Decorative Window Film: The Ultimate Guide to This Major Design Trend
Decorative window film is a design trend that adds an interesting layer to any home or office window.
While glass has long been the go-to window option for homeowners looking to save on energy costs and bring in natural light, there are serious cons associated that often outweigh the benefits.
Decorative window film offers a slew of benefits while still offering all of the pros of glass windows.
In this ultimate guide, all of your decorative window film questions will be answered in-depth.
Today, we will be discussing the benefits of adding decorative window film to your home or office as well as giving you valuable tips to use when selecting your own.
From the various designs and styles available to what you should expect in terms of cost, this guide is sure to make you a decorative window film expert!
Decorative Window Film Houston Tx
Decorative window film is self-adhesive film that can be applied to virtually any glass surface to add an extra aesthetical touch while offering many benefits.
There are many different designs, patterns, and styles to choose from when it comes to decorative window film.
Some window films add an extra pop of color to windows while others are selected to perfectly complement room decor.
What are the Benefits of Decorative Window Film?
While decorative window film is a great way to turn your windows from boring to beautiful, there are a number of other benefits that you may not know about.
From added privacy to lower energy costs, there’s a lot to be said for why decorative window film has become such a popular home design trend in recent years.
Let’s explore all of the benefits that you can experience when installing decorative window film in your home or office.
Added Privacy
One of the most notable benefits of decorative window film is added privacy.
Whether you live in a highly populated area or need to provide a little extra security to your office space, decorative window film is the answer.
Installing decorative window film can block out any unwanted attention while still allowing light to come in.
Certain types of decorative window films give greater added privacy than others (see our decorative window types section) so the type that you choose should be selected with this in mind.
UV Ray Protection
Another huge benefit that comes with installing decorative window film is protection from harmful UV rays.
As much as you may love natural light, there are serious issues associated with letting too much of it shine through and UV rays are one of the biggest.
Decorative window film is known to filter out up to 99% of harmful UV rays while still allowing you to enjoy the sunlight.
While you may feel safe from UV rays inside your home or office, this is far from the truth…
UV rays are known to be one of the biggest causes of skin damage such as sunburn and can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Home and office flooring and furnishings can also be damaged by UV rays over time, resulting in fading.
Although glass windows block some of the sun’s rays, UV rays can still filter through.
By installing decorative window film in your home or office, you can still enjoy all of that natural light without worrying about the damage caused by UV rays.
Lower Energy Costs
As a homeowner or business owner, it is likely that you’re always looking for a way to reduce your energy costs.
Decorative window film provides an extra layer of insulation on your windows and this can go a long way in lowering your energy use.
Decorative window film keeps cool and warm air inside your home or office and this means much less demand is placed on both your air conditioner and furnace.
When these appliances are working less to keep the inside of your home or office comfortable, they consume much less power and, as a result, lower the cost of energy.
Easy to Remove!
Many of the choices made when designing or remodeling a home or business are fairly permanent and it isn’t easy to go back on these decisions.
Decorative window film is easy to remove, eliminating the stress of feeling bound to your selection.
If you get tired of the particular pattern or style you install in your home or office, all you have to do is peel it off and replace it with something else!
Boosting Natural Light
We’ve already talked about how decorative window film blocks out harmful UV rays but that doesn’t mean you have to be without natural light!
In fact, decorative window film boosts natural light due to the fact that you’ll never have to worry about closing the blinds out of concern for privacy or too much excess sunlight.
There are a number of valuable health benefits associated with natural light.
For one, natural light has been shown to increase productivity as it encourages our bodies to act.
This results in us staying on task and accomplishing our goals in a more timely manner. When decorative window film is installed in your office, you and your coworkers can enjoy the effects of boosted productivity due to natural light.
Natural light also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and increasing energy levels.
Decorative window film ensures improved access to daylight while blocking out all of the harmful rays and keeping energy costs low.
Easy to Clean
Decorative window film is virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned in just a few easy steps.
In fact, you can clean your windows the same way you did before installing decorative window film!
Simply use an ammonia free cleaning solution and apply it directly to the glass. Next, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the window.
It is highly recommended to avoid coarse paper towels as this can cause small scratches that become increasingly noticeable over time.
Make sure to fully remove any excess moisture from the edges of your window after cleaning as it can seep behind the film and damage the adhesive.
Power of Creativity
Finally, decorative window film gives you the freedom to get creative with your windows.
This is the factor that usually attracts interest around decorative window films and for good reason.
The wide variety of decorative window film colors options, styles, and patterns available means that you don’t have to live with boring windows.
Decorative window film also gives you the ability to spruce up the look of your home or office windows with a high-end look without the premium prices.
Frosted glass, for example, is usually used in high-end construction projects but the use of this material can be very expensive.
With a frosted or patterned window film, you can give your home a luxurious look and, best of all, the film can be easily switched out and replaced at any time.
Different Types of Decorative Window Film
Now that you know the benefits of installing decorative window film in your home or business, you’re probably wondering about the options available.
There are many different types of decorative window film, each with their own unique purposes and decorative charms.
Whether you’re looking to add an extra pop of color to your windows or change up the design of your windows entirely, there is an option out there for you.
Here are a few of the different styles, colors, and patterns that you should consider when shopping for decorative window film.
Textured Decorative Window Films
Textured decorative window film is a popular choice for homeowners and business owners that favor the quality of light within their homes.
Depending on the time of day, a textured decorative window film introduces a different level of light into the room. The presence of texture in a decorative window film creates the illusion of textured glass, a material used most commonly in high-end homes.
This provides, aside from the attractive lighting element, a feeling of elegance that effectively prices up your home.
This particular style is also one of the top choices for those looking to add extra privacy as texture is much harder to see through from the outside.
Frosted Glass Decorative Window Films
Another popular choice for homeowners and business owners that want to benefit from some added privacy is frosted glass decorative window films.
Depending on the type of decal, homeowners and businesses can cover only a section of a window or the entirety of the window.
For maximum privacy, it is best to select a full sheet of frosted glass.
Frosted glass is also a favorite in terms of aesthetic.
After all, there’s something about a frosted window that just feels cozy.
Extra ambiance can be attained when installing a colored frosted glass window film.
There are various color options available in frosted glass films with some of the most popular being neutral colors in both warm and cool tones.
Stained Glass Accent Decorative Window Films
Stained glass accent decorative window films offer the widest variety of design and color options.
For homeowners who wish to coordinate their decorative window film with their home decor, this type is the easiest way to go due to the countless options available.
This particular type also allows for creativity in terms of natural light.
When sunlight hits a stained glass window film, the light that comes through mirrors the color of the film- similarly to a real stained glass window.
With a high quality stained glass accent decorative window film, you can have the stained glass effect you’ve always dreamed of at a fraction of the cost.
Natural Decorative Window Films
For the nature lover, there is no better choice than a natural decorative window film.
This type of decorative window film is inspired by natural landscapes, bringing the beauty of the outdoors into your home.
Some of the most popular designs include the effect of flowing water, sand, and foliage.
Natural decorative window films also look great in bathrooms when affixed to shower doors, for example. If you’re determined to bring a sense of Zen to your home, a natural decorative window film is a style to consider.
Pattern Decorative Window Films
As one of the most broad-ranging styles of decorative window films, a patterned design is best for homeowners and business owners with diverse tastes.
There are a countless number of pattern decorative window films to choose from, all fitting a different mood and aesthetic preference.
Some of the most popular designs are graphic lines and squares but the variety found in this type means a degree of versatility to fit any theme.
Some pattern decorative window films feature a bold color scheme while others are monochromatic and styled to represent a more modern tone.
When shopping around for the perfect pattern, have fun exploring the way each choice will affect lighting!
Custom Decorative Window Films
When it comes to decorative window films for an office space, a custom design will go a long way in representing your company while ensuring all of the benefits of decorative window film.
Custom decorative window films offer full creative freedom and can be designed with you in mind.
Many professional window film installers offer customizable digital imaging services and can create a decorative window film that features your company logo, commercial photography, or personal artwork.
For homeowners with a passion for art, a custom decorative window film can be created for any room of the home.
The sky’s the limit when using a custom decorative window film!
Decorative Window Film Costs
Costs Are Calculated by Square Foot
The first factor to keep in mind when estimating the overall cost of your decorative window film installation is that pricing is calculated by square foot.
Residential decorative window film installation costs average between $6 and $8 while certain commercial applications can cost as much as $12 per square foot.
If you’re considering a custom film type or not a popular design theme, keep in mind that there will likely be additional costs associated but that these are usually based on hourly rates and are added on to the base price.
Project Size
When calculating the overall cost of installing decorative window film, it is vital that the size and complexity of the project be considered.
Larger windows and windows that aren’t easily accessible can have an effect on the overall cost of the project.
Projects that involve installing a decorative window film on every window in a home can also be time extensive, increasing the cost of labor.
Warranty
Warranty is one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a decorative window film installer.
Window film brands that offer a warranty on installation can have a large effect on the overall cost of installation so keep this in mind during your search.
Decorative window films can range from a 2 year warranty all the way to a 10 year warranty depending on the quality type and brand you pick for your project.
Quality of Service
Finally, take into account the quality of service being supplied when estimating decorative window film installation costs.
Larger companies may charge more for installation services than smaller ones but this is usually due to the fact that they are more experienced, work with more reputable brands, and are better equipped for the job.
As with any home design project, you get what you pay for!
Installing Decorative Window Film
So what does the decorative window film installation process look like?
While the installation process is more simple than you may expect, it is still a job best left to professionals.
Here’s what you can expect from professional installers when adding decorative window film to your home or office.
Windows are cleaned thoroughly: First, your professional installers will make sure that the surface where your decorative window film is being applied is thoroughly cleaned. They will ensure that the window is completely free of dirt and/or debris by washing it and wiping it down. The surface will then be dried.
Windows are measured: Next, the window will be measured carefully to ensure a proper fit.
The window film is cut: After measuring, your chosen decorative window film will be cut to size, keeping around 1/16 to 3/4 of an inch extra to allow for the expansion and contraction of the glass.
Water is again applied to the surface: The installers will then spray the surface down with soap and water to dampen the window again. Soapy water is also applied to the film itself in order to reduce static electricity.
The film is carefully applied: The decorative window film itself is then applied carefully with a tool. The installers will go over the film thoroughly, working out any air/water bubbles.
The film is trimmed: Lastly, the film will be trimmed down to ensure a proper fit.
Selecting the Best Decorative Window Film For Any Room
Now that you have an understanding of everything there is to know about decorative window film, it’s time to look around you and start planning!
Chances are, you can find creative, unique, and beautiful ways to add decorative window film to any room in your home or office.
The possibilities are endless! Decorative window film can be used in a wide variety of applications such as:
● Front doors
● Shower doors
● Offices
● Larger windows
● Patio doors
● Home windows
● Display booths
● As additional privacy for conference rooms
● And more!
Bring the power and beauty of decorative window film to any room in your home and enjoy all of the benefits!
This growing design trend is becoming more and more popular every day and you don’t want to miss out.
If you are interested in getting a better idea on the costs for your specific project and want to see different window film samples, at Dark Shade Window Tint, we provide every client of our a FREE in person quote and FREE samples.