How can I apply some kind of privacy film or tint to block out someone from looking in my front door?

Question

We have an oval door and someone keeps coming by our house and is trying to look in our home. I have security cameras catching them doing this. I am not sure what they want, but it's really making my family freak out. I have two little kids that always run to the front door and look out the side windows and see who's at the door. I have some kind of was paper film on the side, but it's not enough.

3po3 · Answer

Yes. Now you won't be able to see out either, at least with most of the products I know of. But they still let in plenty of light while providing more privacy. Here is one example of some inexpensive, basic stuff you can get at Home Depot: http://tinyurl.com/88jme7e Scroll down on the page and you'll find an installation kit and some other options. There are many different designs and styles available. I have also heard of one-way window film, which is basically a mirrored surface on one side and a window on the other. The catch here is that at night, if you have the lights on, people will still be able to see in. Also, I'm not sure how much tint is on these windows, so I'm not sure how much natural light you will still get.

Lin R · Answer

You can also buy spray on frosting for the glass.  That is what I did for our side windows.  I left the two bottom ones clear so our little dog could see out.  It has worn very well.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

I think I would do more than just spray my window and have security cameras. A motion detector alarm maybe with signage? I imagine a bullhorn stating eminent water blasts unless identification is made quickly. Just a thought. I would take this threat very seriously given our present whacked out society.  My second almost political post on Hometalk in one day, sorry folks.

Sandra aka Blondie · Answer

I read this blog yesterday. Sounds like a good idea. http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2012/02/adding-wallpaper-for-windows-to-stop-the-peep-show-giveaway.html

Jen H · Answer

When they were peering into the door or window or whatever,i would sneak out the back door and sneak up on them with one of those loud azz airhorns  and scare the crap out of them and ask them what they wanted!in a stern voice to show them that you meant business.and if you dont want to do this i would call the police and let them handle it atleast make a report to have on hand.it sounds scarey

Barbara J · Answer

You should call the police and tell them what is going on.  Give them a time when this usually happens and ask for more patrols on your street.  If youcan go to another window and get a license plate it would be good.

Lee M · Answer

This may sound like a stupid question, but have you called the police and provided them with a copy of the video from your security camera?  This doesn't sound like a home improvement concern, but a safety one.

Often times the police will know who it is, and having the video of them 'casing' the place is enough to give them the power to warn the potential perpetrator off.

Please don't say you don't want to 'bother' the police -- its what they are paid to do.  What kind of guilt would you have if you don't call the police and something *does* happen?  Believe me, the 'not wanting to bother the police' will seem a really poor choice then, knowing you might have been able to prevent it!

Laura G · Answer

I agree with Lee and I love Jen H's comment. Its your home and you and your family should feel safe at all times. I agree, if you inform the police, they can probably step up patrols in your area so the person feels like someone is watching them. Also, the security sticker on the window might help too. Something like, 'Smile, you're on candid camera'

KMS Woodworks · Answer

You could 'greet' them at the door like this...and kindly ask them why they keep looking in your house.

Dani M · Answer

You could try a shear curtain. There is a window in my front door, too and I have a sheer curtain over it that I can easily move out of the way to see better if I have to (i.e. see who is at the door) but others can't see in because it is usually brighter outside than inside and the effect makes the curtain almost solid from the outside looking in.  At night, I have a retractable shade to pull down over the window to keep privacy at maximum when the lights are on inside and it is dark outside. This solution works well for me because I can wash the curtains when needed or replace them easily. You can't do that with a film attached to the glass.

Jo C · Answer

I ordered a window film that's frosted and does the job. Lets in lots of light, too. Then made a light green sheer gathered curtain to diffuse the light. Only problem: can't see who is at the door.

Patrice H · Answer

I would have someone make a stained glass piece to fit the oval.  It would add beauty and keep people from a free view.

Sharon F · Answer

I too have a door with a window. We purchased the mini blind that is between glass & installed it. Takes only a few screws & thats it. I can open it if I choose or keep it closed.  You can find them at Lowes or Home Depot (if not in stock, they can be ordered).

Pam R · Answer

A BIG VICIOUS DOG!!!

Diane B · Answer

Try a wireless intercom (hidden discreetly behind a large plant) and when this creature tries to invade your privacy let him hear the sound of a low growling dog, followed by a loud bark and your voice saying 'Ok Rambo,  I'll get get the weapon while you guard him till the police get here'.  Just saying,,

HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC · Answer

Gordon - There are quite a few good ideas to try listed here to give you the privacy you are looking for.  I do agree with Lee and some of the other posters.  If you haven't yet already reported it, I would involve the police.  Especially if it is the same individual and you have tape of them doing this.  The police might know about other activity in your area, or if they even recognize the individual.  They can also add more police presence in your area/on your street.  You should have the ability to feel safe in your home.  Good luck!

Marci N · Answer

Frosted is nice but I love the stained glass look. They make a film  that sticks to the glass.

Bob M · Answer

try switch light glass, it is electrically charge panes that when a wall switch is turned on the frosted glass turns clear. I have used this several times in our custom homes.

Terri J · Answer

I have a side panel and same situation at my house.  I used frosting paint for now, and eventually will put on designer window covering paper, that allows you to look out, but keeps others from looking in.

Sonia Y · Answer

I also used window paint in frost colors and covered my front window with lattice and floral design to allow light in but keep peeping Toms out.

Penny · Answer

We had a side window and had a custom louvered wooden slats. That way I could still look out.

Sherrie S · Answer

I hate to admit it but I think KMS greeting is correct & proper.  I would prerfer my BIG dogs visit the door before I have to use KMS greeting.   Either way nobody should have to live in fear in their own home or anywhere else.

Project Style, LLC · Answer

We have just learned about some window film products that will provide privacy; please contact us if you would like more information.

Gordon F · Answer

Wow, I didn't expect this many responses to my post. Let me say this about my house. We have dusk to dawn lights that come on every night, pathway lights, cameras, a security system, and plenty of guns. I am waiting on the great dane to be born so we can have the 'BIG DOG'.

We currently have a frosted look on the oval (we sprayed on it ourselves), the wax paper look film on the side windows, and a sheer curtain on the oval too. Of course, when the lights are on in the house, you can see shadows and my kids running around. I have a good video picture of the guy and his accomplice. I am ordering the motion alarm that will alert me to someone walking up to my house.

I appreciate all of the suggestions to my problem. I am looking to go with the film that is 100% privacy blocker. I am considering replacing my door altogether with a better window and a stronger door, period.

Peggy M · Answer

1) Have you called police and turned copy of tapes to them? (2) Publish the tapes on the internet say Facebook with a caption that reads peeping Toms. Someone will identify them

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Films and covers will not deter their behavior...a visit from LEO or an armed  HO will.  My dad spent nearly 3 decades on the police force...this behavior is typical of someone 'casing' the place getting details on your schedule and habits...call the boys in blue...if you have a prior report of this any defensive action you take to protect your family will have a solid foundation of priors.

Elisa C · Answer

I sprayed the front panel with a frosted spray.  Can only see shadows,

Toqua B · Answer

They have frosted glass look contact paper too.

Sharron W · Answer

I have a 110 lb Rotweiller....she's a pretty good deterrent, but I'm with all the posters that said call the police...there are terrible people out there doing terrible things...even if you have weapons, what if they are using one of your kids as a shield? You need these people picked up, and locked up...Call the police and plese keep posting so we know all is well....additionally, there are glass breakage alarms that I would suggest for the house windows...

Terri J · Answer

Since my original post, I took off the frosting paint, got tape, tore it into litty bitty pieces, stuck it on side panel and resprayed.  i now have my own deisigner window covering for about $5.00 and tots of time.  Forgot to mention they sell roles of the frosting paper at Lowes for $25.00 roll.

How can I apply some kind of privacy film or tint to block out someone from looking in my front door?

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