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privacy window tint

6 years ago

Looking for some experience:
We have a large window above the front door - it is a focal point on the house. Unfortunately, it is in a closet! I don’t want to put window coverings that will be visible from the outside. My plan is to put a bench under the window to make it a more comfortable and usable space on the inside.

Does anyone have experience with privacy film that remains private when the inside light is turned on? We don’t want to permanently black out the windows or drywall over them, but I have considered those options too!

I also found a cool electronic film that can switch between opaque and clear- it is called “smart tint”. Anyone have experience with that or similar?
http://www.smarttint.com

Thanks!

Featured Answer

homepro01

6 years ago

Intoodeep,

I have the white tint. It provides absolute privacy at night and during the day. Once the switch is activated, you cannot see from outside or inside either. It is perfect for my purposes because I did not want a window treatment in the bathrooms.

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Comments (6)

Justine
6 years ago
My daughter has used film from this company, they have a big selection. https://www.decorativefilm.com/
homepro01
6 years ago
I have smart tint on my bathroom windows and one my front door. It works very well. I just used the on and off switch but may change to more elaborate dimming control in the future. What would you like to know? I did not install them, they were installed by my window builder when the windows were built. He had a little challenge working with the folks at smart tint but it was resolved.
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I paid about $1100 to do (as I recall) about 9 windows, so your quote seems high. I obsessed over which tint to use--I didn't want to block the light! In the end, I went with the one the sales guy said is what almost everyone chooses, and blocks 97% of the UV rays (or close to that). He was absolutely right, I don't even notice that it's there. And now I want it on ALL the windows in our house. Then, you can assess whether you need a motor or whether you just want to take those blinds down. We have high windows (now with film on them) and I don't notice any glare or have any need or want to put anything else on those windows. It's fine.
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Intoodeep
Original Author
6 years ago
@homepro01 What color do you have? Also, do they provide privacy at night when your room inside is lit up? I’m thinking the black tint might look the most natural from the outside. Thanks!
just_janni
6 years ago
I went to look at smart tint as I have a few large windows in my master / master bath that have a western exposure that I would like to shield during the hot summer months to reduce the AC load. One of my windows - about a 3.5' x 10' would be over $2K to get the film and have probably 2 more of that size to do!. Poop. I was so hopeful - because that stuff looks really cool!
biko28
6 years ago
decorative film is an idea like someone already suggested. An even less expensive option is to use clear contact paper on windows. You can do whatever pattern you like. Sunlight comes in, but people can't see in. You can also do an interesting pattern that doesn't completely cover the window if you want to be able to strategically peak out. I've done this in bathroom windows where I don't want blinds all the time, but want the sunlight.

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