window film san francisco

How Window Film Keeps You Clutter-Free: Five Ways

March 27, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We all have battles with clutter and staying organized. And in the springtime, people seem to be the most interested in getting organized and getting rid of clutter. However, window film can help you stay organized and clutter-free. Before you start yelling that it isn’t so, take a look at some ideas that have helped our clients maintain their sanity.

Hide kitchen clutter

Someday in the distant future your life won’t be filled with mismatched coffee cups, sippy cups, and that weird Christmas set your auntie gave you and you have to haul out during the holidays. Perhaps you are even praying for that day. But guess what? You can hide all that stuff now with window film! Fix that clutter problem instantly! By the way, we’ve discussed clutter before: Fight Clutter.

Replace curtains with window film

Aren’t curtains a little bit 1995? Why not simply replace those outdated eyesores with window film? There is less to clean and window film won’t collect dust like curtains or shutters do. Less is more, right? Also, there’s one less decision to make if you don’t have to pick out the colors, textures, etc., of the curtains.

Use gradient window film

Gradient window film is great if you want to block part of a view–maybe the part with the clutter? Your friends and neighbors don’t ever have to know what you’ve got going on in that storage room if you cover the glass wall with window film! Gradient window film can transition from opaque to completely transparent, in case you want to keep some of the view. See our recent post about gradient window film.

Soften the light

No matter how much clutter you have or don’t have, softening the light coming in through your windows will help. We recommend an opaque window film to soften the light. We also have beautiful decorative window film that you will absolutely love! 3M has a window film simulator so you can see how different window films might look in your home or office.

Colorful window film adds an element of fun

Did you know that window film now comes in a variety of colors? In fact, you might want to try color blocking. You could go with warm or cool tones in window film. You could also add both, but since this article is about having less clutter, we’ll leave that idea for another day.

Combine curation with window film

If you can pare down your belongings plus add window film, that’s the best combination of all. Of course, you might need to hire a professional organizer, but you’ll have so much less clutter! You might like this article about Open Shelving Mistakes from Homes and Gardens, too.

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your clutter and window film questions! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Head Clutter Buster 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.

Window Film Energy Savers for Spring: Five Best

February 28, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you heard about all the ways window film can save you energy, but been afraid to take the leap? We understand the fear, but there’s a big payoff for you, too. If you’re a bit uncertain, spring forward (do you get that one?) and you’ll learn about some of the options.

Match the window film to your climate

It’s critical that your window film match your environment and climate. For example, people in Phoenix, Arizona mostly have to tackle extreme heat. So they’d want to choose window films that blocks solar gain. Whereas in colder climates they want to keep warmth in. For most of us in the San Francisco Bay Area, keeping temperatures moderate is probably the way to go. Our temperatures (outside the city of San Francisco, anyway!) are getting more extreme, though, with higher temperatures in the summer.

Combine window film with other energy cost savings

There are ways other than window film (gasp!) to make your home or office energy efficient. Check for leaks around doors and windows. Use fans for a cooling breeze in the summer and reverse the fan in the winter to keep the warmer air down. Make sure you’re using as much insulation as possible in your home or office, along with window film on your windows for the best savings. And did you know the Department of Energy gives tax credits for several energy devices? You can also schedule a home energy audit and get a discount! Here’s info on the Professional Home Energy Audit from the Department of Energy.

There are also the old-school ways, such as sleeping with large cats and dogs (our favorite!), pretending you’re snow camping, and wearing multiple layers of socks and long-sleeved shirts.

Choose professionals to install your window film

Have you seen your buddy’s windows, with the film all folded over and bubbly? Don’t let that be you! We often have to come in and uninstall window film that our clients have asked their cousins or uncles or sister’s friend’s grandpa to install. Don’t be like that! We’re professionals and we stand behind our work. We even have an article on how to prep for a home visit (from us–not from your Auntie B).

Use insulating window film

We are very excited to install insulating window film to help lower your energy costs. Big corporations have known how much they can save with window film and it’s about time that residential customers also discover the same savings! Check out our post on Climate Control Window Film.

Regular maintenance

Keeping your windows and window film clean and relatively dust-free will help your window film do its job. Just as you clean the appliances in your home, the windows should be maintained regularly. The people at This Old House have some ideas for keeping those windows clean!

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your questions! Unless they’re personal and then we’ll just pretend. Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Energy Saving 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.

New Year: New Look with Window Film

December 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

So Christmas is finally over and now you’re looking forward to the new year and your new look! Where will you be this coming year and will your home be working for you or against you, energy wise? Also, what kind of look do you want from your windows? Plain, updated, modern, fashion conscious, or what? The photo above is looking through a client’s window north towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Notice how you might not even notice the window film is there!

Ring in the new year with great style!

Champagne is wonderful, and we like to drink a little whenever we can. But window film lasts longer than that bottle you just threw in the recycling, and can not only save you on the energy bill, but help you get better style. For example, you might be interested in our post about Japandi Style.

Don’t block your view

If you could see the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, and the east bay from your suite, would you want to block that view? No you would not! That’s where window film helps with your style. That view needs to be the star of the show, not hidden behind bulky curtains.

Window film gives you a clear view to the future

At least it can if you’re using clear window film (do you get that one?). There are all sorts of window films, and many are decorative. And clearly sometimes you want to protect your view since the real estate in San Francisco is often quite spendy.

Decorative window film is the answer

There are so many new decorative window film that you could be surprised. Here is just one that could interest you: 3M Fasara Decorative Window Film: Patterns. There are also window films with dots and stripes, as well as different colors.

Protect your furnishings, floor, and skin

We’ve talked before about how your furniture and floors can be bleached by sun pouring in through the windows. You’ve spent a lot on your beautiful sofas and chairs, so why not take the next step and protect them from the sun?

Still unsure where you’re going in the new year? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure what kind of window film is right for you? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our New Years 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.

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.

Five Reasons You Could Be Arrested for DIY (Read this!)

March 24, 2022 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Don’t get arrested for a DIY window film project!

Have you ever gotten partway through a DIY project only to discover that you’ve bitten off more than you could chew? Or have you ever been stopped by the Window Film Police ™ because they’ve seen you trying to either install your own window film or remove someone else’s window film failure? If you’re a DIYer (or thinking about installing your own window film), read on. You’re likely to recognize yourself in some of these paragraphs. If not, well, consider it a cautionary tale. One that could easily happen to you.

Why is it a bad idea to install my own window film?

We do hear this question from time to time. There are many reasons why, actually. First of all, people hardly ever measure twice and cut once. It’s more like they sorta-kinda measure using an old magazine as a yardstick or a broken app on their phone. Or they use their arms because they saw someone do it on a YouTube Video! Then they guesstimate how much film they need. Eventually, they use their phone for its original purpose (phoning). Do you remember using your phone as a phone? It happens sometimes. Anyway, when people get around to calling us, they’re often embarrassed. Or crying. Or their friend or partner calls us in hushed tones when the guilty DIYer has left the house for a few minutes, begging us to come over. But what is that DIYer thinking? That no one will ever find out? By the way, we’ve written about how to prepare for window film installation before. You might like that article.

Removing the old film myself–what could possibly go wrong?

You already know the answer to this because you’ve probably tried removing some old film at home, despite the warnings not to. Using an old hair dryer and some rags from the Dollar Store, you’ve attempted window film removal. You start earlyish, leaving time for snack breaks and possible shopping trips. It looks pretty good until you touch the surface and realize there’s still glue all over the window! And all over you, too! Oh, no!!! Now what? If we had a flow chart, we’d go back to the part where you end up calling us. There could be crying.

Because of the last time you did a DIY

Do you remember the last time you tried something and it didn’t work out? Remember when you bought that broken-down dresser at that yard sale and decided to antique it and turn it into a combination bar/desk. It looked so easy on Pinterest, right? But then you were all covered in paint, paint remover, and again there were tears. Also, lots of cursing. And you’ll never get those jeans back. Those $300 jeans that you used to love. The Window Film Police would just love to hear about this!

Your friends know you and your past

Your friends have seen you looking at those pix of sleek remodels, and they know how your mind works. They’ve witnesses that optimistic squirrel brain thinking that you can do anything up to and maybe including flying. They know you like to take shortcuts when you DIY, and they’re embarrassed and scared. Which is why they could make a citizen’s arrest.

You don’t have the time or patience

Remember that full-time job you have? By the time you get home and change and watch 10,000 YouTube videos on how to install window film, you’ll be tired. So here you go: the Quick Residential Estimate. Simply fill it out and send it. Easy peasy. Really! You don’t have to do it yourself! And also: Window Works customer care is at 415.650.5200. Pick up your phone and enter our number! We really are very friendly, and we’ll answer your questions.

Stay out of trouble

We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! So stay out of trouble and give us a call!

Why Not Use Window Film for Patio Privacy?

January 20, 2022 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Recently, walking along the beach, I noticed a lot of balconies and patios surrounded by partial glass enclosures. Maybe people don’t realize that they could use window film to block the view people have into their patios or balconies? It seems like such a simple and elegant solution. After all, do you really want a bunch of strangers peering into your home while you’re having a barbeque?

Patio privacy on second floor balconies

If your patio set up is on a second floor balcony, using some window film to block the view can give you an extraordinary amount of privacy. Imagine the glass on the balcony above with window film. Not only would the view into your home be less cluttered, more importantly, you would not be so visible from outside. Here, as in many parts of the Bay Area, people can walk right up to the house and look into the windows. In many homes, there are no curtains or anything to keep prying eyes from looking inside and seeing everything you own. We’ve talked about privacy before: What Are the Best Window FIlms for Privacy?

Heavily trafficked areas

With all parts of the San Francisco Bay Area growing, there’s more and more reasons to look for ways to secure more privacy. You can hide your valuables, protect your family by making them less accessible to the eyes of strangers, and simply be less visible. After all, don’t you want to be free to say what you want and wear what you want while you’re relaxing at home? Do you really want a messy patio visible to the entire world?

Less goldfish bowl

We’re all visible more and more via social media. Everyone has a camera built into their cell phones now. And you’re likely to appear in many places, even if you don’t want to be featured in a video. People hardly even bother to ask any more if you want your picture taken, do they? While you might not want a completely curated existence, having more privacy allows you to control who sees what.

Here’s a patio enclosure we worked on (with window film!)

Don’t be a statistic

You might have seen the Google car driving around taking pictures of everything. If you live in the Bay Area, chances are you have! Your home and everything in it is on display for all the world to see. But you can exercise a little bit of control with window film. Nobody needs to see what you ate for breakfast or what you’re watching on your laptop while you’re on your own balcony. You probably also want to protect your kids from prying eyes.

It gets even easier!

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can offer suggestions. We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information. We’re very friendly!

The Jungle Gold & Glam Window Works Holiday Party

December 21, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Everyone really enjoyed themselves, getting all dolled up for this holiday party at Morton’s Steakhouse in San Francisco. As you can see, lots of people wore RAWR (jungle prints) from their shoes and jackets to their hair scrunchies and dresses! And there was a LOT of gold, too! And in case you haven’t seen enough of either RAWR or the Window Works crew, here’s what happened last week: What Happens When the Window Works Crew Gets Together for Christmas.

Karaoke Galore

Although it’s tempting to post the drunken singing that happened, we’ve been sworn to secrecy on who sang the loudest and most out of key. There were a lot of renditions of Christmas songs, from Jingle Bells on out. Michael Jackson had a strong showing, too, as his songs are easy to sing. And there was some controversy, but supposedly the best and easiest karaoke song is Tequila, since there’s only ONE WORD to remember! And still some people would not sing! But we won’t embarrass them by calling them out.

The Ladies of Window Works

This year, we had problems deciding if the ladies or the guys had the better outfits! There were some fantastic shoes on both the ladies and the guys! But Asia and Donna definitely had more RAWR per inch (RPI), so because we made up that term and we’re the only ones voting, the ladies WIN!!! Sorry, guys! Besides, we had all the best shoes, too!

Then there were shoes

Yes, the ladies also win because we froze our toes off in the frigid December San Francisco night. And we wore heels while doing it. Debbie had the most sparkly shoes (she’s in the middle with those sparkly bows!). You needed sunglasses to look at Asia’s shoes (the gold heels on the end).

The Guys were very glam and also quite RAWR!

We had a great time comparing RAWR outfits and competing with the drinking and singing–sometimes at the same time!

Between the jacket, the shoes, and the balloons, he’s most RAWRful!

Honorable mention

This gentleman, above, was stopped in Union Square for his outstanding RAWR! Can that possibly be Brian behind that mask?

The Food!

Geez, the food was so good, but people didn’t take too many pix of food! The appetizers were all on individual plates, and SO DELICIOUS!!! As was the steak, the wine, the many drinks, the potatoes, the green beans, the bread, and the desserts! Oh, and the salads, too!

Gang Signs?

What’s easier? Making a sign that says “Live long and proper” or making Ws for Window Works? We’ll leave that up to you!

The Window Works Crew at the Fabulous Northern California Facilities Expo 2021 in Santa Clara

November 16, 2021 by Carol S 3 Comments

Donna, Irene, and Asia in front of the Window Works booth!

On October 27th and 28th, 2021 the Window Works Crew traveled to the Facilities Expo Conference in Santa Clara. Here are some highlights! We had an amazing time at this live event and thought we’d share a few photos.

By the way, we’ve been to the Facilities Expo before, but that was in the Before Times! Anyway, if you want to travel in the Wayback Machine, here’s the article: Window Works at the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019. We also did the virtual event in 2020, and you can read about it here: Visit the Virtual California Facilities Expo 2020 November 18-19.

Ta-da!!! Booth setup is done and what a great job!

Setting up the Booth

The set up took a few minutes (and a few hours of planning), but we were up to the challenge, since everyone pitched in to help! You wouldn’t even believe how much of this booth would fit into one cart! And that’s lucky because the Santa Clara Conference Center is huge and there’s a lot of walking to do.

Luckily, not everyone is scared of public speaking! Go, Asia!!!

Behind the Scenes

There was a lot of joking around, talking and exchanging information behind the scenes. Also, lots of taking pictures and interviews. Since there haven’t been a lot of in-person conferences, this one was a welcome relief to meet and talk face-to-face.

Irene showing some booth visitors their choices in window film

During the Show

Yes, we got a lot of questions about window film (particularly 3M window film!) during the show. Luckily, we are all well-versed in 3M window film. And we often said “did you know that window film could do this?” Or “this isn’t your grandma’s window film!” A lot of people have outdated ideas about window film based on seeing someone’s DIY job on their car (purple, fading, peeling and just plain ugh!).

Happy Hour Hosting

After extensive research, we discovered that many people love beer! So guess what?! We sponsored the Happy Hour beer and snack cart and that made a lot of people verrrrrrrry happy! And that made us happy, too! We hope that next time, you’ll be able to join us.

Why Not Spruce up for a Holly Jolly Christmas with Anti-Graffiti Film?

September 29, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Now that small businesses and homeowners are starting to reopen and have guests over, isn’t it time to consider anti-graffiti film? Shoppers will be window shopping and the last thing they want to see is a bunch of graffiti on your windows or storefront. Your home needs may need a little more curb appeal, and anti-graffiti film can help there, too. Anti-graffiti window film can help prevent damage to your windows, save you a bunch of time, and keep your aggravation levels low. You don’t need any more stress during the holidays, do you? And even though it’s only October, Christmas will be here soon enough! By the way, we don’t mean to exclude anyone by mentioning Christmas, as there are plenty of other holidays during December!

Monthly discounts for home owners and small businesses

For every month of 2021, we’re offering discounts to home owners and small businesses. For October, this month’s discount is on anti-graffiti film. Please mention that you saw our post on anti-graffiti film to receive your discount. Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

What does anti-graffiti film do exactly?

We’re so glad you asked! Well, you didn’t ask, but we know you would if you could! The cost of anti-graffiti film is minuscule compared to the cost of window glass replacement. The anti-graffiti film protects your glass from etching, gouges, and scratches, as we’ve described before. If someone tags your windows, the anti-graffiti film can be easily removed and you can go on with your day. You’ve probably seen people without anti-graffiti film because those windows are often boarded up for weeks or months as they try to find a repair person during the holidays! We’ve written about anti-graffiti film before in the following blog posts. Additionally, you can cover other things with anti-graffiti film, such as banks of elevator buttons. We can create a template for you which you can remove if something gets tagged over and over.

Anti-graffiti film prevents fading

Your merchandise and belongings mean a lot to you. They probably also cost you a bundle! So you don’t want your floors, beautiful clothes, or furniture to fade. You’d like to extend their lives, if possible. Anti-graffiti film can prevent fading, and you might not know that UV rays can penetrate clouds. (We know what you’re thinking, San Franciscans!) There’s fog, but those UV rays are tricky! They come right through the fog and clouds!

Still need to know more? Give Us a Call!

We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information. We’re very friendly–we promise!

Beautiful 3M Fasara Glass Finishes for Your Windows Will Make Your Heart Sing

August 13, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’re all spending more time in our home offices than ever before. Or, if you’re one of those who can go into the office, you’re probably staying there longer before you have to brave the traffic and go home. Either way, you may be thinking about what you can do about your plain windows. “Ugh,” you think, “what if there was some way to cover these windows and make them look gorgeous?” Or words to that effect. Well, guess what?! 3M Fasara glass finishes do just that! By the way, we’ve written about Fasara before: What Makes Fasara Window Film so Crazy Popular?

Not black or white but gray

You don’t have to have a solid dark window with 3M Fasara glass finishes. Nor do you have to settle for plain ol’ glass. You can have shades of gray. That is, you can have a beautiful and subtle window which blocks some light and still gives you a little privacy. For instance, look at the beautiful example above. Here, the window film becomes a design element, giving you an elegant finish and adding to your Happiness Quotient–a term I just made up. But you get it because you’re smart that way! You can see even more of 3M Fasara glass finishes on the 3M website. Yes, they’re luscious!

A little privacy, please!

Sure, we all want a little privacy, but we don’t want to completely block the view. In the example above, you can see who’s in the room, but there’s still some privacy. Also, you can through the exterior windows out to the yard. This is a popular option for conference rooms, but could be used for a kitchen or even installed on an exterior-facing window. And although we love love love 3M Fasara window film, there are other window films, too: What Are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

Block neighbors or kids or the neighbors’ kids with a partially covered window

If you have an unwanted view and want to block it, you could cover part of a window or door, as in the example above. Maybe there’s a dumpster or a pile of rubbish which makes your view less than beautiful. Or you may be someone who gets sensory overload. Just like window film on a car, having window film installed in your home or business gives you a more zen experience. The introverts in the family might enjoy 3M Fasara glass finishes most of all! Also, here’s a little-known, completely obscure fact about window film: You can use it to block the view of the neighbor’s dog if your own dog sees other dogs and goes nuts! Yes–that is truly a thing!

Can’t Decide? Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you, whether it’s 3M Fasara glass finish or not. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.