---
title: "Genius! A Sunnier Alternative to Window Blinds"
description: "Add privacy to any room—without limiting natural light! Learn more about this cheap (and removable) DIY window film."
date: "2016-01-25"
modified: "2016-11-18"
authors:
  - name: "Rachel Elmkies"
    job_title: "Former Associate Editor"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/rachel-elmkies/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-window-film/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Easy DIY Projects"
  - "Exterior"
  - "Interior Design"
  - "Windows"
tags:
  - "how-to"
  - "window treatments"
---

# Genius! A Sunnier Alternative to Window Blinds

![diy-window-treatment-1](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/diy-window-treatment-1.jpg>)
*Photo: annabelvita.com*

In old homes, [it’s the details](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-old-house-features-we-were-wrong-to-abandon-46066/>) that draw us in. While the intricate trim and sculpted ceiling medallions certainly create character, some of these popular design details—particularly French doors and tall windows—may leave you longing for a little more privacy. That's what happened to [Annabel Vita](<https://annabelvita.com/>), an adventurous DIYer from across the pond whose rental features a majestic double-hung window directly at the foot of her bed. Since [traditional curtains](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dress-a-window-without-curtains/>) would have limited the natural light that flooded the room every morning, Annabel needed another solution to her privacy problem. On a mission, she stumbled upon an easy, inexpensive, and temporary way to make her own window film.

Sheer fabric works magic as the base for this custom fix. Annabel created a frosted glass effect with lace—opaque enough to keep neighbors from seeing inside, but transparent enough to keep her sunny view. Using a piece of paper, she crafted a simple template that matched the dimensions of her window panes. Then, she laid the lace over the template and cut out eight squares, one for each lower window pane.

A removable fabric glue from just cornstarch and water would adhere the lace panels to the window *without* damaging the glass and losing her security deposit. Concoction in hand, Annabel brushed a thin coat to the first pane. After carefully aligning the lace edges with the glass, she then pressed the fabric in place and painted on a thick second coat. In an hour, the cornstarch mix had dried, leaving Annabel with a perfect fix for her old window—good for as long as she wanted to stay in her charming little apartment.

This DIY film isn’t *just* for windows that face into your neighbor's home. It also obstructs a clear view through interior French doors, masks your cupboard's content when affixed to glass cabinet doors, and doubles up well behind sheer drapes as an extra layer of texture. Well-suited for homeowners and renters alike, this translucent fix proves there's [no need to sacrifice your privacy](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/backyard-privacy-ideas/>) for a little extra sunshine. You *can* have it all!

**FOR MORE: [AnnabelVita](<https://annabelvita.com/2013/04/18/lace-window-treatment-with-cornflour/>)**

![diy-window-film-3](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/diy-window-film-3.jpg>)

## Author
A lover of all things related to home design, architecture, and city planning, Rachel Elmkies, a graduate of Hunter College with a degree in Urban Studies, formerly served as the Associate Editor of BobVila.com and now continues her career as an urban planner and data analyst.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelmkies/>)