Need Privacy in My House_Cover Window- Please Advise

Treyonna
by Treyonna
I have a window over my door that i need to cover. Any advice? What is this window called? I really don't know what to cover it with. When im in my kitchen i always feel like somebody is watching me. Thanks in advance!
I haven't started yet. I truly don't know what to do. I want an up to date look instead of covering it with contact paper. Lol
  59 answers
  • Haysha S. Haysha S. on Jan 12, 2017

    I hear you! What do you think of installing a small curtain? It could be a regular curtain even thought the window is curved.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 12, 2017

    Home Improvements stores sell privacy stick on paper available in an assortment of patterns.

  • Cristina Addie Cristina Addie on Jan 12, 2017

    The window above your door is called a transom window. I have several in my home that are a half circle. I went to Home Depot. I must admit, they can be pretty pricey.

  • Maureen H Maureen H on Jan 12, 2017

    Home Depot has privacy film that is easy to install

    • Treyonna Treyonna on Jan 12, 2017

      Thanks Maureen! im going to check it out and the temporary shades.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jan 12, 2017

    Use a decorative fan you can find them inexpenive at import shops. If you want transparency, replace the fabric with a clearer one.

  • Linda Reyes Lukatch Linda Reyes Lukatch on Jan 12, 2017

    The temporary shades at Lowes and Home Depot are great! They come in a thin linen type and a heavier type of paper. You pinch the ends together with clear tape and turn it into a fan. The cost is about $20 or $15 at Walmart on line. I suggest the thinner one for your issue because it will let more light in.


    Linda Lu New Baltimore, MI

    • Kca11578356 Kca11578356 on Jan 13, 2017

      We have a half moon window that we used the temporary window coverings for....shaped like a fan. Works great and looks pretty.

  • Debbie Stokes Cotter Debbie Stokes Cotter on Jan 12, 2017

    I have 2 sidelights on either side of my front door. What kills me is how people ring my bell and then stare inside to see where we are! I have used different kinds of window treatments; etched look window cling was nice but I couldn't see outside to see who was at my door! At Home Depot I bought mirrored window film that adheres with a soapy solution. It is like a one way mirror most of the time, only at night you can see in a little. I am completely happy with effect, and in the Summer, it reflects the sun away as I am faced West.

  • Treyonna Treyonna on Jan 12, 2017

    Thanks Linda! Im going to check these out. Sounds like a great idea or either the privacy paper. I like that they allow light to come in. Thanks

  • Schwarzy Schwarzy on Jan 12, 2017

    How about film on the window? There are many designs and options. You can use vinyl or spray. Here's an example of one: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/remodelaholic-2254410/diy-window-privacy-film-using-contact-paper-3511905821/

    I've also seen people mod podge lace on windows. http://www.littlethings.com/lace-window-treatment/

  • Cristina Addie Cristina Addie on Jan 12, 2017

    You can also do - Privacy/Decorative Static Cling Window Film found at Lowe's.

  • Sophia,M.,McConnery Sophia,M.,McConnery on Jan 12, 2017

    Go to the local dollar store and buy some of that sticky transparent stuff.You can see outside with it.It is just real hard for those looking in to see anything!

  • MaryAnn B MaryAnn B on Jan 12, 2017

    PVC will bend to the contour of the window. Get some lace or other lightweight fabric and make a rod pocket curtain. Place the PVC through the pocket snap it in place. Gather the bottom right hand corner with a hair band or ribbon to make a rose or turn the "rose" to the inside to not see it.

    • Treyonna Treyonna on Jan 12, 2017

      Hi, this is an awesome diy project. I might do this one. You all are big help. Thanks!

  • Donita Grace Donita Grace on Jan 12, 2017

    BigFoot in your neighborhood?

  • Lisa Lisa on Jan 12, 2017

    You can get a can of frosted ray paint and frost the windows! Let's the light in

    • Treyonna Treyonna on Jan 12, 2017

      Thanks Lisa! You and Pam have the same idea but she was saying use stencils. Thanks

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Jan 12, 2017

    I have static cling window film on my doorlight, and I like it.

  • Pam Walker Pam Walker on Jan 12, 2017

    Designer Press & Seal. Stencils with Frost Paint. Stencils & Glass Paints. Full-Length Curtain pulled over the whole doorway like a Tapestry.

  • Treyonna Treyonna on Jan 12, 2017

    Thanks everyone for the awesome ideas. There are so many to choose from and only 1 window lol. Seriously im going to use some of these diy's in other areas of the house. Thanks a million everyone you all have been a huge help. I will post an update. I Love hometalk.com!!😁😁

  • Since it's such an unusual shaped glass, I'd consider frosting it. You can do it for less than $10. Here's how I frosted gloss on an antique door: https://bachelorettepadflip.com/2016/08/22/the-new-old-door/

  • Carol Carol on Jan 13, 2017

    How about a giant fan, paper or metal fireplace fan, cut in half (a quarter circle) that may somehow be rigged to open and close (By running small eye screws around the outside of the window and running a cord through them) . If you are handy maybe recover the fan in your choice of fabric or lace. You might find the fan at a thrift store or a fleamarket of eBay etc..

  • Mar16243532 Mar16243532 on Jan 13, 2017

    I liked the idea of stained glass, but couldn't afford it. So I created my own design(s) and painted my windows with acrylic paints. The beauty of it was that I could change them for the holidays or whatever the occasion or mood, as the paint was easily removed with a razor blade or would just peel off.

  • Janice Lucia Janice Lucia on Jan 13, 2017

    I use frosted contact paper in my back door window, still lets the light in but you can't see through


  • Mary Gendron Mary Gendron on Jan 13, 2017

    I believe its called a transom.

  • Bridget Majkowski Bridget Majkowski on Jan 13, 2017

    clear contact paper. light comes thru, but you can not see thru it.

  • LoriB LoriB on Jan 13, 2017

    I have an unusual shaped "eyebrow" window in my home office. It's beautiful but on the west side of the house, so too much light and heat in the late afternoon. I didn't know how to cover it either but wanted some light through, so I cut and sewed a sheer curtain, then threaded it on a flexible rod and gathered it in the center. The flex rod tension keeps it in the arch of the window. You could do the same, only gather it to your square corner. I realize mine's not the same shape as yours, but I've attached a picture of what I did to help visualize.

  • MaryAnn B MaryAnn B on Jan 13, 2017

    My neighbor did this in her house and it looked beautiful from the outside.

  • Kca11578356 Kca11578356 on Jan 13, 2017

    Window clingers are another idea! I found mine at the Dollar Store but Ebay or Amazon sells them. Mine are different colored flowers and I put them on the narrow windows on each side of our front door so anybody coming to the door couldn't see in the house. From a distance it looks like those windows are stained glass.

  • Beth Beth on Jan 13, 2017

    This is an easy way to cover it and still get some light. You can cut the Redi shade it to fit the space. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Redi-Shade-White-Fabric-Arch-Window-Shade-72-in-W-x-36-in-L-3206071/202637827

  • Charlie Cote Charlie Cote on Jan 13, 2017

    Home Depot ot Lowes Cary the window transfer paper in different styles, frosted, rice paper, stain glass etc.


    • See 2 previous
    • Laura Hayes Laura Hayes on Jan 15, 2017

      I just used this on the 9 pane window of my front door. It is fabulous!!!

  • Melody Melody on Jan 13, 2017

    I have a very old home and the bath room window is original... I wanted the light to come in but no one to SEE in... I took some lace cloth I had on hand and decoupaged it to the window with ordinary Elmer's school glue, it will be easy to change out when I'm ready... it's been up there for three years now and I like the fact I don't have to wash the window every week or so. Water or windex will take the lace off if too much is used.

  • Lisa Lisa on Jan 13, 2017

    Perfect idea for this is an oriental fold out fan, or you can get those paper blinds, cut to size, paint if you want, pinch 1 side together with hot glue, and fan out the other side.

    • Patricia Patricia on Jan 15, 2017

      That's the first thing I thought of too! And there's so many designs out there that you can probably get a style and color to match anything in your home!

  • Kat5474920 Kat5474920 on Jan 14, 2017

    Elementwindowfilms.com. Light comes in, but you can't see in. Great if you don't want to put up a curtain or a shutter. Take a look at Home Depot or Lowe's if you'd rather not send for it

  • Susan Susan on Jan 14, 2017

    Either the window films you can buy at HD/Lowes or you can buy a window frosting kit at Same or craft store and frost it. Also you could do painted glaze and make it look like stained glass.

  • Jason Jason on Jan 14, 2017

    You could use a Frost spray from a rattle can. I did this to my bathroom door which is full glass as another that gets light ALL day. Works great because it lets some light through but can't be seen through. You MUST spray in cross pattern layers. You can also make designs by using an old pattern cloth. Good luck

  • Mary Gendron Mary Gendron on Jan 14, 2017

    You could use Gallery Glass. It comes in a tube. and looks like stain glass. Make a template of the window, make a design on it then cover with a pane of glass or clear plastic. Out line a design with the "Lead" let dry. Then fill in with the colors. let dry, peel of and place on the window. It's removable if you want to change with the seasons. It's pliable so it's not stiff and crackley. It's also reusable, just store it in one of those old photo albums that has sticky cardboard pages covered with removable pages. just lay them on the plastic.

  • Sally-Charles Evans Sally-Charles Evans on Jan 14, 2017

    Frosted Contact Paper! It lets in the light but you cannot see through it. Cheap too!

  • Susan Brown Susan Brown on Jan 14, 2017

    I think if you take some thin wood pieces, cut them to size, connect them at one end creating a pivot point attach some pretty cloth. Like a Japanese hand fan spread out. You can even put the cloth on both sides of the fan so the wood is covered up and you get the effects on both sides of the window.

    • Janice Janice on Jan 14, 2017

      A dust collector though and who want to get the ladder to clean them.

  • Charlie Cote Charlie Cote on Jan 15, 2017

    Cool, I have it on my bathroom window in rice paper, love it! Design on!👍

  • Pri4759878 Pri4759878 on Jan 15, 2017

    Any color or pattern of fabric or paper cut to fit and held in place with rubber cement will be easily changed should you need to clean it. Inexpensive too.


  • Sharry Sharry on Jan 15, 2017

    the easiest and least expensive way to do this is to use parchment paper or wax paper. I did this on my garage door windows and while it will let the light in, you can't see out and people cannot see in

  • Eca16132157 Eca16132157 on Jan 15, 2017

    Buy some lace and modge podge. Cut your lace to fit, paint the window with modge podge and lay your lace on top while it's still wet. Let it dry and then put another coat on top after its dry. The modge podge dries clear letting the lace show. It adds privacy plus let's the sun in. I haven't done this yet, but I want to do this to my bathroom window.

  • Terry Terry on Jan 15, 2017

    i was just going to sajest the lace fabric with mode podge..i love this ive done it in my bath room.it last very long time and is wipeable .light come in nicely but yet adds privacy needed.my bathroom window was alined with are side walk into the house.and are window was close to counter top and curtain was always in the way .so it solve two problem areas for me. i used a blow dryer to speed up the drying time.so i got my finished in 1/2 hour.and i moistened my lace fabric with water first.

  • Nit13832491 Nit13832491 on Jan 16, 2017

    I assume you still need the light from the window, but want more privacy. Have you considered etching it? Go to Michael's, or any craft store and buy some etching medium, (comes in a bottle), along with a lacy or geometrical stencil (or make your own if your artistic). You simply attach the stencil to the window and then apply the etching liquid with a brush or sponge or ?..... (Use gloves and protect your work surface). Now just wait the recommended time, and wash it off! VOILA! You have an etched window.

    the density of the stencil design is the amounts of privacy you allow. Directions are included with the etching medium. Good luck!

  • Stacey Harden Stacey Harden on Jan 16, 2017

    Sears (& other stores) sells rolls of privacy film. There's a grid on the back to make measuring & cutting easier. It just sticks to the window but looks like the real privacy glass. It's very inexpensive, easy to intall & easy to remove.

  • Fred W Renon Fred W Renon on Jan 16, 2017

    Home Depot or lowes sells spray frosted Glass in a spray can, covers a lot of surfaces. and cant see through it. Easy to take off with a razor blade.

  • Kathryn Mitchell Kathryn Mitchell on Jan 16, 2017

    You could always try an old fashioned womens fan. May be able to find one at an antique store.

    • Jane Jane on Jan 17, 2017

      OR....make one. Should be a simple DIY. Fan fold beautiful paper, secure one end, cut to fit opening, attach with command adhesive strips.

  • Charly Charly on Jan 16, 2017

    If you have to get up on a ladder to clean it which I assume you do because it's up as high as the pendant light I would safely say that there is no one watching you from that window. Unless the peeping tom is carrying a ladder with him or her.

    • See 1 previous
    • Treyonna Treyonna on Jan 17, 2017

      Lol. Thank you Lisa! You are absolutely right. I stood at the top of my stairs to take this pic and my kitchen is right behind me. Papoose if you look out that top window there is a light post that stands right beside the sidewalk. Thank you

  • Reblcant Reblcant on Jan 16, 2017

    i agree with some of the suggestions to use a type of etching technique for something permenant but do a small scroll or vine pattern in the corners. Give it some style. I would recommend a removable privacy film. You could cut a design in it. Don't do anything too busy or with color. It needs to look good from the inside and outside.

  • Poe16227403 Poe16227403 on Jan 16, 2017

    I covered a window with lace on a project I did. I used spray adhesive and then made sure the lace did not have any wrinkles in it by ironing it first. It looked beautiful. Good Luck

  • Gjw15854120 Gjw15854120 on Jan 16, 2017

    Amazon sells a variety of beautiful window films. They are self stick and easy to apply. I had a new window put into my bedroom and i found a gorgeous Magnolia window film that lets light in all day. at night it is beautiful from the outside because of the light shining from the inside. Take a look in Amazon.

  • Day2311501 Day2311501 on Jan 17, 2017

    I used waxed paper. No one can tell. I cut it exactly with razor knife. Beautiful opaque glass.

  • Nicolecollazo56 Nicolecollazo56 on Jan 17, 2017

    Use a sponge to apply white elmers glue, cut & cover each space with lace (can get it from a curtain panel, after you put the lace, put a second coat on top of the lace and let it dry, it will look amazing. Good luck

  • Jane Jane on Jan 17, 2017

    OR...for a temporary fix try this

    http://www.remodelaholic.com/diy-lace-privacy-window-covering/

    I always change my mind. I'd never do anything permanent here. That window would be expensive to replace.

    BTW...If it were my window, I'd leave it alone. It's really pretty.

  • Kat15463011 Kat15463011 on Jan 17, 2017

    Cover it with window contact paper from Fred Meyers , they have many designs, I suggest the stain glass look

  • Marilyn Johnson Marilyn Johnson on Jan 17, 2017

    If you don't mind not following that fan shape, it looks as though a tension rod would fit in that spot and you could add a curtain that you can open to let light in when you wanted to.

  • Gib6732847 Gib6732847 on Jan 17, 2017

    I agree with a frosted window film. Many patterns to choose from and you won't have to worry about people looking in, but sunlight can still come through. I found one at home depot that is super durable for my back door. (Creepy neighbor) I am super happy with it, and it looks really good.

    Make sure to get a nice quality one so it doesn't peel off. It's more expensive but definitely worth it. Mine still looks new after 9 years.

  • Cro12478835 Cro12478835 on Jan 18, 2017

    I have a similar window that let's I too much light. I live in Texas, and I ordered a solar screen that is custom made and I set it into the window from the inside. Didn't need to be installed outside like usual. It's great because I can remove it to clean the window. Does the trick!

  • Mary Hill Mary Hill on Jan 20, 2017

    I think lace would be pretty, it would still let light through. Or some kind of stained glass look would be lovely to?!


  • Dwo20908290 Dwo20908290 on Feb 22, 2017

    I have seen fans similar to like this in windows .