Hanging vases
The solution is useful for those people who want to add vegetation, but there is no space on the windowsill. At the same time, vases provide flights of imagination and variety of design: flowers can be arranged in different sequences, distributed across levels in a checkerboard pattern or on several floors. Hanging vases are sold in stores, and if you wish, you can easily make them yourself, for example, from an old light bulb or a small unnecessary pot.
Window stickers
This method is one of the cheapest. You can purchase such a sticker in a store or make it yourself. When making stickers with your own hands, you can use plain paper, which you then attach with tape or glue in the corners. Why is this choice attractive? First of all, this is a variety of patterns. There is a huge selection of them on sale. Your own imagination further expands the range. The sticker or paper partially blocks the light, depending on the color and thickness of the material. You will only be able to enter the room through the holes in the patterns, which will be enough. The third advantage is that you can use the covers on a window in any room, be it a kitchen, bedroom or living room.
Tulle
You can also decorate the windows with tulle by changing the hanging method: fasten the tulle not to hooks, but to the cornice. Stores sell models of tulle with eyelets and a hemmed pocket for threading onto the cornice. You can also glue the fabric. Such a window with lace, in the presence of a spacious, uncluttered window sill, brings lightness to the interior. And gluing does not require unnecessary tools - you will need starch glue, scissors and a tape measure.
Houseplants
Using indoor flowers, you can give your window not only a pleasing picture to the eye, but also achieve a better atmosphere, since they are environmentally friendly. Green color is generally attractive, especially if it is a living plant. It will be difficult to block the light with plants, but a partial effect can be achieved. Place several small pots or a couple of large ones on the windowsill. You can make shelves in the window opening and arrange flowers in several rows. The downside is that they require constant care. But when there is a real mistress in the house, this will not be difficult to do.
Benefits you can get by installing solar control film on your window
The wide popularity of solar reflective films for windows can be explained by the large number of benefits that the user receives as a result of its use. Let's consider the main advantages of using such products.
The ability to transmit visible light, but at the same time block infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation. All modern window tinting films work this way, although earlier versions of the materials simply darkened the windows, but did not prevent overheating. The latest technology is designed in such a way that the sticker does not absorb visible light, but the temperature in the room can be reduced in some cases by 10 degrees.
Preservation of heat during the cold season. Sun protection for windows helps to retain about 50% of the heat in the room, which indicates sufficient energy-saving properties. The principle of providing this advantage is as follows: the material from which the film is made repels infrared rays in the direction from which they come. Therefore, the heat generated in the apartment does not escape through the windows, which is especially important for houses with panoramic windows or apartments with a large glazing area.
Window tint film can reduce infrared radiation by up to 80%.
Creating a mirror layer that does not allow prying eyes to observe what is happening in the room. This property is useful for both residential and commercial premises located on the ground floors or near other buildings. In addition, the interior, thanks to the mirror tint film, is reliably protected from optical-visual surveillance devices.
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Additional security. If for some reason the integrity of the window is damaged, the glass will not crumble into small fragments, but will be fixed on the glued protective film. This will avoid injuries and cuts.
Note! Despite the fact that a window with film does not crumble into small pieces, it is still quite easy to break it from inside the apartment, which is required by fire safety standards. This is because if there is a fire in the house, windows may be the only way to escape safely.
The unique film manufacturing technology allows us to minimize the amount of incoming solar energy without significant loss of optical visibility.
stained glass window
Stained glass windows can also be an effective solution for window “self-defense” from nosy neighbors. This artistic accent will also act as a sophisticated interior decor. And there may be several solutions. You can limit viewing of the room from the outside, but leave the possibility of viewing from the outside. It all depends on the chosen glazing.
You can create a fragmented stained glass window, alternating translucent and transparent elements, which will allow you to see what is happening outside the window, preventing prying eyes from penetrating inside. You can also create stained glass glazing to the required level - up to half the window or make it up to the eye level of the person standing behind the window. Stained glass can be integrated into the window frame, but also act as a cover for the window.
In any case, while trying to ensure privacy, you should not unduly restrict the access of natural light to the room. It is better to install a stained glass window in rooms where a strong flow of natural light is not required, such as a bathroom. If there are a large number of windows in a private house, you can alternate between stained glass and ordinary windows. This will add an unusual charm to the interior, beautifully protecting it from the prying eyes of neighbors. Of course, stained glass windows are not cheap: costs depend on the size and type of glass used.
As you can see, the methods of window “self-defense” from curious neighbors have something in common with sun protection systems, which allows you to “kill two birds with one stone” by purchasing one product.
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Stained glass - what is it?
In ancient times, glass for stained glass began to be selected in such a way as to create a certain ornament from it; In the Middle Ages, real compositions began to be made from stained glass, primarily on religious themes.
Front window with stained glass
With the advent of factory methods for producing solid glass, stained glass did not disappear, but became a decorative art. The lead in the binding was replaced with harmless tin, and the binding itself became thinner.
In the second half of the 19th century, the “Tiffany technique” appeared: first, individual glass plates were given the shape envisioned by the artistic design, then they were framed with copper tape. Then, in accordance with the composition of the drawing, they were fastened together with wax.
How to glue matte film
You can apply the matting film yourself. If you need to perform a large amount of work, it is better to contact specialists. Application is carried out in several stages:
- The glass surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- Then measurements are taken and the required amount of material is cut.
- The canvas is separated from the substrate. No sudden movements.
- The material is located from the corner, evenly on the selected surface area.
- Using a dry rag/sponge, smooth the canvas until the air bubbles completely disappear.
If you cannot avoid the appearance of bubbles, it is recommended to pierce them with a thin needle and carefully level the film over the surface.
Matte film is a unique design element that has a lot of advantages. Even the most boring environment can be diluted with bright colors, while spending a minimum of budget and time. Thanks to the film, you can be sure of the safety of glass surfaces. And the annoying sun and the glances of passers-by will forever remain on the other side of the matte coating.
Pros and cons of matte film
The popularity of matte film coatings is due to their low price and positive qualities. Advantages of matte film:
- Protecting space from prying eyes - matte finish allows you to maintain personal privacy;
- Transforming the design of the room, giving a “zest” to the interior;
- Reducing the intensity of daylight, it does not dazzle the eyes and does not cause discomfort.
- Safety in case of damage: glass will not shatter into fragments when broken;
- Minimal care;
- Isolation from external noise;
- Easy to remove from the surface, so you can frequently update the design of the room.
There are also small disadvantages that can be avoided with proper and careful application of the material:
- improper installation of the canvas can negatively affect the light transmission;
- in the absence of competent application technology, bubbles form that spoil the aesthetic appearance of the glass.
Blinds
Blinds are most often hung instead of curtains on windows - this is the most common and popular replacement method. This is not surprising, because they are affordable and practical.
Thanks to the variety of shapes and materials, blinds meet the tastes and needs of a wide variety of customers. The usual horizontal and vertical blinds are complemented by pleated blinds, attic blinds, interframe blinds, multi-textured blinds, Roman blinds and photo blinds.
Blinds for arches and bay windows differ in shape, in the method of operation - electric blinds, and in properties - protective metal roller shutters. On average, there are more than ten different types of this “curtain substitute”.
Each type of blinds consists of thin plates - slats. They are made from wood, plastic, metal and fabric. The most common white fabric curtains use polyester.
Instead of curtains for windows, innovative options are also suitable - blinds placed not outside, but inside the window. Built-in blinds not only save the house from bright sunlight, but also do not require maintenance - the slats are protected from dust and last much longer than with a conventional arrangement.
How to install correctly?
Most often, the film is installed on the south side of the building, as a result of which on a hot sunny day the room is reliably protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, such products reduce the intensity of natural light, so in the evening the lights in the room will have to be turned on earlier. To install window stickers yourself, you need the following tools and materials:
- stationery or construction knife;
- rubber spatula (can be replaced with a plastic ruler or cloth);
- spray bottle with soap solution;
- tint film.
Immediately before pasting the window, it is necessary to clean the glass from dust and stains using a soap solution, the excess of which is removed with a spatula. To enhance the effect, the procedure can be repeated several times. Cut the film according to the size of the glass, leaving a margin of a few centimeters around the perimeter.
Moisten the prepared surface generously with soapy water, then carefully glue the film, having first removed the protective layer. Using a spatula, smooth the product to remove moisture and bubbles. This action is performed from the center to the edges. The allowances must be trimmed and carefully smoothed again. It is important to remember that the film is glued at a temperature not lower than + 4° C.
Advice
You should install the film yourself only if you have complete confidence in your abilities, because only high-quality material in combination with professionally performed work will allow you to get a good result for a long time.
The stickers are not only easy to install yourself, they are also very easy to remove, leaving no dirt or streaks. In addition, modern high-quality products can be re-glued within twelve hours after peeling off the protective layer. If you don’t like something in the finishing, then there is time to correct the mistakes.
Thus, such products have many advantages.
- Versatility of use - a wide range allows you to choose the right option for any interior.
- Reliable protection of the room and furnishings from ultraviolet radiation.
- Originality – the ability to abandon traditional curtains or blinds.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Protection against mechanical damage to glass.
- Durability. High-quality film will last at least five years.
- Affordable price.
Glass is not a good insulator, so in winter heat escapes through windows, and in summer the air in the room overheats. The main reason can be called the thickness of the glass and the cracks around it. Sealing the frames will partially solve the problem, but if you make the glass multilayer and install a protective coating, the efficiency is multiplied.
