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Everyone wants to feel that their home is their sanctuary. And that means staying out of sight of prying eyes!
If you’re looking for privacy, window film can be an effective and inexpensive option. But with so many products out there, the choice can be overwhelming.
Luckily, we’re here to help! We’ve investigated seven of the best window film products for day and night privacy. And we have all the information on their pros and cons.
Read on to find out more!
Quick Pick: best window film products for day and night privacy
Best window film products for day and night privacy
1. Finnez Frosted Crystal Daytime and Nighttime Window Privacy Film
This attractive window film from Finnez has a frosted crystal pattern that’s impossible to see through. By distorting the passage of light through the glass, it makes it impossible for people to see in, even if they have their face pressed to the window. And it works just as well at night as it does in the daytime.
The crackle effect also refracts the light, creating lovely rainbow colors.
The film blocks up to 84 per cent of UV rays. That will help to keep your home cool on hot days, and prevent strong sunlight fading your curtains and furniture. But it will still let the light through, so you won’t have a gloomy room. Your houseplants will be happy too!
It’s electrostatic, so it will cling to the glass without any need for messy adhesive. But be warned – you will need time and patience to get the best results. Spray on lots of soapy water to both the window and the film to help get it in the right position.
And get yourself a squeegee before you start work. That will make the task of removing air bubbles a million times easier.
There’s only one pull tab to remove the film from its backing paper. That makes it harder work than it really should be. The manufacturers recommend wetting a corner and twisting it back and forth to loosen the bond between the paper and the film. You can add extra pull tapes to either side too.
Persevere, and you’ll get an effective privacy solution without spending a lot of money.
Pros:
- Excellent at maintaining privacy, even with the lights on at night
- Attractive crystal pattern produces rainbow colors when the sun shines on it
- Lets through plenty of light
Cons:
- It’s difficult to remove the film from the backing paper
- Applying it without wrinkles takes a bit of time and effort
2. Coavas White-frosted Window Day and Night Privacy Film
Coavas produce a great range of window films, including a number that offer both day and night-time privacy.
This translucent white film has a simple frosted finish that will look good anywhere. And it’s very effective at keeping out prying eyes. It has 98.1 per cent opacity from a distance of just over a foot from the glass. In other words, anyone looking in from that distance will just see shadows of movement inside.
Note that Coavas make similar film in a number of different finishes. If you want maximum privacy, make sure you choose the “white-frosted” colorway.
This film is also great at keeping out UV rays, preventing fabrics from fading. And it eliminates glare, so you’ll be able to view computer monitors or TV screens in comfort.
It’s another product with an electrostatic coating, so it will cling to the windows without adhesive. And it can be removed after use, making it a good option for tenants who can’t make permanent changes to the property.
It will reduce the level of natural light in the room, but it’s nothing too drastic. And you’ll certainly get more light than you would if you were having to close curtains instead.
It comes in a choice of five widths (from 11.8 to 45 inches) and four different lengths (78.7, 118.1, 157.4 and 393.7 inches).
Choose a size as close as possible to your windows to make installation more straightforward. This isn’t the easiest stuff to work with, so you don’t want to grapple with more of it than you need to. But add about 1/8th-inch to both dimensions to get your minimum roll size.
Pros:
- Great privacy in all light levels
- Blocks most UV rays, preventing fading
- Available in multiple widths and lengths
Cons:
- Cuts light levels, although it’s nothing too drastic
- Not the easiest to install
3. Coavas Multicolor Window Film for Daytime and Nighttime Privacy (Our Top Pick)
Coavas’s multicolor window film is more subtle than you might expect from the name. It actually has an attractive rainbow sheen which appears slightly different colors in different lights.
The privacy level here is 4.5 out of 5 stars. That means it will be suitable pretty much anywhere. The exception is a bathroom where there’s a possibility of people pressing their noses right up to the glass!
It’s also good at insulating, helping to keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. And it reduces glare whilst still letting through a good amount of light.
This is a great product, but the main challenge is applying it to the glass. Separating the film from the backing paper isn’t easy. Attaching tape to both sides can help you pull them apart. And you’ll need to apply lots of soapy water to the film and the glass to get it in the right position.
Make sure the window is completely clean before you get started. The surface needs to be absolutely flat too – it’s not possible to install this over decorative glass. As ever, a squeegee is a wise investment to get rid of creases and bubbles.
It is possible to remove the film from the glass when you no longer need it. And if you keep the backing paper, you can – in theory – even reuse it.
Pros:
- Has a subtle rainbow sheen that looks great when the light hits it
- Lets through plenty of light whilst reducing glare
- Effective at insulating your room
Cons:
- Not suitable for locations that demand the very highest levels of privacy
- Separating the film from the backing paper can be a struggle
4. Coavas Double-Sided Window Day and Night Privacy Film
Coavas’s double-sided window film is an excellent solution for privacy in all lighting conditions. And its classy gray-silver silk tone will look great in any neutral interior.
It’s very effective at keeping out the sun’s rays too, making it a good choice for areas that experience high temperatures. And it will still let in some soft light, so you won’t bump into things as you’re moving around!
It’s another product that has an electrostatic coating to cling to the window. So that gives you the usual challenges with installation. Plenty of soapy water, that squeegee, and lots of patience are your friends here.
Make sure you also leave a gap of 1/16th of an inch between the edge of the film and the window frame. That will account for changes as the glass heats up and expands. And it will also give you room to squeeze out the moisture from beneath the film as you apply it.
it comes in a range of different sizes. Choose from widths of 11.8, 17.5, 23.6, 29.5, 35.4 and 47.2 inches. Rolls come in lengths of 78.7, 118.1 and 157.7 inches.
Pros:
- Attractive gray shade works beautifully with neutral interior schemes
- Excellent insulating properties help to keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer
- Comes in a range of different widths and lengths
Cons:
- Doesn’t let in quite as much light as white films
- Difficult to remove from the backing paper
5. Hidbea Frosted Window Film for Daytime & Nighttime Privacy
Hidbea’s frosted window film comes in three shades – frosted, frosted grey and frosted white. It will give you privacy of at least 95%, even at just 4 inches from the glass. But it will still let through plenty of natural light.
it’s made from a combination of vinyl and PVC, and blocks 90 per cent of UV and 86% of infrared rays. That means it will protect furniture and fabrics from fading, as well as keeping temperatures down during the summer months. The insulation works effectively the other way around too, keeping in heat in winter.
You’ll need the usual combination of water, squeegee and time to apply the film to the glass. The key is not to rush, and to remove the film gradually from the backing paper. You’ll need a sharp knife to trim the excess from the edges.
This one comes with a 30 day policy for added peace of mind. That allows you to return the product within that time without needing to give a reason.
You can buy it in a range of different sizes. Widths start at 17.3 inches and go up to 35.4 inches. Roll lengths range from 78.7 to 393.7 inches.
Pros:
- Comes in a choice of three understated shades
- Offers privacy of at least 95 per cent from 4 inches from the glass
- Returns are allowed within 30 days without giving a reason
Cons:
- You’ll need a sharp knife to trim off the excess, so take care
- Separating the film from the backing paper can be a bit fiddly
6. Rabbitgoo Frosted Window Privacy Film
Rabbitgoo’s frosted white window film is a great choice for enhancing your privacy without sacrificing too much light.
They also offer a matte black film, great for darkrooms. But don’t use that on a window that gets direct sun. The black will absorb the heat and your window may crack.
The film is made of vinyl, and the white version will block 84 per cent of UVA and 99 per cent of UVB rays. That means no more faded furniture, carpets or blinds. And your room will stay a more comfortable temperature throughout the year.
The electrostatic coating means there’s no need to mess around with adhesive. But it does require a certain amount of patience in application. As ever, get out the spray bottle to keep the soapy water coming, and get busy with that squeegee to get shot of wrinkles and bubbles.
The film comes in three widths: 17.5, 23.6 and 35.4 inches. The roll lengths are 78.7, 118.1 and 157.4 inches.
When you’ve finished with it, it can be removed without leaving behind any sticky residue.
Pros:
- Available in frosted white or matte black for maximum privacy
- Protects furniture and fabrics from fading in bright sunshine
- Can be removed without leaving sticky residue
Cons:
- Don’t use the black film on windows that get direct sunshine, as the heat risks cracking the glass
- Be prepared to take your time applying it to get a good finish
7. Duofire Privacy Window Film
Duofire’s window film offers five star privacy protection, making it perfect for the most demanding applications.
It has a simple frosted design that allows in the light while keeping out prying eyes. It blocks out more than 96 per cent of UV rays, preventing fading to fabrics and helping rooms stay cool in summer. And it adds an extra layer of insulation to keep the heat inside in winter too.
It’s made of vinyl with an electrostatic coating to stick it securely to the glass without adhesive. Spray both the glass and the film thoroughly with water to help you get it into the right position.
You’ll also need to make sure the window is completely free of debris before you apply the film. Any lumps and bumps will ruin the finish, as well as preventing it from sticking securely.
If you’re applying it in winter, you may need to give it a blast with a hairdryer first. That will warm the film and make it more flexible.
it comes with stainless steel ruler and a cutter to help with application. And there’s a cleaning cloth to prepare the glass.
Pros:
- Five star privacy protection
- Blocks more than 96 per cent of UV rays
- Comes with stainless steel ruler and cutter to assist with applying it to the glass
Cons:
- If it’s cold during installation, the film can be too rigid. Give it a blast with a hairdryer first
- The window needs to be pristine for a secure and clean finish
Time to choose!
That brings us to the end of our look at the seven best window film products for day and night privacy. We hope we’ve found something that will work for your project.
Our top pick is the multicolored film from Coavas. We love its attractive rainbow sheen, and the way it provides privacy whilst still letting in light.
But whatever option is right for you, we hope you’re soon enjoying your privacy. Happy shopping!
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re in the market for a window film for privacy, you’ll probably want to know about some of the things to look for when choosing. Let’s think about the most important ones now.
- Privacy level
One of the first things to consider is the amount of privacy you require since different films provide different levels of visibility reduction.
For example, some films allow you to see silhouettes through the window while others block sight more completely. Some prevent you from seeing through from a distance while others will allow you to see through if you press your face to the glass.
The important thing is to choose a film that offers you the level of privacy you require. For example, a film that prevents people from seeing what’s going on in your living room might not obscure vision enough to be used in a bathroom.
- Day and night suitability
Some films can only provide privacy during the day when it’s bright outside. However, when it’s dark outside and you have lights on inside, people may be able to see through.
If you want a film for day and night privacy, make sure it can stop people from seeing in, even when the lights are switched on at night.
- UV protection
Many window films can block harmful UV rays. If this is important to you, check the percentage of UV a film can block before buying.
- Heat protection
In summer, many films reflect solar energy, helping to keep your home cooler during the hot weather. If you live somewhere warm, this could be an important consideration.
- Heat retention
Conversely, some films also help to insulate your home and can even contribute to reducing your heating bill. For people who live in cold areas, this is worth considering.
- Ease of installation
How easy is it to install the film? Does it require any adhesive? And similarly, how easy is it to take down?
All the films we have included in our review require no adhesives and are attached using only a combination of static and water. This type of film is the most convenient and is easiest to install and remove.
Plenty of great options
As you can see, there are plenty of great options to choose from in a range of styles and patterns. If you have decided to add window film to your home but are having trouble choosing, any of the picks in our review would be a great place to start your search.
christine
Friday 15th of July 2022
Does anyone know what type of screen for a neighbor at night that shines his headlights in my house at night and his security lights that shine thru my open windows?
Ronald Smith
Sunday 6th of March 2022
I'm looking for something for a big bathroom window by the tub. The issue is at night when we turn on the lights in bathroom if your outside looking in you see the sinks the counters and all. I need a film that will not allow to see in when lights are on. We have black privacy up now. The daytime you can't see in,but at night with lights on can see us walking around in there. Help me with this problem please.
dee
Friday 18th of March 2022
Let me know if you've found the solution? I've been looking for quite a while too.