How to Add Frosted Vinyl to a Window for Privacy

DIY Obscure Windows

I have a clear, plain glass window in my bathroom. I bought it that way when I replaced the window because obscured glass nearly doubles the price. At first, I used a textured window film to create privacy glass but it didn’t work too well. Since I’d been playing around with frosted vinyl on a few other projects, I figured I would cut a super-fancy design for the window. Let me show you how to add frosted vinyl to a window for privacy…

Supplies:

• Frosted vinyl
• Vinyl cutter or
• Stencil and craft knife (<– affiliate link!)

I was having a hard time photographing the window because of the light – my bathroom is a really small area! Here is what the window looked like with the textured window film:

The film was peeling at the corners and had a few bubbles that only appeared at night! Sounds strange, I know, but the bubbles weren’t there when the sun was on the window! Anyway, I removed the film and thoroughly cleaned the window.

I used my vinyl and paper cutter (I use a Silhouette Cameo) to cut a fancy design out of the frosted vinyl. To create a piece that fit the window perfectly, I measured each window pane. I picked a design I liked, then duplicated the design in the software and welded the designs together to form one piece.

I drew a rectangle the size of the window then positioned the window over the design. I selected both designs and used the crop tool to remove the excess design from outside the rectangle.

I positioned the vinyl over each pane and smoothed it in place.

I love it! This design is pretty and doesn’t completely cover every square inch of plain glass. (I live in the country and my bathroom window faces the woods, so covering every bit of glass isn’t a real concern).

If you do not have an electronic vinyl cutter like the Silhouette or the Cricut, a design can be traced onto the vinyl then cut out with a craft knife. This may be a bit more time consuming but it will still be equally beautiful!

What do you think? How would you obscure the glass in your window? Have any questions about how to add frosted vinyl to a window for privacy? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-01-19 09:21:54.