windows I did each one at a time.

You can see above the difference from before to after with the film. Even though you can’t see though it, it still allows light to pass through which I love.

Here’s more of the after!

Don’t forget that this film is removable. So, if you ever want to take it down just get it wet and peel off.

On another note, you’ll notice we don’t have a peep-hole, I really wanted one installed when I got the door but again adding that would have removed the warranty and most likely damaged my door since it’s not wood. But in our case we have a Ring doorbell so that ends up serving as our peep-hole.