I Tested 6 Window Films—This $8 One Beat Them All

Natural light and views are great, but they’re not ideal for every window. Whether it’s because someone works the night shift and needs blackout conditions to sleep or because neighbors have a clear view through bathroom or bedroom windows, a privacy film can fix the issue.

I tested several window films to determine which were the best. My favorite was the Coavas window privacy film. While it doesn’t provide any real darkening ability, it looks great and provides plenty of privacy, making it a great option for a variety of applications. This Coavas window privacy film review will explain what it is, how it works, what it does well—plus where it fell short in my hands-on testing. Keep reading to learn more about this quality window film.

Coavas Privacy Window Film: At a Glance

What is the Coavas privacy window film?

The Coavas privacy window film is a sheet of vinyl that users can apply to glass surfaces to make them harder to see through. It comes as a flexible roll of PVC material that can be cut to the size and shape of any glass surface, and it adheres via static cling. It comes in several colors and finishes, including frosted (the one I tested), black, black-silver, gray, multicolor, pure, and silver.

Beyond privacy, the Coavas window film also blocks up to 96 percent of UV rays and cuts down on solar heat gain from windows by 45 to 85 percent. This means it can take the place of a window coating, which usually must be applied at the factory when the window is manufactured. The Coavas film allows soft light through, but not the harsh, intense rays that an uncoated window may permit.

Coavas’s window film is available in 15 sizes, ranging from 78.7 inches long by 11.8 inches wide to 314.9 inches long by 45.2 inches wide. It’s also reusable, meaning buyers could remove it in the cooler months or use a larger sheet to block the sun from smaller windows, if necessary.

Fairly Simple to Install

I compared the way six of the best window films installed during my test. While the Coavas film wasn’t the easiest, it was near the top. Here’s the process:

1. Clean the glass surface the film will adhere to.
2. Measure the window and cut the Coavas film to approximately 1 inch longer and wider than necessary.
3. Remove the protective backing from the window film. Spray the back of the window film liberally with water.
4. Spray the glass surface liberally with water.
5. Lift the film by the corners and position it against the glass. Static will pull it toward the glass. Press into place with your hands.
6. Use a squeegee to push out all air bubbles from under the window film, starting in the center and working your way out.
7. Use the squeegee to push the film into the corners, then use a sharp razor blade to cut the film to size.
8. Squeegee again to remove any remaining air bubbles.

This is the same installation process as all of the other window films. However, the Coavas was easier to install than most due to the quality of the film. The film was thick but not too thick to be difficult to work with, while also being thin enough to cut cleanly. The only issue I had during installation was that this film showed bubbles more readily than any of the others. Users will want to take some time to work the bubbles out.

Attractive Look

While taste is always subjective, in my opinion, the Coavas window film was the best-looking product tested. The classic frosted design is simply attractive, unlike other films that try too hard to mimic stained glass or other fancy patterns. Also, it provides privacy without completely blocking out light and making the room feel smaller.

As mentioned, the only issue that users might find in terms of looks is how the bubbles are readily on display underneath the film. It takes a while to remove bubbles from window film, with lots of squeegee work and patience. But once the bubbles are gone, the frosted film looks like it was installed from the factory.

Blocks Light Effectively

It’s tough to quantify how well a window film provides privacy or how much solar heat gain it allows without having a factory and very expensive equipment to test these attributes. However, since I installed all six films within a few feet of each other, I was able to get an idea of how well each film did, and the Coavas performed very well.

For one, the Coavas provided real privacy without blacking out the glass. That’s not rare for translucent window films, but it’s worth mentioning. Also, I used a flashlight and light meter to test how much light each film allowed, and the Coavas film allowed 6,093 lumens per square meter (lux) while other translucent films allowed over 9,000. For reference, blackout films allow 15 lux, and the baseline for the test was around 12,000 lux on glass with no film.

Is the Coavas window film worth the price?

Yes, I believe the Coavas window film is well worth the money for anyone who needs privacy but doesn’t want to purchase an entirely new window. This film can apply to any glass surface with relative ease (just work out those bubbles). Once installed, it looks great and delivers on the promise to block some light and add privacy. For under $10, it’s certainly worth the expense.

Are there other less expensive options? Yes, but they’re generally lower quality or thick, gaudy films that don’t look great when applied. The Coavas film beats those window films easily, being better quality and easier to apply. It also looks better, especially considering many of those products have faux stained glass effects and plastic odors.

However, keep in mind that this is not a blackout film. It’s not ideal for bedroom light reduction or theater rooms that need to remain dark. It’s a privacy film that also reduces the penetration of UV rays, but it doesn’t block light out completely.

Is the Coavas window film right for you?

If the need is privacy, the Coavas window film is a great choice. It applies easily to any glass surface; can be reused or repositioned; and it provides an attractive, clean, flat surface that looks great. It blocks some light and prevents UV ray penetration, which can help save hardwood floors, furniture, and curtains from sun damage. Folks looking for this type of film without blocking light out completely will find the Coavas window film to be a good fit.

For those requiring complete blackout conditions, however, the Coavas window film is not the right choice. It’s about half as effective as blackout films (like the Velimax film, which allowed only 17 lux to penetrate), so it’s not ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, theaters, or other rooms that users would prefer to control the light in. It’s simply not designed for that.

I’d suggest that anyone simply requiring privacy and moderate light reduction give the Coavas window film a try. It’s durable and easy to apply, and although bubbles can be an issue, it will look great while providing all of the privacy one might need. And don’t forget that it’s available in several colors and sizes, allowing users to get exactly what they need for their windows and glass surfaces.

Where to Buy the Coavas Window Privacy Film

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He’s installed window films in commercial offices and health care facilities, so he knows how to work out an air bubble or two.

 

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