Need privacy for front bedroom window

Teddie Simpson
by Teddie Simpson
I have a bedroom window at the front of my house. I like the curtains open during the day to let in light but I want privacy while still being able to see out. Also, the light coming in lights up my hall which tends to be dark otherwise. I've researched window tinting online but I can't see what it would look like from the outside. I know some of the tinting allows you to see out but looks like ugly foil from the outside. Nighttime is not a problem because I just close the curtains. What's the solution? Tint or something else?
  15 answers
  • Sandy Sandy on Aug 23, 2015
    Solar shades preserve view and light but block glare and give privacy during the day. (Opposite at night). Sheer curtains behind the heavy ones will work also. Go to JCPenney, they will help you.
  • LeeAnn Gerleman LeeAnn Gerleman on Aug 23, 2015
    You can also buy those cellulose type shades that can be pulled from the top down, or go from the bottom up, and you can make it go up to 4' or so to give you more privacy, but it will leave the top open for light.
  • Debbe Debbe on Aug 23, 2015
    Go to Lowe's and buy this foil with cellulose inside.Cut to be a bit bigger than inside frame of window. We have 2 windows in our bedroom facing south and southeast and hubby hates light plus it keeps it cooler in our bedroom.So outside everyone will see silver foil.At Lowe's it is in where the insulation is.We even did it to our RV windows and in our summers it helps our A/C not to have to over work.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 23, 2015
    I would not tint the windows.There are shades available that allow the light to filter and give you privacy at the same time
  • HouseLogic.com HouseLogic.com on Aug 23, 2015
    Teddie, I had the same problem. I eventually sprayed the bottom half of my windows with a frosted window glaze. Here are a few more ideas: http://goo.gl/wcp7ea
  • Sue Myers Case Sue Myers Case on Aug 23, 2015
    Our bedroom is in the front of the house as well. I have done both of these options. 1. up / down blinds. you can pull them down 1/2 way and let the light in the top of the window and still have privacy or # 2 is put interior shutters on the bottom half and keep closed, again still lets light in the top of the window. the window tints with the lights on at night allows people from outside to look in
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Aug 23, 2015
    I really like house logics idea to spray paint the lower half of the window with frosted window glaze.If you are not sure you are going to like it, you can always apply a clear plastic sheet of contact paper first to the window.Spray the contact paper instead of the glass if you don't like it,peel it off.Or,I think you may be able to purchase on line contact paper that is frosted.Might look for some of that myself.not thrilled with the choices at the big bow stores either.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Aug 24, 2015
    Not sure if product is still available. Friend used a product that adhered to the window where no one can see in, but you can see out.
  • Rose Lucht Rose Lucht on Aug 24, 2015
    Sheers are so beautiful these days. My bedroom is also at the front of the house. With sheers, the light streams in but we still have privacy during the day. At night I close the blinds
  • KATHLEEN QUINLAN KATHLEEN QUINLAN on Aug 24, 2015
    Levelor (mp) has different light value light shades that push up with 2 fingers, I love them..Check their line. Home Depot and Lowes carry them. Go online to levelor first to check selection.
  • Martha Earles Martha Earles on Aug 24, 2015
    I also have front bedroom windows and I planted hedge in front of them plenty light and privacy
  • LD LD on Aug 24, 2015
    You may want to think about glass etching the glass with a design, which will give you privacy, design and still allow the light to come through. Here is a link for dying glass etching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJlhPebQjLU
  • Kay fredricks Kay fredricks on Aug 24, 2015
    I would be adding plantation shutters, stacked, so that I could keep keep the bottoms ones closed but angle the louvers for more light and then open the top ones during the day but be able to shut them at night for privacy.
  • Lisa Sheppard Lisa Sheppard on Aug 25, 2015
    I just did my husbands office with contact paper for windows .It lets light in, but opscures everything
  • Martha Hinkle Martha Hinkle on Aug 25, 2015
    I covered a big double window with roller blinds (the kind our Grandma's used to have) only I ordered them from Blinds.com. They are Bali Solar Shades. They have a multitude of fabrics and will send you free samples to look at. I also wanted light and the ability to see out along with a bit of privacy and that is exactly what I got. I don't know what your budget is but these were exactly what I wanted and worth the cost. I've attached a pic; this is looking out into my back yard.