Net curtains. Are you a fan? I’m not really, but I do like the privacy they give. So I’ve tried out a more modern, sleek alternative, in the form of frosted window film, and I think it’s the way forward. Read on to find out how to make over a window with gorgeous frosted window film from Inkmill Vinyl
Ava’s room overlooks our road, so we have been debating adding some kind of net curtain arrangement for a while. Because she has a dormer window, I couldn’t figure out how to add a curtain pole. Plus I didn’t want to anyway! Inkmill Vinyl asked if I’d like to review their window film, I thought it could be the perfect solution*. It’s pretty easy to apply, and you can remove it (if you want to) but it gives the look of frosted glass.
Choosing Frosted Window Film to Makeover Ava’s Window
The biggest challenge when making over a window with window film is choosing the pattern! Inkmill Vinyl have a really wide selection of window films, including lots of lovely designs for children’s rooms, so it took a while to decide on the best one. I debated on a lovely cloud design, but finally chose this Grass and Cornflower design. I love the way it covers just the bottom of the window. The whimsical design is perfect for a child’s room, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. 
How To Make Over A Window with Window Film
Step 1: Order your Window Film and Gather Your Kit
Measure your windows carefully. I did it twice as I don’t have the best track record with measuring! You can input the measurements straight into the Inkmill Vinyl website, and it tells you how much the window film will be.
Place your order and a few days later your window film arrives rolled up in a tube with a squegee. You’ll also need masking tape, a spray bottle and a scalpel, ruler and cutting mat, or scissors.
You can see the design coming through the backing paper here. I’m not sure why it’s red, but don’t worry, it’s just on the paper, not on the window film.
Step 2: Cut Your Window Film to Size
Our window film came in one continuous length, so we needed to cut the window film into three sections. The backing paper has a grid on the back so that makes it easier to make sure you have a straight line. You could easily use scissors to cut the window film, but we used a knife for a crisp edge. We also needed to trim a few centimetres off the bottom of the two side pieces, as the window frame is higher.
Step 3: Stick Up Your Window Film
Carefully position your window film, with the grid facing the window. You may need to use a spirit level or ruler. Stick it with masking tape to form a hinge. Use the squeegee provided, or a credit card, to press down all over the design. Then lift up the design and stick the top to the window frame with masking tape.
Peel off the backing paper slowly, and spritz the window with water mixed with a drop of washing up liquid mixed in. Carefully smooth the sticky design down over the window, starting from the top. Smooth it down with the squeegee, working down and out to make sure there are no bubbles.
Then comes the most nerve-wracking part: peeling the other backing paper away. The instructions say to work from the top down. We found it much easier to peel away from the bottom for this particular design, as it is more solid across the bottom, and more delicate across the top.
If the film gets stuck to the backing paper instead of the window, just pop it down over the film again, go over it with the squeegee and it comes off the second time.
Finally, just go over the window film with the squeegee to make sure you don’t have any air bubbles. Stand back and admire your handiwork!
How Long Does It Take to Apply Window Film?
I was quite nervous about tackling such a large window for our first attempt at applying window film, but it was much easier than I had feared! It is definitely a two person job. It took about an hour and a half to apply, with two of us. I think that would be quicker the next time, as we have got the hang of it now. We started with the biggest piece in the middle pane, and did that together, and each did a side panel by ourselves.
The Finished Window Film
I am very pleased that we managed to makeover Ava’s window so quickly and fairly easily. Ava is really happy with her window makeover, as she can still look through the gaps and spy on the street. I think it’s so pretty, especially during sunset when it glows beautifully. 
I love the shadows the window film casts onto the landing wall – very blurry but still recognisable in a lovely golden sunset glow. Thank you Inkmill Vinyl for creating such a gorgeous product. I’m already eyeing up other windows to get the Inkmill treatment!
Have you thought about using window film to make over a window? Why not Pin my guide for later?
This looks SO nice! I’ve been very tempted to do this in my garden office as it kind of overlooks my neighbours garden. As it’s south facing, I have the blind down quite a lot (I sit next to the window). But in the winter, just offering that bit of privacy (for both them and me staring at my screen in a zombie like gaze) would be a good idea. Would you do it all again and put window film on another window? 🙂 x
Thanks Ricky, we are so pleased with it! And yes I would totally do it again, I think we’d be a bit quicker next time as we would be a bit more confident! We have a horrible patterned door in our kitchen and I have earmarked that for the next one! Highly recommend it!
This is so so pretty – I’m with you, net curtains are not really my thing so this is a fabulous alternative. Thank you for sharing with #HomeEtc this week X
Thanks Lins, I’m so pleased with how it turned out and it was much easier than I expected xx
Wow I would never have thought of doing this. It is fab and I love everythign about it. The shadows especially xx
#homeetc
Thanks so much, I keep catching a glimpse of it as I walk past and it makes me smile xx
Ohh that looks fab! We’ve used a plain window film in the past to add some privacy to our (giant) bathroom window. But I’ve been looking for something more decorative to go in the lounge – so this has definitely given me a bit of inspiration! #HomeEtc
Ah good, they have lots of lovely designs so I bet you’ll find something you love xx
The design is really pretty. My sister was looking for window film a few years ago and found a gorgeous one in Lidl of all places, but it is not as good as this one.
This is remarkable and I’m jealous of your hand skills, a really creative solution. I’m always rubbish at making things. It looks so beautiful up too.
Ah thanks, but it’s so easy as it all comes pre-cut, you just have to apply it! I think you’d be able to do it xx
I don’t like net curtains either. Your frosted window looks fun I might check it out.
Thanks Claire, it’s really quick and easy to do, I’m so pleased with it xx
This is such a lovely idea. Love the whimsical pattern you chose too – it really connects the outdoors and the indoors. 🙂
Thanks so much Tamsin, I’m really happy with it, it’s so unusual x
Oh wow !!!! Now this is insanley cool window film i lovee it
Ah thanks so much Pati, I’m really happy with how it turned out! xx
Thats a really creative solution for privacy and your pictures look great!
Thanks Fiona, Ava loves it and so do I! I’m impressed with how good it looks x
Really clever! I love frosted window film (we have it above our front door) but I never would have thought of making my own.
I want to do the rest of our street-facing windows now, it was so easy and makes a big difference xx
I’m loving these tips and have pinned for later! Never tried window film in my home but seen it work so well x
Thanks so much Donna, I’d really recommend having a peek at the Inkmill Vinyl site, they have loads of lovely designs to choose from! xx
I’ve been looking for a solution for my living room. I currently have vertical blinds which I hate and desperately want to get rid of. I don’t want net curtains. I’d like shutters but don’t have the room. I don’t want anything that will block out too much light, but I do want privacy as the window overlooks a road and houses opposite. Window film is something I’ve been looking at a lot lately. I’ll definitely check out these guys. Your window looks so pretty. I think I’d need a bit more coverage than this but this is one of the best options I’ve seen so far.
I have the same problem in our lounge! Inkmill Vinyl are definitely worth checking out as the rest of their designs give a lot more coverage. I just fell in love with this one for prettiness rather than privacy! Hope you find something you love x