I don't have tinted windows, but I sprayed a "frosted" paint on the glass. It is a really nice look (wasn't sure at first if I would like it). The key is to spray 2 or 3 light coats (no runs & no one knows it wasn't made that way).

I have installed privacy film on my windows. They do have an opposite effect and you can see very well in at night. They are also very tricky to put in,especially if you have a large window and you have to make a seam. It's difficult to keep bubbles out and creases out. I wouldn't do it again.
I would investigate a company that does it professionally. They use a different film from what I hear.
Another option would be to hang a lightweight white curtain (not a sheer). It will allow light in but maintain privacy.

I love sheer curtains but all they do is filter sunlight during the day.

Have you thought about buying some inexpensive roller blinds? That's what we have in the DR and kitchen and I pull them down at night. The rest of the house has plantation shutters but they don't look good with curtains in front of them.

What about foil? LOL Seriously, if you get privacy paper then the outside of your house may look strange if it faces the street.

On some of my big windows I'm going to put a privacy film that's a shoji type. Rice paper.

I have yet to do it, altho I picked it up last summer. I'm hoping it'll obscure what's in those particular rooms.

Don't shades merely create a siloutte? How do you spell that?

Sheers don't block, but they sure look nice! Could you put up some sheers under the recommended curtains?

Christine
Formerly CFMuehling

Thanks for the feedback and ideas. Originally, I was going to use drapes, but fell in love with these semi sheer curtains. We have decided to keep some blinds that were in the front window already and frame them with the sheers but the sliding glass door, which faces our rear yard, is our problem area. The yards are larger, .5 acre or so and the views are very pretty. The downside is even though the houses are set back quite a ways, there's no fences so it never feels as private as I'd like. I was hoping the tinting would help with our issues of the sun & sheers without hampering the view. Food for thought I guess.

Two years ago we rented a summer house right on the beach in Santa Monica. The master bath faced the ocean/beach and there was a very large window over the tub. No window treatments and an incredible view ... the window was one of the electronic ones that became opaque at the flip of a switch. Similar to those here: www.electricglasswall.com
My kids thought it was so cool!! I have no idea what something like this costs, but it definitely had a "wow" factor!

Lucky, I think it's a good idea to have blinds or shades, not just for privacy but to preserve your sheers. Direct sunlight will ruin them if not protected.

CEF, we have shades where you can't see a silhouette.

Shades aren't going to work on a sliding glass door.

Lukki, I don't have tinted windows but it sounds like it would preserve the view and "open" look of your drapes. I would do as someone above suggested and have a professional look at it. Maybe there is a showroom you could visit and see how the film looks.

Hmmm,still thinking about this, it's hard working with the slider.

tina

i also used the frosted window spray (hd-where they sell spray paints) under our cafe sheers in bath---very effective.

We are thinking about using some sort of film on our front door. I want to get rid of these curtains, but having clear class is not going to work. Once I am done teaching in another month, I can start my summer projects, but nothing's going to happen until then!

Oak, thanks, I'm not sure what type of treatment you're talking about, are they those blind/sheers? My dream would be to have those they are my absolute favorite, but wow are they pricey. Unfortunately after all the furniture we bought and the recent renovation of our master bath, we're tapped and on a really hard budget so my options are very limited.

Tina I'll look into the professional end of it, even though they won't help at night, it's still something I'd love to do.

Busybee3, thanks for the feed back, I really appreciate it but as I mentioned before, I don't want to make it so we can't see the views. We live rurally now and after many years of trimmed hedges and lots of concrete, we LOVE looking at our wooded views. It may be the answer for our foyer window though, it's high up and catches the evening sun. I bet covering it like that would be a real blessing in the summer months especially when it comes to our a/c bill w/out compromising the natural light it offers.

Tinted windows do have a reverse effect at night. Not that anyone ever loves vertical blinds but that would solve the night time issue and be out of the way for the daytime views.

Sorry, I'm no help.

Oh It, thanks LOL We just took down the vertical blinds and put curtains up to help soften the slider. No worries appreciate the comment all the same.

Are you open to a layered WT for your sliding door? That is what we have in our MBR. If you were to use two separate rods, and have the drapes stack back to either side on the wall so that you can still see the sheers when pulled back during the daytime to enjoy the view. Then when the sun is strong, you could always pull the drapes, but leave the sheers stacked to the sides so the sun does not damage them.

I've also used the privacy film, but then you will loose your view so that wouldn't work for you.

Valinsv, I did consider layering and could still possibly end up doing that eventually. Thank you for the suggestion.

I too used the privacy film on my windows. I love the pattern, it's frosted but looks like diamonds and no one can see in day or night. They sell them cheap on ebay and they're very easy to apply

Hi Yayagal, that sounds nice, but if it's frosted I won't be able to see the views. :c(