Privacy window film
Privacy that stays on after dark.
Frosted and textured film blur the view while the room stays bright. Unlike mirror film, they keep working at night, when the lights are on and blinds are usually open.
The one mistake most people make
Most "privacy film" sold online is one-way mirror film. It works only while it is brighter outside than inside. After sunset, with your lights on, the effect flips and neighbors can see straight in. For bathrooms, bedrooms and anything street-facing, you want frosted, textured or blackout film, which stay private around the clock.
Three kinds of privacy film
- Frosted. An etched-glass look. Light comes in, faces and shapes turn to a soft blur. Patterns range from plain white to stripes, lattices and florals.
- Textured. Deep 3D surfaces like pebble, ice and reeded glass. They scatter light the most and give the strongest privacy while still letting light in.
- Blackout. Fully opaque, blocking view and light in both directions. For day sleepers, storerooms, server rooms and the backs of display windows.
How each film performs
| Film | Solar heat rejected | UV blocked | Private at night |
|---|---|---|---|
| White matte frosted | 86% | 99% | Yes |
| Classic frosted | 76% | 90% | Yes |
| Blinds-pattern film | 57% | 87% | Yes |
| Brushed silver | 55% | 78% | Yes |
| Opaque reeded glass | 47% | 82% | Yes |
| Opaque blackout | 100% | 100% | Yes |
| One-way mirror | See solar film | No | |
Manufacturer-rated figures for stock builds.
Frosted, textured and blackout designs
Where privacy film goes
Bathroom windows and shower glass, front door sidelights, street-level bedrooms and garden units, home offices that face the sidewalk, conference rooms and glass office walls, and exam and therapy rooms in clinics. For a conference room, a frosted band from about 30″ to 66″ off the floor hides people who are sitting and standing while keeping the top and bottom of the glass clear.
Questions about privacy window film
What is the best privacy window film for night?
Frosted, textured or blackout film. They keep their privacy after dark. One-way mirror film does not; it reverses when interior lights are on.
Does frosted window film make a room darker?
Only slightly. Frosted and textured films let most daylight through and just blur the view. Blackout film is the only kind that blocks light completely.
Does privacy film block UV?
Yes. White matte frosted film blocks 99% of UV and classic frosted film blocks 90%, which slows fading on floors and furniture.
Can I use privacy film on a shower door?
Yes. Use an adhesive frosted or textured film, since steam can loosen static cling over time.
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