Carol S

The Magic and Beauty of Gradient Tinting

September 27, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve heard about gradient tinting before and you’re curious to know what it means, and whether it’s for you. Is there some place you could use it in your home or business?

What is gradient tinting?

Gradient tinting is a special technique where the window film changes in opacity or darkness from the top to the bottom of the film. The tint could be darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, for instance. The gradient tinting still gives you everything you want with other types of film, but also that je ne sais quoi, which we’ll explain here. It might be easier to simply show you some examples of gradient tinting, rather than try to explain it with words.

Here gradient tinting is used in a bathroom to provide privacy and preserve (some of) the view and light

Explore the benefits of gradient tinting

You can still reduce glare and have privacy with gradient tinting, just as you would with other types of window film. You can also reduce heat. But the big benefit is that you can control exactly where you want to let light in or where to extend privacy. Also gradient tinting is beautiful, so using it can earn you extra points with your interior designer. In the example above, the homeowners didn’t want to completely block the view, but they wanted light as well as privacy.

Gradient tinting can be used in a subtle way, such as in the conference room above

The art of subtlety

Gradient tinting is an interior decorator’s dream because of the subtlety you get with it. You may want to block just a bit of the view out your window or give yourself more privacy and still let the light in. You can do that with gradient tinting. For instance, in the image above people can see whether a conference room is occupied, but still give the meeting participants privacy. By the way, facilities managers can use gradient tinting for the buildings they manage. See more about facilities managers here: How Window Film Empowers Facilities Managers.

Your neighbors don’t need to see you in the bathtub–do they?

Gradient tinting is all about transitions

Here’s another example of providing privacy, above. People don’t need to see you in your bathtub–do they? But you might want to relax as you enjoy a partial view. And you’d like to control the light without having a sense of claustrophobia. We really like 3M’s Fasara which “Provides a gradation of light transmission to control your level of privacy through glass.”

Preserve your privacy and maybe your sanity

Do you have nosy neighbors? Seems like there’s always one in every neighborhood. They peek out the curtains and write down your comings and goings in a little tiny notebook. They look over their hedge and want to know what’s for dinner–at your house! You can’t stop them completely, but you can limit what they can see with gradient tinting. Yes, window film can make you at least 10% happier!

Still have questions?

We’ve always got answers for you! Call us and we’ll sort those questions out for you! Our Chief Window Works Gradient Tinting Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

The Northern California Facilities Expo: Five Things We Love

September 14, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Nearly every year since about 100 years ago, we’ve been going to the Northern California Facilities Expo. This year, it was September 12 and 13, 2023. To say we love going would be a vast understatement. Here are just a few reasons we love going. And by the way, we’ve written about facilities managers and window film before.

Here’s the Window Works Crew at the Northern California Facilities Expo!

We love our spot at the Facilities Expo–straight down the main aisle in the middle. And also, we love being next to our friends at Atlas Copco. We got to sponsor Happy Hour with them again this year! By the way, if you missed any of our past posts about the Facilities Expo, here are a few:

Here’s our booth at the Facilities Expo!

You might think we get to see each other often, but we don’t always gather together for long. Here’s more of the crew, below.

You know what else was extra fun this year? Going up in our friend Sunbelt Rentals Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) and seeing the entire room at the Facilities Expo!

One thing we haven’t talked about is the venue itself–the Santa Clara Convention Center, which is huge and well constructed. You do have to walk a long way to get to the Facilities Expo, but it’s worth it. And look at all that glass! (Oooooh!)

That’s a wrap for 2023! We hope to see you next year at the Facilities Expo!

How to Use Decorative Window Film: Design Perspectives

August 29, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Decorative Window Film with San Francisco Skyline in the Background

In this article, we’ll go over the design possibilities with decorative window film: from favorite seasons to unique patterns. There are so many different ways to use window film, but we’d like to concentrate on design. You might also like The Window Works Home Visit: 5 Ways to Prep.

Choose window film for a favorite season–or skyline!

Are you a person in love with springtime? You can choose window film to help you have perpetual springtime in your bath, kitchen, or bedroom. In fact, you could make your entire house a springtime oasis! Even if your place is located in Antarctica, you can have the illusion of springtime. If instead you’d like to focus on a favorite view, you can do that, too. In the image above, you can see the San Francisco skyline and Salesforce Tower.

Ombre effects

Ombre effects are not just for hair! But, if you like, your windows could match your hair. There are many window films that can provide a fading effect. And did you know you can design with light using window film? Take a look at 3M’s window tints for decorative effects. By the way, we’re big fans of Fasara window film.

Can you see why we’re big fans of 3M Fasara window film?

Gradient effects

Window film can create stunning gradient effects which can block what you don’t want to see and accentuate what you do want to see. You can transition from transparent to opaque easily with window film. In the olden days, people simply slapped on window film to make a room darker or lighter. It’s not your grandma’s window film anymore! No offense to any grandmas reading this! It’s all about subtlety now. You can also create a border around your window film, as they did in the bathroom above.

Here’s a commercial application (but you could use it at home, too!)

Privacy and decorative patterns

You can choose to have privacy as well as decorative patterns in your window film. See something you like while at your dentist or at a restaurant? Tell us about it! Better still, snap a picture and then tell us about it! Window film can improve your restaurant’s (or dentist’s office or home’s) safety. Here’s an article from 3M that you might like: Open a Window of Opportunity for Your Restaurant. You could use the commercial application above for an open dining room, to create privacy. Or if you don’t want to see the mess in the kitchen. Window film creates a clean, uncluttered look.

Unique patterns for your own special hideaway

Does your man-cave or she-cave lack personality? Choose something based on your own favorite patterns. We love seeing the creative ideas our clients come up with! For instance, you could use a bamboo window film to echo wallpaper outside the house! There’s a Japanese paper “washi” that gives you the delicate fibres of Japanese paper. And there is window film that diffuses light, and which you can add to a partition, door, or window.

Still have questions? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure about decorative window film? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our Chief Window Works Decorative Window Film Manager is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

The Window Works Home Visit: 5 Ways to Prep

August 15, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and have us install window film. Congratulations! We know there are many reasons for your decision, among them energy efficiency, aesthetics, clearing clutter, and more. Here are five ways you can prepare for our visit, and save yourself a lot of headaches! And thank you for taking the time to prepare. We do appreciate your effort!

Clear a path

You’d be surprised at how many times our installers get to your home and need to move boxes, furniture, and random stuff out of the way. Please move things at least four feet away from the work area so that our installers have room to do their jobs. If you do this work yourself, it saves you time and money, too.

Fill out the form

Have you filled out the Quick Residential Estimate yet? We call it quick for a reason! Send as many photos as needed to give us an idea of what we need to do and bring when we get to your place! We can accept up to 20 photos, by the way. And don’t forget to let us know what type of window film you need–is it for security? Privacy? Something else? We can do a better job if you give us all the specifics.

Remove your blinds, shades, and any window coverings

Remove blinds and shades

Please remove all the window coverings you might have. If you have old window film, please let us know that ahead of time. It’s best to let us remove the old window film. We know you’ve been on YouTube looking at those videos on removing film with your hair dryer and some razor blades, but come on! Let us do it! Don’t hurt yourself because you want to do it yourself!

Cover your sensitive things

Those miniature Balinese sculptures you brought back from your honeymoon? Be sure to cover them or move them to another area! And also remove any special artwork or things that might be hurt by the spray our installers use on the windows. We don’t want to damage your beautiful artwork.

Remove the pets

While some pets love everyone, other pets only love some people, and then only some of the time. How often have we heard “oh, he’s never like this! we had NO IDEA he would growl and bite and chase you around the condo!” Well, not in those exact words, but you get the idea. And if you need professional help with your pet, there’s always Cesar Millan!

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure about something? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our Chief Window Works Preparation Manager is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Let the Light in: How Window Film Can Make You 10% Happier

July 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the book Ten Percent Happier? In it, Dan Harris talks about how he tamed the voices in his head that made him unhappy. Thinking about that made me realize that window film, too, could make you happier. We often underestimate how much the environment, our climate, and the people around us contribute to our happiness.

Natural light is a mood booster

Are you taking Vitamin D because you don’t get enough natural sunlight? Natural sunlight triggers the production of melatonin and boosts our mood. Try remembering how you feel in January versus how you feel in July if you need a reminder. If you’re covering up your windows with heavy curtains, you may be depriving yourself of an important source of natural light.

Comfort and energy efficiency

Does feeling comfortable contribute to your overall happiness? You bet it does! Try a long drive in an uncomfortable seat and you’ll get the idea. Add a screaming baby or two and you’ll want to stop driving forever. And energy efficiency? Think of how happy you feel when you get an energy bill that’s less than you expected! Yes, window film can help with that.

Privacy aka blocking out the nosy neighbors

Who knows why people have to poke their noses into other people’s business? Maybe they just don’t have enough hobbies! At any rate, window film can lower your anxiety because it can block those nosy neighbors from seeing all your stuff. By the way, you might like this article about how to fight clutter. Too much clutter can definitely harm your happiness.

Aesthetics

Back to the environment around you, window film can make your home look more beautiful. There are so many designs and colors now that you can use window film the way an interior designer does. Make your environment work for you by creating the Pinterest board of your dreams in your own home! You can do it! By the way, here’s our Pinterest account. We don’t spam you, by the way!

Less stress and better health

How much time do you spend working, and how much time do you spend working next to a window? That glare can cause eye strain and headaches! We’re always talking about wearing sunglasses indoors and how you shouldn’t have to. Window film can create a less stressful environment in either your home or business office. Why not have us install some window film instead?

Ready to be 10% happier?

Window film is a definite game changer when it comes to your happiness. Window film can reduce stress, help your aesthetic quotient, and increase your energy efficiency. And! It’s cost-effective–so why not give us a call? Our Happiness Manager is standing by to get your desperate phone calls. Just kidding! But we do take your happiness seriously, so call us. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How Window Film Empowers Facilities Managers: Five Ways

July 13, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Facilities managers have always known about window film, but they might not understand all the nuances of window film. Facilities managers may just be copying what their predecessors did by installing window film because that’s “what Joe used to do.” While that’s not a bad approach, here are some of the reasons window film can help with the maintenance of your buildings. You know–in case someone ever asks you.

Energy Efficiency

Who doesn’t want to save money, protect the environment, and be more energy efficient? Window film helps reduce the heat gain from the sun. And we’ve all got more sun these days, even foggy San Francisco! Not to mention outlying cities in the Bay Area. San Jose, Santa Clara, the East Bay, and Marin County can get very hot during the summer in particular. We’ve talked about climate change and window film recently, and you might enjoy How Window Film Helps You Battle Climate Change.

Safety and Security

Window film helps hold glass together during times of stress, such as high winds. You don’t want people to get hurt by shards of glass, so it’s a very good idea for high rises, restaurants, and other businesses. During our last winter here in San Francisco some high rises suffered some very high winds, which broke glass and had it shatter on the streets below. Window film can reduce the risk from flying shards.

Privacy

When you have buildings close to each other, there’s a good chance people will be able to see into your building. Your tenants don’t want their neighbors seeing everything they’re doing, even if they’re just eating lunch! Window film helps your tenants maintain their privacy, which makes for a safer workplace. There are various styles of window film which can even be used to partially cover glass–for instance when several dentists are sharing an office space and want to create separate spaces.

Glare Reduction

We’re always going on about having to wear sunglasses indoors. Sunglasses do protect your eyes, but why do you have to wear them inside? Instead, put sunglasses on your building! You might like Learn the Best Ways to Use Window Film. Squinting is never a good look for anyone, and having window film can boost productivity, and reduce headaches and squinting.

UV Protection

Last but not least is UV protection. We all have that one friend with the sun-bleached furniture and ugly flooring because the sun’s rays beat down on their office or home. Prevent that bleaching effect with window film protection. Window film blocks up to 99% of UV rays, according to 3M. And even more important? Window film protects your skin. Too much UV can damage your skin and is known to cause skin cancer. Read more about window film and how it protects against skin cancer in this article from the Skin Cancer Foundation. As for us, we’ll be using window film on the windows as well as sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when we’re outdoors.

How Does Window Film Help Battle Climate Change? Five Ways

June 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

While climate change is here to stay, window film can help in your battle against it. Although there are many more than five ways window film can battle climate change, here are our top five. You may have other reasons to use window film!

Enhances energy efficiency

Window film can enhance energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss during the winter. In other words, window film evens out the temperature and helps you keep your cool year round! And temperature extremes are getting worse all the time!

Rejects solar heat

If you’re concerned about the environment, then you might already know about solar heat rejection. You don’t want to fry inside your home or office, do you? No, you do not! If you don’t believe us, you might want to read this fine article from the Florida Solar Energy Center: About Window Films.

Blocks harmful UV rays

We’ve talked about the damage that UV rays can do to your skin many times before. In fact, here’s an article you might like: Learn the Best Ways to Use Window Film. Long story short? UV rays cause skin cancer. And using window film is one easy way to help prevent it. Not only that, but UV rays can fade your furniture, your beautiful bamboo flooring, and your lovely Persian rugs. Ugh. No thank you! And on another note, if your beautiful flooring doesn’t fade, that also increases the value of your property.

Minimizes glare

Do you know anyone who has to wear sunglasses inside? We know of many businesses that have sunlight streaming straight through their windows and into the eyes of their unhappy customers! If that sounds like you, get yourself some window film. You don’t want your customers to scurry out of your shop while they’re making an important purchase. And your coworkers will also be much happier without all the glare.

Reduces need for both heat and A/C

In some homes or businesses, people have to run between the heater and the A/C constantly. It’s a pain, isn’t it? What if your home could stay at a much steadier temperature? And energy costs are always going up, too, so why not use window film to keep your temperature more constant? You’re not only investing in your home, you’re investing in your sanity! Right now, in the San Francisco Bay Area, there’s a heat advisory for the coming weekend, probably the first of many. So your window film installation can help you through the worst part of the heat.

Call us to help battle climate change

Call us and let us help you choose the best window film in your ongoing battle against climate change. We’ve been there ourselves, so we know what you’re going through. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How Window Film Helps You Fight Clutter: Five Ways

June 14, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Fighting clutter is an ongoing and sometimes unrelenting process. One moment, you’re clutter-free and the next moment 15 boxes arrive from Amazon. Cats jump into the boxes, scattering paper everywhere. Supposedly hilarity ensues, but then the boxes are forgotten and sit around gathering dust and adding to your lack of good mental health. AmIRight? So here are some ways window film can assist you in your ongoing battle against clutter.

Hide it All!

By that we mean, keep your clutter behind window film while you figure out what to do with it. Window film can obscure that clutter while you decide whether you really want to take the time to take photos and post them to eBay (vintage broken toaster, anyone?) or simply take it to the dump. You might not be ready to part with certain items because they’re sentimental, which is another reason window film can help.

Distract yourself and your friends

You can use window film with an interesting design to create something prettier to look at. There are so many pretty window films now that you won’t have to look very long to find something. Divert your eyes from that pile of junk by telling yourself to look at something else. By the way, we’ve talked about decorative window film before: Will Window Film Make My Life Better?

Minimize clutter by diffusing the light

Why shine a spotlight on that stuff you want gone? Soften the light coming in through your windows with film! Either that or get some rose-colored glasses to create a soft glow to envelop your clutter. And you might also like this article: Ten Uses of Window Film That Will Definitely Spark Joy! Remember Marie Kondo?

Replace curtains or other window coverings with film

Window film doesn’t gather dust like those ugly curtains from 1974. Yes, they belonged to your grandmother, but would she really want you to suffer from breathing in so much dust? No, she would not! She would want you to be healthy.

Hide clutter in cabinets

We’ve talked about kitchen cabinets and how people have this idea that everything will look perfect once they have new cabinets. Then they have kids and there are suddenly one million sippy cups! You can use window film on cabinetry to hide clutter–at least until life gets less cluttered and the kids go off to college.

You could also get rid of the clutter

This might be the toughest option of all. But if you get rid of the clutter you can still use window film to make your home more beautiful!

Call us to help end your clutter

Call us and let us help you choose the best window film for your home or business. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Five Unusual Reasons Why You Should Use Window Film

May 30, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

What does this pooch have to do with window film?

What are some of the most unusual reasons for using window film? You may already know about window film for your vehicle. After all, your friends and neighbors probably already have it installed on their cars and trucks. But we’re willing to bet (at least a dollar!) that you don’t know about some of these other uses for window film.

Being in stealth mode

Stealth mode is super-useful in social media for spying on your competitors, but did you know that you can be in stealth mode with window film, too? It’s true! You can choose a reflective window film so that during the day those nosy neighbors can’t see into your place. Enjoy uninterrupted privacy during the day. And the stealthiest part about window film is when it’s working you can’t even see it!

Sneaky Energy Savings

By reducing the amount of heat entering your home during the day, you can enjoy savings during the summer months, in particular. And with global warming, our days are getting hotter all the time, it seems. You get a more comfortable home or office and also a lower energy bill. That’s a win-win-win in our Book of Wins! We’ve talked about lower energy bills before. Here’s an article you might like: Ways to make a home more energy-efficient.

A Prankster’s Secret Weapon?

There are various decorative window films that can show your friends and neighbors optical illusions. We’re particularly fond of 3M Dichroic window film. It actually can change colors when viewed from different angles. Your friends will be amazed! Or terrified, if they’ve had a drink or two. Not that we’d know anything about that. Either way equals fun for you.

Install an insta-art gallery

Your choices in window films don’t always need to be of the practical variety. In fact, you can use window films to make your home into an art gallery. Or, you can use window films to enhance the artwork you already have. For instance, you could use an Asian-inspired bamboo window film as a backdrop. Bob Vila has some fun picks in this article: Wow-worthy window films.

Doggie Barrier

If your pooch loses his mind every time another dog walks by, block that view! This is one of the most unusual uses for window film, but it beats putting a bunch of blankets over the windows, right? And it’s way better than one of those anti-bark devices, which seem cruel, to be honest. Here’s more on that subject: Ten best uses of window film for your home. And also, your dog can relax and stop barking. And you can stop buying those fancy-pants doggie throat lozenges.

Call us for more unusual reasons to use window film

Call us and let us help you choose the best window film for your clients’ homes or businesses, even if they just need some creative ideas. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How Interior Designers Look at Your Windows

May 15, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you ever worked with an interior designer and wondered what’s going on in their heads? Here are some ideas that clarify how those interior designers are looking at you and your windows. And of course we’ll add our own two cents about how window film might help your windows, too!

Interior designers view windows as an important design element that can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space. They may consider the following when looking at windows.

Natural light

Interior designers consider the amount of natural light that enters a space through the windows and how it affects the overall lighting design of the space. They may use window treatments such as curtains or shades to control the amount of light entering a space. The amount of light that enters a window can differ during the day. Ask anyone who might have to wear sunglasses while drinking their morning coffee!

View

Interior designers consider the view that you see through the windows and how it can be incorporated into the overall design of the space. They may use window treatments such as sheer curtains to maintain a view while still providing privacy. But interior designers in the know will know about window film because window film gives your windows a clean look and doesn’t obscure the view.

Proportion and Scale

Interior designers consider the proportion and scale of the windows in relation to the overall size of the room and the furniture. They may use window treatments such as drapes to balance the proportion of the window to the room.

Style and Aesthetics

Interior designers consider the style and aesthetic of the space and how the windows contribute to it. They may use window treatments such as shutters to add a traditional touch to a space or frosted film to add a modern touch. We like this article from Homes and Gardens on how interior designers use shutter ideas.

Energy efficiency

Interior designers consider the energy efficiency of windows and how they can be improved, they may use window film to improve insulation and reduce heat loss. We’ve written about energy efficiency and window film before. You might like: How to use window film for energy efficiency.

Functionality

Interior designers consider the functionality of the windows and how they can be used for ventilation, natural light, and privacy. They may use window treatments such as sliding or folding doors to maximize functionality. As we’ve recently outlined in this article on privacy, window film can also used to keep your home (including your patio!) private.

Safety and security

Interior designers consider the safety and security of the windows; they may use window films or shutters to increase the security of the windows and prevent break-ins. Every second counts if someone is considering breaking into your home or business, so having security window film is an extra layer of security, since having it makes breaking in take longer.

Windows are an important design element

Overall, interior designers look at windows as an important design element that can greatly affect the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space, and they consider a variety of factors when determining the best window treatments for a space.

Are you an interior designer with window film questions?

We have the answers! Call us and let us help you choose the best window film for your clients’ homes or businesses. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

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