Privacy Without Curtains: The Window Trend for Autumn

As the evenings draw in and lights go on earlier, overlooked windows suddenly become much more noticeable. This autumn, “privacy without darkness” is a practical interiors trend to watch, as homeowners look for ways to make street-facing and overlooked rooms feel more private without permanently closing curtains or blinds.

Frosted and patterned window films obscure the view through glass while still allowing natural light into the room, making them particularly useful for living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, home offices and front doors.

Keep the light

Privacy doesn't have to mean covering the window. A frosted or lightly patterned film can obscure an overlooked view while allowing daylight to filter through — particularly useful as natural light becomes more limited during autumn and winter.

Make privacy decorative

Plain frosting isn't the only option. Botanical prints, reeded-glass effects and Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco-inspired designs can turn an overlooked window into a decorative feature while providing privacy at the same time.

Don't rely on one-way film after dark

“One-way privacy film works when it's brighter outside than inside, but the effect reverses after dark when you switch the lights on,” explains Manu, founder of Purlfrost. “For nighttime privacy, I'd recommend a frosted, patterned or opaque film instead.”

Think beyond the bathroom

Street-facing living rooms, overlooked kitchens, home offices, glazed front doors and sidelights can all benefit from additional privacy without sacrificing daylight.

Purlfrost offers removable privacy and decorative window films from £10, available at Purlfrost.com.

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