Privacy solution for existing window

moneyistooshorttomention

Neighbours can see in through my kitchen window from some distance away. I'd hoped it wasn't possible - but then they waved to me in my kitchen one time and it's clear several houses can see in through that window.

It's a kitchen window - so I can't go putting up net or similar curtains to block their view.

I need to be able to be able to continue seeing out that window (as it's the only window one can see out of to that side of my garden and I do like spotting the birds hopping around nearby).

So - I need something that obscures vision - but only one way. So I can see out - but no-one can see in.

I've been googling those stick-on window things - but my view out would be obscured by them and I'm not convinced they would be stuck up properly and last permanently.

Any thoughts as to what I can do?

EDIT; BTW they are upvc doubleglazed windows and with 2 opening windows/1 fixed pane of glass.

martinthebandit

I would be trying something like this, maybe pay someone to fit it though.

https://www.windowfilm.co.uk/buy-online/window-film-by-the-metre/privacy/high-reflective-silver-window-film-for-daytime-privacy

JP1978

Its your kitchen not a bedroom or bathroom. Are you naked in it? Are you cooking meth or making a bomb?

Maybe they waved as they are friendly neighbours?

Maybe you should wave back and then maybe actually one day be able to speak to them - you know, like neighbours do?

bouicca21

Money, everyone in my block walks past the front of my flat because it is the natural route to the high street and the station.

I had a company come out and install privacy film - the sort of stuff martinthebandit has mentioned. It does take some light off the room but it really is brilliant. It works on light levels so during the day when there is more light outside than in, it means that people looking at my windows see a mirror, but I can still see them. In the evening the effect reverses - more light inside means I see the mirror, they can see in. But by that time I am happy to draw the curtains/close the blinds.

The company that installed it said it would last 10 years. I think I have to clean the Windows a bit more carefully, using baby shampoo - instructions are easily available via Google. You could install it yourself but it's a bit like putting film on an iPad, dead easy to get bubbles. The guys who installed it do it day in, day out, and so were quick and efficient. I have a huge expanse of Windows so I was happy to pay for someone else to install it.

I have now had it for over a year. Still delighted with it.

PS I take the view that I should have sufficient privacy that if I want to run about naked inside my flat, I should be able to do so without fear of being seen. I do talk to my neighbours, even the obnoxious one, but once inside I want to be totally private.

bouicca21

PPS. Just checked Martinthebandit's link. That is the company I used. My brother had already used them; my daughter is about to!

moneyistooshorttomention

JP1978 wrote: »

Its your kitchen not a bedroom or bathroom. Are you naked in it?

Actually the answer to that would be "Yes...sometimes". I do expect to be able to walk around my house with whatever clothing I decide on (or none).

It's someone's right to do that in their own home if they choose to after all....:)

Davesnave

I don't mind people being able to see me in my kitchen, as their view inside is limited. I could be standing there with no pants on and they'd never know. It's just the expurgated version of seeing me in the front garden.

Anyway, a long-distance view of me making a cup of tea, or grilling bacon, isn't going to hold anyone's attention very long, is it?

Much more important, is that being seen is good for the community.

Before I cut down vegetation and made such a view possible, people's behaviour was much poorer. Without going into detail, there was dog poo and some casual littering.

The viewing works both ways, so none of that happens now.

moneyistooshorttomention

But you haven't got the two additions to your anatomy up top that I have Dave...:rotfl:

....and I have noticed that women here seem to dress in a more "cover up" type fashion than I'm used to....:cool:. This is a more "conservative" type area in some ways....and I ain't changin'

carefullycautious

Surely venetian blinds that you can position so that you can see out but others cant see in would suffice.

missbiggles1

martinthebandit wrote: »

I would be trying something like this, maybe pay someone to fit it though.

https://www.windowfilm.co.uk/buy-online/window-film-by-the-metre/privacy/high-reflective-silver-window-film-for-daytime-privacy

That would look really odd in a domestic situation.

phil24_7

I use nets in my kitchen and have a blind that gets closed when it gets dark. It works for me.