Window 'cheats'

[Nigel]

I have a bathroom window that had a broken mini-blind and for some unknown reason I wanted to try something different. So I went to Home Depot the other day to look at there window films. I picked out a pretty basic one called ''texture''. It is kinda pricey, $20 bucks for a ''24 x 36'' roll, but Hey what can I say . . . I just did the lower section of the window that has six panels & I think it look okey-dokey.

www.lighteffects.com

I just chkd out the sight and they don't show mine and some others that were available, specifically a sunlight defuser style, umm what would that be called again?

[barb]

I love those!

I have thought about getting some for my bathroom windows which go clear to the floor but I haven't gotten around to looking for any.

I love all of them so its going to be tough choosing, but having light and privacy both would be wonderful.

[Tumbleweed]

I used some really basic "frosted glass" looking ones for all my basement windows and they work great. I love that they let the light in yet prevents anyone from peeking in and it really looks nice from the outside with the lights off and especiallly when they are on.

However, I didn't know they had such pretty ones. I'd have to look at them close up to see if I REALLY like them but by the pictures they do look pretty enough to put in any bathroom.

Neato, Nigel. Thanks for posting that. Next time I'm in Home Depot you can be sure I'll be checking those out!!!

[barb]

Any ideas on how I can have the window open for the air flow which is desperately needed here in the summer and keep people from seeing in at the same time? The windows start at the floor and go up to about 18 inches from the ceiling and open from the bottom.

[Nigel]

Hmmm, that's a tough one Barb. IF plex-a-glass is drillable you could drill a bunch of eraser size holes in it and then cover in with some of the 'window-cheats' . . . ?

Or you could use some of that wall board stuff used to hang up tools, I have absolutely no idea what it's call, Oh maybe it's called 'peg-board' but I'm not sure.

Tht's all my brain is coming up with at the moment . . .

[Tumbleweed]

Actually Barb, I think most regular window screens prevent people from seeing in. You just have to make sure you have the right side facing outward. Unless you are talking about at night then they don't work so well. But if that didn't work how about hanging something from the ceiling a few inches away from the window so you have the circulation but still privacy. Maybe you could do velcro so you could take it down when you don't need it.

I'm not sure if my suggestions would even work not seeing exactly how your windows are.

[barb]

The afternoon sun shines right into one window and makes the room bright enough that you can see the entire room from the road and sidewalk in front of the house, screen or no screen.

I got desperate last night and opened the one window from the top about 8 inches. Its the only one in the entire house that can be opened from the top. I opened my blinds and then ran my hands down them from the bottom of the opening to the bottom of the window. Only the slats at the top are open. That lets the airflow come through and keeps everything but my purple ceiling hidden from outside.

I'd love to hear what people who see that purple ceiling have to say about it. It looks nice in that room but I'm not willing to let them see the whole thing so they know that.

[smcartor]

Hey Barb! Have you considered using window film? There are decorative kinds and UV ray blockers. If you get UV ray blocker film it helps cut down on heating/cooling costs. You can get permanent film or static cling which is removable and can be reused. Maybe this could be a solution to your problem.

[barb]

That might be a good option for the window the sun shines right in. I'd still get some light but not the heat and it wouldn't be so bright in the room that I would have to be paranoid about checking to make sure Dh hasn't opened the blinds every time I walk in there.

Thanks! I never even considered that.

[Tumbleweed]

Barb, you should just do a test with your mini-blinds because if you have them closed upward it may prevent people from seeing in yet let in a little light and air flow in. Try adjusting them upward and then walk outside and see if you can see in.

Purple ceiling huh? Hee hee. At least you don't have a white ceiling like 99% of the population has. I think most people don't even think about painting their ceilings a actual color and plain white can look bad with some wall colors.

[barb]

Actually, room was painted that color when I moved in. I thought I would have to paint it but had a lot of things that needed attention first. Once I got it decorated I loved it and now I can't imagine it any other color.