window film

Window Film Creates More Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings: Five Benefits

October 14, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You might be asking yourself why you’d care if window film makes your building more energy efficient and what some of the benefits are. There are so many benefits. We’re only talking about five right now. By the way, we’ve talked about energy efficiency before: How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency. It was written during the pandemic, but things haven’t changed much.

Lower energy bills

For most facilities managers, having lower energy bills is a huge reason to install window film. And hopefully lower energy bills means you’d pay less, too. Window film helps to even out temperatures so you use less heat in the winter and less A/C in the summer. And that makes your facilities manager happy. And when your facilities manager is happy, that means you and all the tenants are happier, too. Facilities managers are forever looking for ways to create more energy efficient buildings. Take a look: Energy Efficiency in Facilities Management, from the International Facilities Management Association, no less.

Heat rejection

Window film rejects the heat that would otherwise warm up your building when you don’t want it to. The sun’s rays bounce off your windows and aren’t absorbed into the interior of your building. So window film acts as sunglasses as well as a big blanket for your building. Sounds kinda cozy, doesn’t it? Well, if your building were a person it would be grinning a big goofy smile. You might need to use your imagination for this one.

Works in summer and winter

According to 3M “An estimated 33% of cooling expenses are due to solar heat gain from windows. And during cool months nearly 40% of heating loss in commercial buildings is due to windows.” Window film isn’t just for the summer months–it works for you year round, and maybe even more so during the winter. Surprised? And with the cost of power rising, every penny counts and helps your business.

Protects your health

Your skin and your eyes need sunscreen, but did you know that UV radiation can come right through windows? Window film protects the skin and eyes of your clients, coworkers, and everyone else in your building, too. It’s not just cancer you need to worry about–premature aging affects your health as well. As the Skin Cancer Foundation says, “Window film blocks 99% of UV rays.”

Use all your space

Do you have places in your office building that are just for storage because nobody wants to sit there? If you have hot spots because of sun blasting through your windows there are probably places in your building that you can’t even use. And that’s a waste. You don’t need to use your precious office space for a big pile of cardboard boxes! Unless you really, really want to, that is. But seriously, you could use that space for something better. Maybe you need help decluttering? If that’s the case, this might help: How Window Film Keeps You Clutter-Free.

Still have questions?

We have answers! Your coworkers might help you decide which window film to choose, or you could give us a call! We also have an Estimate Form that you can use (for the Bay Area). We seriously love what we do, so call us and we’ll give you advice on however you’re considering to use window film! And we talk to many people every day, so it doesn’t hurt to give us a call. 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.

How to Fall into Window Film: Four Ways

September 14, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Is fall window film actually a seasonal thing? Or can you choose window film any time of the year? We like to think there are window films for all seasons. But your mindset might change during the seasons. Right now it’s still fairly hot, but soon enough the days and nights will cool off. The days will be shorter and with shorter days comes great things like pumpkin spice, apple pie, and…glare! Yes, glare. As you try to drive to work, you’ll notice that glare hitting your windows and practically blinding you. By the way, we’ve talked about our favorite window films for the autumn before: Best Window Film for the Fall.

Avoiding glare

Glare can cause squinting which causes wrinkles. It’s best to prevent glare and squinting if you can. Some dermatologists, such as Colorado Dermatology Clinic, suggest avoiding UV rays (sunglasses are one way to avoid wrinkles and squinting). There are ways to fix wrinkles, but it’s easier to avoid them in the first place.

Enjoy sunny rooms without squinting

Is there a room in your office that you avoid because the sun is just too much? You’ve invested so much into having a fabulous office, but are there parts of your office that you can’t even use? Sound like you? Why not cover those windows with film and get the full value from your place? Don’t wait until it’s time to sell or move out!

Evening out the temperature

Just as there are parts of your office that are noticeably hotter, there are also cold spots. Those might be because of ghosts! Nah, just kidding. But most offices do have those cold spots. There’s always that one person wearing a parka in the middle of the summer because of the out-of-control air conditioning, right? Window film can help even out the temperatures.

Preparing for winter

Here in California we usually have two seasons: rainy and dry. So while it’s toasty and dry right now, soon enough it’ll be chilly and rainy. Why not get your building ready for those cooler temperatures? We’re sure to get some extreme weather, too. Sea level has been rising lately causing more storms. Here in California, we’re all preparing for El Niño. Here’s an explanation from NOAA about what causes El Niño and La Niña.

Still unsure how to choose?

Call us and we’ll give you advice about the best fall window film for your building! We’ve had lots of experience with different issues in all sorts of weather. We also have an Estimate Form that you can use (for the Bay Area). 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.

Surprising Ways Interior Designers Love Window Film

July 29, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you’ve toyed with interior design yourself, you might want to know why interior designers love window film! There are lots of reasons, so we’ll just cover a few of the top reasons. And yes, some of them will probably surprise you! We’ve talked about interior design before, and you might like What Happens When You Use Window Film in Your Interior Design.

There are so many color choices

We’ve said it before–it’s not your grandma’s (or even your mom’s)–window film any more. So many things have changed, and one of them is that there are now color choices! You might even consider doing some sort of color blocking with your window film. Have a little fun–life is short!

Adds privacy without competing with design choices

You or your interior designer can add window film to an interior window and you’ll hardly know the window film is there! Just like your introvert friend, window film can be quiet and take its cue from everything else in the room. We often say that you don’t even know it’s there! That is, unless you want to know it’s there. By the way, did you know that there’s a fun show about Interior Designers? Interior Design Masters is a BBC show (probably on Netflix, too).

Hides messy areas

Hey, glass kitchen cabinet doors, we’re talking to you! If your collection of thermoses and drink cups keeps growing, why not hide that clutter behind some window film? Interior designers hate clutter just as much as any else. Maybe they hate it more! With some designers we know, the first thing they do before creating any design is get rid of the clutter. And yet (sigh) some people refuse to part with their collections of old sippy cups. If that’s you, or you have some other collection, know that you can use window film to hide things. You could also start to eliminate the clutter yourself!

Adds gentle light diffusion

Have you ever noticed that some scenes look better through filtered or diffused light? Maybe you don’t want to see your neighbor’s Harley every single morning. No offense to Harley owners intended. Or maybe you’d like to hide that you spend most of the day in a bathrobe. You can cover entire banks of windows, or even cover half a window.

Creates natural looks

If you’ve opted for a certain style, like midcentury modern, or Japandi, your window film can match that natural style. We love all the different choices in window film that can reflect your unique style. Your window film can be quiet, loud, colorful, design-wise, and make you happy. Really.

Have questions?

We would love to meet you and your interior designer, and we can also answer questions about window film. We seriously love what we do, so call us and we’ll give you advice on however you’re considering to use window film! And we talk to many people every day, so it doesn’t hurt to give us a call. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

Surviving the Dog Days of Summer

July 13, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We love saying the dog days of summer as though it’s something cute or at least furry. But are the dog days of summer getting doggier and weirder? Sure, we have Karl the Fog here in San Francisco, but for other parts of the Bay Area and state of California the temperatures have been scalding hot. Although we’re lucky to mostly escape the worst and hottest days, we’d like to offer a few ideas that the rest of you might enjoy.

Be kind to your furry friends

Sure, we’re hot but we have sweat glands and fans and A/C. Your furry friends need some help. Leave out plenty of cool water–you could add some ice cubes, too. Maybe it’s time for a short haircut for your furriest friends, too. And if you don’t have your own furry friend, you might want to find a new bestie at the San Francisco SPCA! And remember that other animals like birds, squirrels, and lizards need water, too.

Look after friends and neighbors

It only takes a minute to send a text or make a phone call to your vulnerable mom, best friend, or neighbor. You don’t have to make it into a Pity Party–just say hello and you’ve been thinking of them. Maybe offer to drop off some homemade lemonade? At least, that’s what a few of us would like if we were suffering from the heat. It’s so much better when it’s homemade!

Open the windows when it’s coolest

Make it part of your morning (or evening) ritual to open the windows and let in some cool air. Whenever it’s coolest is the best time. And then turn on a fan to move some of that cool air inside and some of that hot air outside. Also, make sure that your fan is rotating in the correct direction. According to Arie Van Tuijl, Home Inspector, for cool summers A counterclockwise fan rotation keeps you cool while saving energy.

Close the shades when it’s hot

Protect yourself from the super-heated air by closing the shades. If you have shades, that is. And by the way, double- or triple-paned windows have the best insulating properties for heat as well as cold.

And–you knew it was coming–use window film!

Window film protects you from the dog days of summer. We’ve written about the insulating properties of window film many times, but here are a few of our favorite posts:

Have questions?

We would love to meet you and your furry friend, and we can also answer questions about window film. We seriously love dogs, so call us and we’ll give you advice on any way you’re considering to use window film! And we talk to many people every day, so it doesn’t hurt to give us a call. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

Planning Ahead: How to Age in Place

June 30, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever considered staying in your home forever, you might consider how to age in place. What does that mean, exactly? According to the National Institute on Aging, Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.” But there are many considerations for how they could happen. Safety is of course the first concern. But there are other concerns as well, such as access to health care, social activities, nearby services, and much more.

Safety is first when aging in place

Of course you want to consider that lighting is adequate, trip falls are minimized, and whether any illnesses could prevent getting around in your home. Any hazards around your home should be minimized. You don’t need to do everything all at once, but maybe creating a calendar of what needs to be prioritized could be helpful. And knock those off your list one at a time. For instance, are there sturdy railings for any stairs? Or all the walkways clear of debris? Some of the items on your checklist won’t take too long to do, and we recommend starting with those to get a sense of momentum going.

Window film helps you age in place

We’re big fans of window film to help stabilize the temperature, create privacy, and lower your energy bills. The person you’re helping to age in place might be a parent or it could be you! And that person might be on a fixed income, or at least be happy to have privacy and lower energy bills. The really wonderful thing is that window film is good for all stages of life. And it also helps to prevent UV light from damaging your skin, too. The Skin Cancer Foundation has a good article on UV Window Film and Tint that you might like.

Health care access

Although your dream might be to live on a desert island in the middle of the Caribbean, you also need access to good health care. So before you run off and join that papaya-eating cult in the jungle, consider whether there will be health care nearby. These are things to consider while you’re healthy and able to make good decisions, not after you’ve fallen and can’t get up (so to speak!). AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has a thorough checklist on how to evaluate your home’s readiness for aging in place. There are some simple ones, such as swapping out a shower head for a handheld nozzle. You could even get someone else to do this for you!

Social activities

Your social life is more important than you think. Think about how you spend your leisure time, and how often you will want to speak to or get together with friends. Not every older person loves Bingo! You might need access to karaoke (like some of us on the Window Works staff!). Is there a dog park nearby if you have a dog? Is there ready access to an Uber so you can visit people if you don’t want to drive? Your aging in place plan doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s plan. Dancing, roller skating, and disco might be how you’d like to spend your time. Keep in mind that your activities could change as you or your loved one age, too.

Have questions?

We don’t know everything about aging in place, but we definitely can answer questions about window film. Call us and we’ll give you advice on any way you’re considering to use window film! And we talk to many people every day, so it doesn’t hurt to give us a call. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

How to Have the Best Summer Ever

June 15, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Do you wonder how to have the best summer ever? Summer is on the way–or is it? It’s hot, then it’s cold, then it’s foggy, then it’s scorching hot again. Seems like abnormal is the new normal these days! Here in California summer weather and temperatures are all over the map. And despite everything going on there are still a lot of things you can do to have a good summer. You probably have some ideas to add, too!

Favorite colors

Summertime is the best time for deep blues, greens, and off-whites. We especially love stripes in beach colors. Big, striped beach umbrellas, striped napkins and tablecloths, and striped beach wear are terrific, all in blues and greens and whites. And of course, pajamas in those same blues and greens. Lounging around half the day on the weekends has to be a favorite activity.

Picnics every day

When the weather is cold or iffy, we like to do something called indoor picnic. Just grab a big checkered tablecloth spread it on the floor, and spread out your favorite breads, condiments, and cold cuts. Of course picnics work well during hot spells, too. But with our weather, it’s good to have a Plan B. And maybe even a Plan C. If you want some ideas, Delish has some easy picnic foods you can make and take.

Window Film to block the bright sun

The sun is extremely bright in the summer and it can scorch your skin, hurt your eyes, and damage your furniture. But there’s always window film to the rescue! And you don’t have to cover an entire window. Some of our most fun jobs involve covering one-third or half of a window to block the sun. Windows alone don’t protect you from the bright sun. Check out what our friends at The Skin Cancer Foundation say about preventing skin cancer.

Flowers, flowers, flowers

Are you a lazy gardener? Why not get flowers that are easy to take care of? If you’re planting right now, there are flowers that will bloom throughout the summer and give you blooms into the fall. Martha Stewart recommends quite a few in her article 10 Best Fast-Growing Flowers. She suggests marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnas among others.

Have questions?

We might not know which flowers you should plant, but we certainly can answer questions about window film. Call us and we’ll give you advice on any way you’re considering to use window film! We’ve installed film in all sorts of weird places that you might not imagine, in locations across the state–and beyond. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

Decorative Window Film for Commercial Buildings: Five Ways to Use

May 27, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Whether you own a restaurant, a clothing store, or have a business office, there’s a decorative window film for you.

Use branding at the front of your office

You may have heard of or seen decorative window film. Maybe a friend has used it in their kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, but did you know you could also use decorative window film for commercial buildings? That’s right–it’s available and it’s beautiful, too. Stick around for a minute or two and let us tell you some ways to use it. We’ve written about 3M Fasara Window Film before, and you might like to read about it: 3M Fasara Window Film.

You can use a logo or graphic design to let people know they’ve found the right place. Don’t make them guess that they found your office. We spend so much time trying to find things and labels or logos can make that search easier.

Separate offices within a larger space

Is your office building feeling more like a fishbowl and less like a great place to work? You can create a beautiful space by using some decorative window film. And that huge space won’t feel quite so cavernous.

Cordon off a kitchen

Do you have a kitchen in your commercial space? You can use decorative window film on the exterior wall so people can eat in peace without feeling too exposed. And if your commercial space is really small (like the one above), you need to create the illusion of more space. Without the window film on that wall, no one in their right mind would want to sit next to that conference room. We’ve installed decorative window film with great success on dental offices, too. Nobody wants to see people getting a root canal (do they?).

Create small work spaces

Tired of the open-office look and feel? Some people (ahem–introverts!) need a little space to call their own. Besides, that open-office look is so 2000s! Use deco film so everyone is a bit more comfortable. Window film creates privacy where there was none before. Small spaces can feel more cozy once they’re separated.

Prettify an escalator

Maybe prettify isn’t a real word, but you knew what we meant, didn’t you? Why not have a prettier escalator? After all, you’ve got a captive audience and they’re spending a few seconds of their day traveling to your office. So why not make it a beautiful experience? It’s all part of your branding, so make that experience the best one possible. By the way, we found this super-fun escalator Pinterest board you might like. Kinda escalator adjacent, but still.

Have a commercial building?

Call us and we’ll give you advice on any way you’re considering to use window film! We’ve installed film in places you might not imagine, in locations across the state–and beyond. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

Unusual Uses for Window Film

May 13, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

glass fence made of fogged glass. ornamental fountain grass is projected onto the glass as a shadow texture — Unusual Uses for Window Film

You might have heard of using window film to block UV light, but did you know about any unusual uses for window film? Window film has really changed over the past decades, with more and more new and exciting changes happening every year. For example, you can cover your metal surfaces, such as a bank of elevator buttons, to prevent people from scratching them. Facilities managers love those kinds of uses, but you might, too. Stick around and let us show you some unusual ways to use window film. And if you have any unusual uses you’re considering, let us know about those, too!

Stop an overprotective dog from barking

Some dogs just love to bark. Do you have one of those? Every time they see a cat, another dog, or even a leaf blowing down the street, they let loose with their barking! It can get really annoying for you, your neighbors, and doesn’t help the dog, either. Maybe the dog is just bored, so you could consider also getting that dog some doggie day care. In addition, you can block the view with window film. You don’t even have to cover the entire window–you could just cover the part the dog looks through.

Create an outdoor stand-alone glass panel

This is a favorite one of ours. You can plant a panel with window film on it in your yard to block an ugly view. You could also put that panel somewhere to block the neighbors’ view into your yard. If you live in a touristy neighborhood (there are many of those in San Francisco), it’s an easy way to create privacy. Maybe you don’t need privacy, though. Maybe you just want to hide all your BBQ equipment. You could also cover a glass patio wall so you can wear your pajamas while you barbeque! This has probably been on your bucket list, right?

Make a divider wall for a restaurant

Did you know that if you own a restaurant you can hang a glass partition to separate different areas? With window film covering the glass partition, you can still know that people are nearby, but also get some privacy. There are many beautiful decorative window films you could use for a partition, too. It doesn’t have to be anything standard. You could use an Asian-inspired bamboo window film as a divider wall. Divider walls also look great in medical offices and airports.

Have an unusual way to use window film?

Call us and we’ll give you advice on any weird or unusual ways you’re considering to use window film! We’ve installed film in places you might not imagine, in locations across the state–and beyond. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

Secure Your Storefront with Window Film

April 29, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you considered that you could secure your storefront with window film? You’ve probably seen window film in a variety of places, but mostly on car windows. And by the way, it’s not your grandpa’s window film anymore–window film has come a long way, with all kinds of designs and better efficiency. Automotive window film is a terrific after-market product, one which most of us here at Window Works use. But there are so many other uses, such as securing your storefront!

Your storefront is vulnerable

We mean vulnerable in more than one way. For instance, your storefront might be open to thieves. You can help secure your storefront window glass with window film, thus slowing down a would-be burglar. But also, your windows can let in UV rays that can damage your precious merchandise (or your furniture, if you’re also a homeowner). The sun can perhaps cause as much damage as a thief by bleaching your floor, merchandise or furniture.

Out of sight out of mind

If you use window film to hide what’s in your storefront, some thieves will go elsewhere. Just as when you hide valuables in the trunk of your car, you can use film to obscure what’s valuable in your store. No thief wants to risk being seen, especially if there’s nothing for them to gain by breaking and entering. They’d rather visit someone else’s storefront. Make your property less vulnerable by installing some window film.

You only have a few seconds to deter thieves

Most thieves are looking for an easy job. Unless you’re housing the Hope Diamond, not many thieves will hang around and keep trying if they fail to enter your property. Those few seconds you gain can make all the difference. We’ve discussed security and window film before and you might like Why Use Window Film for Security? You can apply window film to make it more difficult for intruders to break through glass.

What about the weather?

Yes, the warming weather can create unfavorable conditions for your store and storefront. Every year the weather seems to be getting warmer and warmer. Big glass windows can create a greenhouse like effect, with moisture that can affect your merchandise, furniture, and clients. And if you’re a homeowner you might have to use those DampRid bags to eliminate moisture. Stopping some of the sun from entering your store could be even better, in our opinion!

Already know you want to protect your storefront windows?

Call us and we’ll give you advice on what kind of protection you might need! We know our storefronts because we’ve installed lots of window film all over the bay. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.

Why is Frosted Window Film so Great?

April 15, 2026 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you live in an urban environment, or if you have neighbors too close to you, you’re probably aware of how important your privacy is. There’s always one busybody in the neighborhood who has nothing better to do than peer into your windows. Am I right? But there’s a way to outsmart that busybody: with frosted window film!

Bathroom privacy

Sometimes the busybody isn’t someone in your neighborhood. Like the scary phone call that comes from inside the house, sometimes the busybody is inside the house too! Kids love to poke around and if you’re enjoy taking showers, you can have frosted window film installed so you’re covered up just in case the little ones wander in “by mistake.” You can also have that frosted film put up on windows where neighbors can peer in. We’ve written about frosted window film before and you might like Is window film good for privacy?

Patio and outdoor spaces

Have you ever been on your patio having a barbeque and minding your own business? Suddenly, you feel as though you’re being watched! And that’s because you are being watched. You can have frosted film installed on your patio glass and hide those ten bags of briquettes you got at Costco. Or maybe you just want to be out there in your Totero pajamas. Whatever. What you do is your business, right? Frosted window film to the rescue! For an example of window film used on patios, see Why not use window film for patio privacy?

Living room

Here’s another space where you really need privacy. Your book club friend who always drops in unannounced doesn’t need to know you’re spending the last hours before the meeting catching up on War and Peace, do they? And they don’t need to know that you’re actually reading comic books on the couch when you’re supposed to be working. Privacy is so important to your mental health! Frosted window film can give you privacy anywhere you need it in your home.

Home office

With more and more people working from home, you probably need the same privacy at home as at the office. At the start of the pandemic, everyone was working from the kitchen table (and making banana bread). But here it is years later and you’re still working from home. So why not try adultifying that office space and adding some frosted window film?

Questions about frosted window film?

Call us and we’ll give you even more reasons to love frosted window film! We’ve had lots of experience with all kinds and you might be surprised at its versatility. If you already know that you want window film, fill out our Quick Residential Estimate form if you need us to install some. 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.