Does anyone have experience with a window that you can see the view without being seen from outside?

I am designing a bathroom remodel for a client. The view from the bathroom window is memorable, my homeowner would like the view from the outside to be boring.
  9 answers
  • There are several window tinting products that will offer privacy as well as energy savings. However many do not work as well at night. I would check into tinting companies in your area. I know you have a lot of them in Tempe where my son lived for several years as we had some work done by one of them.
  • The problem you mention about lack of privacy at night is my biggest challenge with reflective films. I have been looking into privacy glass that is clear or frosts over when you flip a switch. It would be perfect except for the multiple thousand dollar price tag.
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Feb 25, 2012
    There was a similar question here just last week with lots of great input: http://www.hometalk.com/activity/140632
  • Thanks for reminding me, I did see that and read many of the posts. I'm thinking that I should recommend a motorized rolling shutter mounted on the outside. It can be lowered when privacy is need and raised for the view. It will also have a partially opened option that lets some light in without opening.
  • They do make an auto darkening window. Its filled with some sort of gas that turns dark when power is sent to in. Flip the switch and it clears up and acts as normal glass works. Check out this clip on U Tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIDN4iH8xr4&feature=related
  • Thanks Woodbridge, I have looked into this privacy technology. I thought that it would be perfect for my clients situation. The challenge is the cost. It looks like by the time it's installed it would add as much as six thousand dollars to the cost of remodeling the bathroom. If I install a new insulated window with a motorized rolling shutter on the outside for privacy the end cost would be twenty five hundred dollars. I also thought of having rain-glass shutters installed on the inside of the window that could be opened for seeing the view. This would work but I have no clue how it would look with the glass shutters in the open position on the interior walls. My guess is that it would not be a good look in a beautiful bathroom. I am still open to creative ideas to preserve my clients view while offering privacy when needed.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Feb 26, 2012
    Switchable is pricing... but sounds like the best solution.. i hope the price comes down on this one day! http://www.switchlite.com/home.html
  • Thanks BeckySue I have spoken with SwitchLite about their product. they were very helpful.
  • I worked with windows for 10 yrs..and found out that you can get frosted an of spray paint..or you an get reflective spray paint also you can see out but no one can see in..at lowe's or home depot..and its cheaper than anything else you could use..give it a try....