San Francisco

How to Make Windows Private but Still Look Nice?

January 14, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

What do you do to make your windows private but still look nice? Do you know anyone who put aluminum foil over their windows to keep their nosy neighbors from spying on them? Or, like one of our friends, covered their window with *shudder* glue because he was so frustrated? If you want more privacy, but still want your windows to look like an insane person doesn’t live in your house, read on.

It’s not your grandma’s window film anymore

Maybe you’re thinking of people who’ve installed their own automotive window film. It’s all purple and bubbly and…just awful. But window film has changed with the times! Yes, you can still mess it up by installing your own, but there are so many more choices available now. And you don’t have to do it yourself, either! We can come over and install it for you. We’ll even suggest the best window film for your situation. There are many more options than you might realize.

Window film comes in all stripes and even polka dots now

Seriously, if you want your window film to have stripes, we’re here for you. It’s not even that unusual. Your window film can match your wallpaper or the interior theme. It can echo the flavor of your couch or favorite rug. We’ve written about stripes, dots, and other window film. Above all, it’s important to avoid cheap window film! If you decide to go that route, we can’t help you. Except to start over again, that is.

You don’t have to cover your entire house

Sometimes people choose to just have one or two windows covered. If that’s you, we can certain help. Maybe you have a couple of large windows in your living room that you’d like covered. You can leave your bedroom and bathroom windows uncovered if you can’t decide, or only want a couple of windows covered. Or use a different style of window film on those windows–it’s up to you.

Yes, you can have it all

You can certainly have your privacy and a nice look! It’s not a crazy thought at all. And you can use that window film outdoors as well as indoors. Some of our favorite jobs have been covering patio glass so that people can have privacy. That way, your nosy neighbors won’t have a clue about what you’re barbequing! For some other ideas about how to avoid nosy neighbors, there’s even a wiki about it! Because of course there is!

We can help!

Fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some window film. Give us a call and we can help keep you and your home or business more private. We’d love to help you choose the best film. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and have expanded into southern California (Costa Mesa) and Scottsdale, Arizona, too! Give us a call at our San Francisco location at 415.623.8700.

Make the Most of Your Views

April 29, 2025 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You just bought or rented the most beautiful space, with 360-degree views, but how do you make the most of those views? We’ll give you three guesses (but we’re going to tell you anyway, so don’t worry)! Here’s a clue, though: if you cover your beautiful new windows with thick curtains, why even live in a place with windows?

See what others have done

Before you commit to anything, why not take a look at some of the most beautiful views you’ve ever seen? The inspiration may prompt you to change your window design. Elle Decoration UK has 10 homes with beautiful views you might like: 10 homes around the world that make the most of a view. Scroll down to the one designed by John Lautner, a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright, to see a favorite.

Weigh the options

Of course you could do curtains, but what other options do you have? Drapes get dusty and need cleaning. Shades also can collect dust. Blinds can be a natural part of your decor, if you choose the right textures and colors. If you do have shades or drapes, make them simple so they don’t obstruct the view too much. Also, you might want to place your furniture so you can look out your windows. Sounds obvious, but a lot of people don’t do this. You might like this article from Better Homes & Gardens about how to hang curtains correctly the first time.

Add more windows

If your home or office is old-fashioned with only a few windows, you might consider adding more windows. That way you could really take advantage of your views. Consider when during the day you would be looking out your windows. Here’s a good article from Martha Stewart about Maximizing your natural light. Also, make sure you spend time in the parts of the house with the best natural light.

Design your layout to maximize the views

Have you ever been to someone’s house who would have beautiful views, but they’ve stuck a big bookshelf right in front of the window? Don’t do that! When you move in, think about where you place your furniture (or bathtub!) so that you can see out each window. You might take your own views for granted, but your guests will definitely love to see your views.

Use window film

Of course you knew we’d say this, right? Window film doesn’t block your view, and also keeps your space uncluttered. In fact, we’ve written about how to tackle clutter with window film. Check it out: How Window Film Keeps You Clutter-Free: Five Ways.

Ready to make the most of your views?

Give us a call and we can help you make the right choice. We’d love to help you choose the best film. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and have expanded into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Spring Cleaning Tips You’ll Really Love

March 28, 2025 by Carol S Leave a Comment

When you think of spring cleaning tips, do you typically think of bleach and ammonia? Please don’t mix them together, though, as that is a recipe for disaster! You probably already knew that, though. However, stick around for some ideas that you’ll not just love, but actually use. Really.

Vinegar has many uses

Why is vinegar so good for so many things? And we’re not just talking about salad dressing, either! Here are a couple:

One tip we use all the time is to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a plastic bag and then rubber band that mixture around your shower head. Leave it for a few hours and you’ll have a sparkling clean shower head.
Another idea is to mix 1/2 cup vinegar with four cups warm water for an all-around cleaning solution.

The three-minute rule

Could you spare three minutes to get your house cleaner? Of course you could! Set the timer on your phone to three minutes and get cracking! Of course you could do five, ten, or fifteen minutes as well. Just do as much as you can in those few minutes. And then give yourself permission to stop.

If you’re more the three-hour or all-day cleaning type, you might like Martha Stewart’s How to Deep Clean Your Home in One Day.

Don’t buy organizers before cleaning

While this is a what not to do tip, it still applies. Most of us love to buy pretty organizers and then force our stuff into those organizers, which is backwards of course. Clean everything, purge what you must, and then get the organizers when you know where everything goes and everything is sparkling clean. You might like our recent post Ten Ways to Get Organized Right Now.

Dust from top to bottom

Once you’ve heard this idea, you can’t unhear it! Dust falls from the top of your rooms to the bottom because gravity. So get your stepladder out and start up high. Work your way down with that dust rag. And mop the floors after dusting.

Clean windows

If your windows have film installed, avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia and don’t use paper towels as they can scratch the film. Use a mild soapy solution and a soft, lint-free cloth is best.

Advanced cleaning

If you’re adventurous, you could try to clean the oven! There are loads of commercially available oven cleaners on the market. You could also read this recent article: Things People Forget to Clean the Most. (We almost forgot the range hood filters.)

After spring cleaning

What do you do after your place is sparkling clean? Install window film, of course! You can fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some window film. Give us a call and we can help you choose, and keep you and your friends cooler in the spring and into the summer. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and have expanded into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

What Are the Benefits of Window Film? Five Best Ones

February 13, 2025 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You might think you know all about the benefits of window film because you have it installed on your car windows. Many automotive manufacturers now install window film automatically. Maybe in the future all builders will also install window film on their new buildings. It’s such a good investment we wonder why no one is doing that right now! Here are our five best and favorite window film benefits.

Saves energy

Because it’s winter right now, everyone is complaining about high energy costs. Installing window film can help with your heating costs in the winter and your cooling costs in the summer. In fact, window film evens out the temperatures year round. Although we get more calls in the summer, you can save year round with window film. We’ve written about this before and you might like: Window Film Energy Savers for Spring. We estimate that you can save about 10% on your energy bill, but like a lot of things it depends on where you are in the country, how much sun you get, etc.

Protects your belongings

We all have that friend with discolored furniture and flooring because the sun comes in through that ginormous window. Yes, it’s a beautiful window and so is the view, but you can protect your rugs, valuables, and flooring with window film. Harmful UV rays are the biggest source of fading. Aren’t your belongings worth the best treatment available?

Saves your eyes

Everyone knows you shouldn’t look directly at the sun. If you do, you risk cataracts or worse! Shield your eyes by putting window film on your windows. It’s like sunglasses for your house! Because chances are that the windows you have now are not doing much to protect your eyes. And you shouldn’t have to wear sunglasses inside, because that’s just silly!

Prevents cancer

One of our favorite organizations, The Skin Cancer Foundation, has many suggestions for preventing skin cancer. And one of their many recommendations is using window film to prevent UV rays from coming into your home. You’re at risk of premature aging as well as skin cancer from the UV rays that enter your home through windows.

Gives you privacy

Maybe you live in a crowded neighborhood. Or maybe you have nosy neighbors, always wanting to know what you’re up to. Why not install window film to block some of those neighbors? Or maybe you have a modern bathroom and need some window film to give you more privacy from others in your household? Window film gives you privacy without adding clutter. Speaking of clutter, have you read: How Window Film Keeps You Keeps You Clutter Free.

Questions about energy savings?

We’ve got answers to all your energy-related questions! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Benefits 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. And we’ve now expanded into Southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Make the Most of Your Windows

December 16, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Do you know how to make the most of your windows? We’ve already talked about swapping out your curtains for window film, but there are so many other ways you can beautify and improve your windows. If creating a more beautiful space and saving energy are on your bucket list, read on!

Privacy both inside and outside your building

You can use window film to keep neighbors from peeking into your house or your patio, but did you know all the ways that window film can give you privacy inside your home or building? For instance, say you are a young couple and just had kids. Suddenly, your ultra-modern bathroom with all the glass surrounding the shower isn’t so great anymore! Kids and pets are running in and out without any warning. What’s a parent to do? How about some window film so you get a little privacy? You don’t have to cover the entire glass wall, either. Just enough so you decent. Or, like in the photo above, you can have some privacy in a conference room!

Your home as a sanctuary

When you get home after a hard day’s work, you want your home to be as zen as possible. There are so many different types of window film. Use film to echo or complement your design favorites. Love bamboo? There’s a window film for that! How about polka dots? That’s also an option! Or you could go with a standard clear or just a little bit darker if you’re in a very sunny place. The best thing about good window film is you don’t even know it’s there! We like some of these ideas from Mountain Living: 7 Ways to Transform Your Home into a Sanctuary. (Especially naming your home. Do you do that?)

Window graphics for your business

Want to create a graphic on your glass that tells people what you do? Plenty of our customers like that kind of film. It’s easy for us to create for you, too. Just tell us what you need. We can use your logo or create something artsy. It’s up to you.

Don’t let energy savings fly out the windows!

Did you know with certain types of window films, your single pane windows can act as double panes? And the double panes can act like triple panes? That means you’ll save energy in the winter as well as the summer! Window film is actually an investment in your home or business.

For other ideas about making the most of your windows

Still have no idea what to do? Give us a call! We’d love to help you choose the best film for your home or building. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the San Mateo Peninsula and Marin–and are expanding into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Why Would a Facilities Manager Need Window Film?

October 16, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Some of our favorite people are facilities managers, and many of the facilities they manage need window film–even if they don’t know it! We love facilities managers so much that we go to the Northern California Facilities Expo every year. In fact, this was our ninth year! Check out our last blog post: NorCal Facilities Expo October 9-10: Five Reasons to Join Us! And if you didn’t go this year, make a note to join us next year!

But we’re here to discuss why you, a facilities manager, would want to use window film. There many ways facilities managers can leverage window film to improve building efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics. We’ve even talked about How Window Film Empowers Facilities Managers before.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a big one. Most people have heard of solar heat gain, or they’ve experienced it without knowing exactly what it is. If you lower solar heat gain, you save on how much it costs to run your building. That is, your power bills will come down. According to the Department of Energy, “Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight.” Check out their post on energy efficient window coverings–there’s even a section in there on window film.

Glare reduction

You can put glare reduction in many ways to keep your clients happy. Nobody wants to walk into their office and have to squint to see their work. Worse yet–nobody wants to wear sunglasses indoors! And yet, that’s what happens a lot without window film. So in addition to the energy efficiency, the lack of glare will also keep your customers (and you) happy.

UV protection

Window film can block up to 99% of UV rays. Those rays can cause skin cancer, too. If you’d like to hear it from the Skin Cancer Foundation, here’s their article about window film and sun protection: How Much Do You Know about this Sun Protection Strategy? Window film protects you in your vehicle, at home, or at your business.

Safety and security

With hurricanes in the news lately, we’ve all become more aware of the awesome power of nature. Window film can help hold glass together so that even if glass breaks, you don’t have flying shards that can cause harm. Here in California we rarely have hurricanes, but we often have strong winds which can blow out windows, especially in towers or skyscrapers. If you’re the facilities manager for a big building, having window film installed can give you and your clients peace of mind.

Need ideas?

Have questions about how to use window film in a building you manage? Give us a call and we’ll give you some ideas! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your building. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and are expanding into southern California, too! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How Window Film Helps You Go Green, Be More Eco-Friendly

May 29, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you’re considering window film, maybe if you knew how window film could help you go green, you’d have it installed. We’re almost entering the hot summer months and people are thinking about air conditioning. Did you know that window film can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning–lowering carbon emissions and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle? If not, read on!

Solar heat rejection

Window films are designed to reject solar heat, with some films (ahem! 3M) able to reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat. Which means you won’t feel overheated as you sit next to the window trying to work or eating your lunch. Which also means since you’ll feel more comfortable you’ll be less likely to turn on that air conditioning! Exciting, isn’t it? We think so.

Heat gain reduction

Window film reduces the heat gain inside buildings, which also lets you be more comfortable. By the way, we’ve talked about solar heat gain before and you might like: Solar Heat Gain: Why Should it Matter to You? And wouldn’t you like to use all of your house (not just the coolest spots away from the windows)?

Improved insulation

While you might think of insulation as that pink stuff in your attic, window film is also a type of insulation. With window film, a single pane of glass acts like a double pane and–guess what?–the double pane acts like a triple pane! It’s like getting an extra scoop of ice cream! Sort of. In any case, window film works by preventing unwanted (hot) air from entering the house. And that’s a good thing!

Balance indoor temperatures

With climate change, temperatures can swing wildly from cold to hot like nobody’s business. Nobody likes that! You can’t plan what to wear and you always have to prepare for everything. But with window film, your temperatures are more even and everybody’s happy.

Energy efficiency

Since your temperatures are more even, you use less energy. You know where we’re going with this, right? So more energy efficiency means less air conditioning! And that’s sure to help lower your energy costs. Also, the coolants in air conditioning contribute to global warming, so you’re also helping the planet as well as yourself. Speaking of the planet, we’ve talked about climate change before, too: How Does Window Film Help Battle Climate Change? Five Ways.

Less strain on your HVAC unit

Less strain on your HVAC unit means less maintenance for you. You won’t have to call the HVAC repair person as often if the air conditioner isn’t working as hard. We apologize if we’re putting any HVAC repair people out of work with window film, by the way.

It’s so much easier to have an eco-conscious lifestyle with window film.

Where to start?

Do you have questions about window film and how to be more green! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our Eco-Friendly CEO wants 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–and beyond. 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.

Ten Best Uses of Window Film for Your Business

February 27, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Yes, we realize that many of the ideas here are very similar, if not identical, to the ten best uses of window film for your home. You might want to read that post, too. However, there are some different reasons to use window film for your business, which we’ve outlined here.

Energy efficiency

Window film can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, resulting in lower energy bills for your business. When the weather turns hot in the summer, window film can block as much as 66% of the sun’s heat. And sometimes heat can make you feel very, very tired. In fact, some people might need a nap–not always a good idea when you’re at work unless you have a nap room!

UV protection

Window film can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your business’s interior from fading and damage. If you have a retail business, your inventory could be harmed by fading. For instance, clothing can be harmed by the sun’s damaging rays. How can you sell clothing that’s damaged or faded?

Branding and advertising

Window film can be used to display your business’s logo or other branding elements, increasing visibility and promoting your brand. Logos can be reproduced in different sizes and on different surfaces as well. If you want your business to be remembered, why not have your logo displayed?

Privacy

Window film can be used to create a frosted or opaque effect on windows, increasing privacy in conference rooms and other areas. If you have a dentist’s office, for example, you don’t really want to see other patients getting their teeth cleaned. Do you?

Safety and security

Some window films can help hold broken glass together in the event of an accident, providing an added layer of security for your business. This is especially useful in restaurants where broken shards could be a huge liability. Actually, with climate change, the risk of broken glass has become greater. Read our article about the polar vortex here: How to punch the polar vortex in the nose with window film.

Decorative

Window film can be used to create a decorative effect on windows, such as a frosted or etched glass look, which can enhance the aesthetic of your business. Some of our local restaurants have used window film with bamboo or other beautiful decorative elements. We like this article: 12 Surprising Design Uses for Window Film and Appliques from This Old House. Take a look!

Glare reduction

Window film can reduce glare on computer and other screens, making them easier to see, which can increase productivity. Have you ever seen employees trying to work inside, and wearing sunglasses? We have!

Heat rejection

Window film can reject heat, keeping the temperature inside the room comfortable, which can improve the comfort of employees and customers. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, you want those customers to be comfortable!

Reducing fading

Window film can help protect carpets, furniture, and artworks from fading by blocking UV rays, which can save on replacement costs.

Cost-effective

Window film is a cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency and appearance of your business’s windows without the need for costly window replacements.

Got Questions?

We have answers! Give us a call and let us help you choose the best window film for your 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.

Trend Alert: Green Energy, Extreme Greens, and the Greening of America

July 29, 2022 by Carol S Leave a Comment

This long green couch kind of grows on you, doesn’t it?

What do green energy, extreme greens, and the greening of America have in common (other than the word green)? We received many new and green ideas at NeoCon2022! They’ve all had a great effect on the architecture and design world. And the three greens are just the beginning!

The Greening of America

It’s been over 50 years since the Greening of America was published. We’re sorry to say that its author, Charles Reich, passed away in 2019. According to the New York Times obit of Mr. Reich, “The Greening of America” was inspired in part by Mr. Reich’s personal encounters in San Francisco during the so-called Summer of Love in 1967.” And if Mr. Reich’s goal was to make people think, then he certainly accomplished that. He was a local San Franciscan who always felt that bell bottoms expressed “personal freedom, the delight and beauty of movement, and a rather comic attitude toward life.” We’re not sure about the bell bottoms, but are definitely in favor of personal freedom, the beauty of movement, and the comic attitude toward life.

Ahem. In 2022, the greening of America has a meaning similar to that expressed by Charles Reich. We’re still greening America and this season is no different! Green is appearing everywhere–in our language, our design, as a distinct color way, and in architecture, too.

Green is the new black

That is to say, green goes with everything, interior design wise. Of course, green is the new black could also mean fashion wise or ecology wise, too. For our purposes, we love having living greenery or other sources of green inside our homes and offices. When we were at NeoCon, we didn’t see one single green wall (of plants). So we’re officially declaring the living wall dead! By the way, we’ve written two other Trend Alerts about NeoCon. You might enjoy them: Trend Alert: Sound Attenuation and Some Ways Design Can Help, and Trend Alert: Why the Blending of Home and Work Life is the Next Big Thing.

Extreme Greens

Decorating with greens

When you use green to decorate, you create an earthy, grounded space. We love this article from the Spruce about how to decorate with green. Green has a versatility that is both energetic and calming at the same time. That is to say, green is at both ends of the energetic spectrum as it can both raise and lower the energy in a room.

We like to call this one *cactus adjacent*

Green is fashion forward

Green has been a terrific choice in fashion for a long time, but especially right now. See this article about Bottega Veneta Breaking Down the Green Trend Sweeping the Fashion World.

Green in architecture

We’ve noticed that green has made its presence known in architecture, too. The green tone “brings tranquility and balance into the environments in which it is used. Which makes it a perfect ally for bedrooms and offices.” From Color psychology in architecture.

Did we omit any of your favorite greens?

Let us know!