How Much Privacy do Decorative and Privacy Films Really Offer?

Windows bring life into a building and a living environment. They take the outside world, and bring it in. But too many windows in the wrong places can also threaten our security and privacy. Window films can be an excellent solution counter these threats. But how much privacy do window films really add to a window?

The answer to that question will depend on many different factors. Many film manufacturers mention privacy as a key benefit to a variety of the films that they offer. Some films, such as decorative and patterned films, offer privacy by obscuring or blurring the image on the other side of the glass. Other films may rely on their reflective coating to add privacy to a window. In other cases, a film may simply darken the window so much that it is difficult to see in, such as is common with automotive window tint.

Reflective films can act as a mirror to observers outside of a building, making it nearly impossible to see into a building. It's important, however, to recognize that these effects are entirely dependent on lighting conditions. To have high levels of privacy from a reflective film, the interior must have much lower light levels than the exterior. This is usually true during the daytime, but when the sun goes down, most reflective window films will offer almost no additional privacy. As such, reflective window films are a good solution when paired with blinds, drapes, or shutters. Additionally, reflective window films are less effective at offering privacy in rooms with many windows on opposite sides of the room, as the strong sunlight from other windows may back-light the window that you hope to create privacy for.

Decorative films act as a privacy film by obscuring and blurring the light that comes through the window. These films may have defined patterns, or may simply have a sand-blasted, or acid-etched appearance. The advantage of these films is that they provide privacy under all light conditions, including at night. However, the level of privacy can vary greatly between each film. Some films can completely obscure a view, while others simply distort it. Most film manufacturers may provide some sort of rating that will signify how much privacy that film offers.

The best way to determine if your selected film will provide enough privacy is by requesting a sample. A sample will allow you to see the film in-person, and compare it to your surroundings to get the best idea of how much privacy that film will offer. Keep in mind that most decorative privacy films provide minimal privacy to items that are very close to the window, but privacy will often increase dramatically as people or objects move further from the film. Play with your sample, moving it back and forth from objects, people, and scenery outside to get an idea of how much privacy it will provide for your setting. If you're considering privacy film in a bathroom, will the users of the bathroom be right next to the glass? Or will they be several feet away? The answer to this question can significantly affect your choice of film.

It's also important to consider how lighting can affect shadows on decorative privacy films. Under low light conditions in a room, a bright light, perhaps from an open doorway, may cast shadows of objects and people onto the filmed glass, and those shadows may be visible from outside. These effects are not common in well lit scenarios, but may be encountered in specific light conditions.

With so many factors to consider, it is often helpful to enlist the help of an expert window film company who can provide informed recommendations for your specific needs. If you're in the Northern Colorado area, consider a free consultation with Alpenglow Window Films.

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