Thanks for the tip, lshack17. My concern with those types of privacy films is like what the product description says: "Frosted window film for windows, more than 99% UV protected... heat insulation in the summer and heat preservation in the winter" (emphasis added).

So is yours the same as above (see link)? And despite blocking UV light, it still doesn't block the amount of light in the room?

Thanks!

Curtains.

I bought an aerosol can of glass frosting in the paint department. You spray it on the glass. It can be scraped off if necessary. Tape and spray. It provided me with privacy in a bathroom that looked into the neighbor's bath. It's going to obscure the view from both directions, but not block the light.

I recommend doing roller shades. They can be made from a more sheer material that provides privacy and still allows light to come in. You would also have the option to have them up when you want to let in even more light.

Have you talked to a residential window tinting company? We had a 3M window film installed on our kitchen sliding glass doors.

The film will only provide privacy as long as the light outside is brighter than the light inside. On a cloudy day and at night, the window will be transparent and you will lose your privacy.

I believe that's only true for the one-way mirror films. AFAIK, frosted is still frosted at night, albeit with a bit more visibility, just like any other material when all the light is from one side.

I bought a frosted film from Amazon a while back and put it on a bathroom window that opened onto our large, frequently used porch. It totally blocked any view of what was going on in the bathroom. Some of the prettier patterns allow you to see through if you get up close, but the solid frosted did not. Not very expensive and worth a try!

stars26, by dual reflective, do you mean that the interior window was given a "mirror effect," too? do you have a link to the product?

Ok thanks everyone. Could someone clarify for me these things:

• I think I understand about mirrored window film now and its advantages/disadvantages. And I already understood, more or less, frosted window film.
• I guess it comes down to covering with some semi-sheer cafe curtains/valance and then doing the window film as an added block.
• So the ultimate question is, of mirrored and frosted window film, which would ultimately block less light?
• Thanks :)

Oh--and just to clarify for those who missed it and suggested coatings, consulting w/ pros, etc.: I rent. I should've stated that.

Hi, anoukq. My question is the same as yours. I'm moving into a new place with huge living room and bedroom windows on the ground level near a sidewalk. I want as much light coming in as possible, but need privacy. Did you find a good film for your purposes? If so, which one did you choose?

I would like to know this info as well. I have two bathrooms with huge windows. I hated the “obscured” glass the company uses … so I just kept it regular glass. (This is for a remodel.) I need to get a film or have a company do something to these windows.

I like top down shades because you can get lots of light (top half of the shade open) with lots of privacy (shade covering bottom half.) As an alternative you might want to consider a decorative window film . They provide lots of light and good view when standing.

Hi everyone. Sorry for the late reply, didn't realize others had the same question

Ended up finding something great on Amazon ARTSCAPE Texture Twelve Window Film. It's currently retailing for $40 something, but I found it in the Warehouse as an open box for $19 a few months ago.

Went on great, and really doesn't block light at all (although there's admittedly not much light coming in there). Can't see my neighbors, and hopefully they can't see me. Highly recommend!