5 great ways to cover windows that aren’t curtains and blinds

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You may have chosen your home for the natural light that streams through the windows on a sunny day, but it’s possible that there’s too much of a good thing. There may be times when you want to take the sunlight down a level or two, or maybe you’re concerned about privacy and would rather not look out your windows and see other people peeking in. These are just two reasons that window coverings such as curtains and blinds exist. They let you control the level of light inside and give you some privacy.

However these days, No need for curtains anymore. You have plenty of other options, which may suit your taste and style better and be easier to clean and care for. rather than having to wrestle with it Cleaning curtainsConsider vacuuming heavy drapes, or constantly dusting horizontal blinds, installing internal shutters, attaching decorative privacy film to the glass, or using items to dress up your windows. These options can help you filter light, provide privacy, and lower your energy bills.

Made from hard materials like wood, shutters help block light and give you privacy. Multiple types exist, including interior and exterior styles, louvered shutters, and solid shutters. If you choose a shutter style with slats that you can open and close, you can adjust the angle of the slats so that you Can see out, but noisy neighbors can’t see in.

One of the great things about solid wood shutters is that they effectively block light without the need for heavy blackout blinds or curtains. They are also easy to coordinate with the rest of your room’s decor. Paint them the same color as the trim or use a contrasting color to draw attention to the shutters and window area.

Shutters come in handy outside your home. While it’s common to see non-functional shutters on the exterior of a home, what you can open and close can really make a difference to your home’s energy use and comfort. On a hot, sunny day, close exterior shutters to reduce heat gain and keep your home a little cooler without taxing the air conditioner.

Why limit yourself to a windowsill full of plants when you can create an entire window covering of your plant friends? create Window plant shelves Attaching the shelf to the bracket in the middle of the window and to the windowsill. While you can use shelves made of wood or other opaque materials to maximize light in a room, look for shelves made of glass.

Choose your plants based on the amount of light the window receives. choose Sun-loving plants for a west-facing windowFor example. If there are tall buildings or other facilities that limit light, choose plants that do well with low light. Since your plants are in windowsills, keep in mind that they are a little closer to the elements than if you placed them deeper inside your home. In summer, pay attention to the soil, and make sure they are getting enough water. You may need to pull them back from the window if the sun is too bright. During the winter, cover them with water, especially if it is dry in your home.

Stained glass – it’s not just for churches and castles. This is an ideal way to add some color to your windows without bulky curtains or blinds. Depending on the pattern and style you choose, it can work perfectly in kitchen windows or Add privacy to a bathroom window.

You can spend a pretty penny on an artisan stained glass panel, but more affordable options also exist. One option is to DIY your stained glass using glass paint and adhesive lead line, viz Delta Creative Gallery Glass Instant Lead Lines. Create a design or picture on a piece of glass, such as the inside of a picture frame, then hang it from your window. Alternatively, choose a stained glass window film, eg Hatton Window Privacy Film Stained Glass Filmwhich uses static electricity to adhere to the glass. It may be a good option if you are renting and need to remove any decorations when you move.

Here a A way to cover windows allowed by Joanna GainesAdding both privacy and style. Reeded glass, sometimes called fluted glass, has vertical, textured lines across its surface. The texture makes it difficult for people to see inside the window, but light can still filter through, making it an ideal choice for bathroom windows or anywhere you want light and privacy and don’t want to deal with large curtains or blinds.

Reeded glass dates back to the 19th century and had its heyday as part of the Art Deco style in the early 20th century and then as a mid-century modern piece in the mid-20th century. Actual reeded glass is created by pressing a pattern into the glass during the manufacturing process, while a renter-friendly alternative is to cover a standard glass window with a reeded glass film, such as Velimax Reed Glass Window Film. The film sticks to the glass with a permanent cling, making it easy to remove when you need to, and is available in a wide range that can be cut to fit your window.

Low on storage space in your home? Your window may be a missed opportunity. Hanging shelves around the windows do double duty. It works as a window treatment, replacing blinds or curtains, and it gives you a place to hide your stuff, be it a collection of books, trinkets or glassware. HGTV star Erin Napier installed glass shelves in her kitchen window and used it as a place to store fresh produce, such as tomatoes and okra.

Depending on what you put on the shelves, the display can either block or filter light. For example, light flows through transparent glassware, but a shelf full of books blocks some light. Keep in mind that some items may fade over time when placed in a window, especially if there is direct sunlight. While you can buy a few dollars at a thrift store, it might be perfect for a window shelf, avoid putting any family heirlooms or prized possessions there.

You have many options for the type of shelf you use. Clear glass or acrylic shelves let in more light while wooden or metal shelves block it somewhat. Shelves can extend around the window frame or extend beyond it, resting on brackets that you mount just outside the frame. Depending on the height and size of your window, you may be able to place a tall, open-framed bookshelf right in front of it.