How Can I Maintain Privacy in My Studio Apartment with Large Windows?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maintaining privacy in a studio apartment with large windows, particularly in a busy urban environment. Participants explore various solutions to block visibility from the outside while still allowing light to enter the apartment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses frustration with passersby staring into their apartment and seeks a solution that allows visibility out while blocking outside views.
  • Some participants suggest one-way reflective window films as a potential solution, noting their effectiveness in similar situations.
  • Others propose alternatives such as thin curtains, gauze, lace curtains, or automotive window tint as options to maintain light while providing privacy.
  • Some participants mention experiences with window coatings that provide privacy without obstructing the view, citing examples from personal visits to others' homes.
  • There are suggestions for DIY methods, such as using a saltwater solution to create a crystalized effect on the glass.
  • One participant mentions the availability of privacy window film at Lowe's, indicating it is a cost-effective option.
  • Concerns about the installation process and potential issues like bubbles in the film are raised, along with light-hearted commentary on voyeurism in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for a solution to maintain privacy while allowing light in, but there are multiple competing views on the best method to achieve this. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which specific solution is optimal.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations regarding landlord restrictions on window modifications and the effectiveness of various materials in different contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals living in urban environments with large windows seeking privacy solutions, as well as those interested in home improvement and window treatments.

OAQfirst
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I live in a studio apartment over a busy city street. About 99% of people who walk by stare into my apartment and focus on me. I've been pretty good at ignoring this, but after a year, it's taking a toll. About an hour ago, some guy was standing out there with his wife/gf, and pointed at me over and over. I've gone outside on occasion- there's nothing unusual here. Just very large windows that would naturally invite curious eyes. The way the apartment is set up doesn't let me escape their curiosity. But I loathe closing the blinds all day because when I get home from work, I need light. I don't get that at work. And I need to spend most time inside studying for classes.

Does anyone know of some kind of covering I could put on the window so I can see out (reasonably well) while eliminating the visibility on the outside? My Google search strategy isn't helping.
 
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To the OP: I can't be helpful at all, but my office window has this sort of one-way reflective mirror sticky plastic stuff, so something definitely does exist!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
cristo said:
Huh??


To the OP: I can't be helpful at all, but my office window has this sort of one-way reflective mirror sticky plastic stuff, so something definitely does exist!

Yeah, that's exactly what I had in mind. Any idea who to contact?

And I'm a guy, so it's nothing like that. I think it's just how the area is arranged. Businesses down below and just the whole scene feels like it should pull eyes upward. I dunno.
 
why do you want to be able to stare at the people outside but not let them stare at you? That's not fair. thin curtains will let the light in and they won't see in.
 
So you're living in a fishbowl, OAQ? Cristo has a great idea - Google "reflective window coatings" and you'll get a bunch of leads.

But if your landlord won't let you put that stuff on the windows, try some gauze or lace curtains. Something like this:

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/403/gauzecurtainsmw9.jpg
 
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go to auto zone and get a few rolls of window tint
 
In Arizona I see a lot of screens covering windows to keep the heat out. you can see out them but you can't see in.
 
Google something like "one way mirror window film."
 
At a hobby store I found some plastic sheets that adhere to the glass that look very nice, kind of a crystalized glazing, that let's light in but people can't see in. The plastic can be peeled off at anytime without any mess.
 
  • #10
tribdog said:
In Arizona I see a lot of screens covering windows to keep the heat out. you can see out them but you can't see in.

I visited my sister-in-law in Texas a few years ago. We were in her room, which had a large window facing the front of the house, and the curtains were wide open. She started taking her clothes off to change into a bathing suit and I gasped - "Lisa, you're right in front of the window!" (her name's Lisa, too - we're everywhere!). She calmly explained that they have those coatings on the windows that you're talking about, tribdog.

I couldn't tell there was anything on the glass at all!
 
  • #11
spray a salt water solution on the window and let it crystalize.
 
  • #12
cristo said:
Google something like "one way mirror window film."

That's it! Thanks for your help.

@tribdog, I just want some light and a sky. I've got the curtains, but they don't work. I can still see inside with no trouble, and so do they. But the mirror window film looks like it will do.

EDIT: Actually, the line of automotive window films looks more appropriate. Anyway...
 
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  • #13
lisab said:
I visited my sister-in-law in Texas a few years ago. We were in her room, which had a large window facing the front of the house, and the curtains were wide open. She started taking her clothes off to change into a bathing suit and I gasped - "Lisa, you're right in front of the window!" (her name's Lisa, too - we're everywhere!). She calmly explained that they have those coatings on the windows that you're talking about, tribdog.

I couldn't tell there was anything on the glass at all!

do you and lisa do a lot of taking off of clothes around each other? I'd love to come see if your windows are see through while you take off your clothes.
 
  • #14
tribdog said:
do you and lisa do a lot of taking off of clothes around each other? I'd love to come see if your windows are see through while you take off your clothes.

Ah trib, dream on. My sister-in-law...now, I love her to death, but if seeing her naked is the highlight of your week, you really need a life :wink: .

At family reunions, we're about 50 people squished into one or two houses - not a lot of privacy. Besides, we're all family.
 
  • #15
If you can't find the film, or it doesn't do what you want, a simple set of miniblinds should help too. You should be able to find the right angle to tilt them without closing them to keep the prying eyes out and still let the sunlight in.
 
  • #16
solutions.3m.com said:
3M Window Films are designed to:

* offer fade protection for your furniture, drapes, carpets and more
* cut annoying glare
* reduce up to 99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays
* reduce excessive heat gain through your windows
* provide increased comfort and energy savings
* prevent injury from glass fragments due to crime,
destructive weather and terrorism
uh...

Yeah, I haven't found miniblinds that will fit these windows. But I'm happy with film options. I'll also look for the plastic sheets Evo mentioned. What a relief!
 
  • #17
lisab said:
Ah trib, dream on. My sister-in-law...now, I love her to death, but if seeing her naked is the highlight of your week, you really need a life :wink: .

At family reunions, we're about 50 people squished into one or two houses - not a lot of privacy. Besides, we're all family.

notice where I said I'd like to check your windows when YOU are taking off your clothes.
 
  • #18
I just knew voyeurism was going to creep into this thread. ;P

Ah, Lowes has it: Privacy window film. 19.5 sq. ft for $16. Cheap!
 
  • #19
tribdog said:
notice where I said I'd like to check your windows when YOU are taking off your clothes.

:wink: ah...got it...
 
  • #20
Lowe's seems to have window film for privacy, or at least they have a discussion about it:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=/Energy/WndFlm.html

edit: oops, just saw OAQ has already found it at Lowe's
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #21
Okay. Just finished installing the film from Lowes. I was able to cover most of the windows with one roll (3'x6.5'). I'm two inches shy on two of the three windows, so I'll just add a few strips of rice paper. So much better! Total bill, with installation kit: $24.01

Thank you everyone!
 
  • #22
How many bubbles?
 
  • #23
Yea we knock off points for bubbles. We should probably shave a few points off for the rice paper too.
 

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