Seeing through window film ?

[scooby1]

I have searched the Forums but can't find an answer so I need to ask a direct question if I may ? I am thinking of putting window film on one of my bathroom windows but would like to know if it is possible to buy a film that, while anyone outside is prohibited from seeing inside the bathroom, would it still be possible for me to be able to look through the window and to be able to see outside ? Any help and/or advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[Wayners]

I didn't think you can.
It's because there is no light outside to reflect back.
Your bathroom lights will eliminate. Even with frosted glass film people will see something..

 

[StephenStephen]

I have searched the Forums but can't find an answer so I need to ask a direct question if I may ? I am thinking of putting window film on one of my bathroom windows but would like to know if it is possible to buy a film that, while anyone outside is prohibited from seeing inside the bathroom, would it still be possible for me to be able to look through the window and to be able to see outside ? Any help and/or advice would be very much appreciated.

One possible compromise is to leave a clear gap at the top - we've done this in a couple of bathrooms, and it works well, but it depends on the inside/outside heights and angles.

 

[foxhole]

Google “ one way privacy film”

 

[Careful_Bodger]

I have used reflective Solar Film to reduce solar loading in a utility room. It defo kept the fridge-freezer from working too hard.

The see-throughness very much depended on whether it was lighter inside or outside. During a bright day, it was like looking in a mirror from the outside, with good visibility from indoors. At night time, with indoor lights on, there was only a slight tint evident from the outside (i.e. no privacy), and the mirror effect from inside looking out.

I would therefore NOT use reflective film for the purpose you describe.

You can get patterned and other obscured films, but as stated above you'd need a gap to see out. A person outside may always be aware of shadows, outlines, and other 'bits'.

 

[scooby1]

Many thanks to all four of you who have helped. It is very much appreciated. Because of the situation I am wondering if I might just put film over half of one of the windows. The reason I am thinking this way is that firstly I am talking about a 1st floor en-suite with a moderate sized double window and the neighbours have recently done something which means that they can, if they so wished, look into just a small part of the en-suite. But it is the part in front of the hand basin and the large mirror behind it that they would see which means my Wife could be seen when using the basin and she is usually undressed when she is doing this.

But to prevent this all I would have to do is block the "outside looking in" vision on half of one of the windows and so maybe the best solution would be a frosted type of film that I presume prevents vision either way. We do not like, and never have had, frosted windows with the exception of downstairs toilets. We have always preferred a clear view even from our bathrooms and en-suites but we have not had close neighbours before.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Screwsloose]

Google “ one way privacy film”

That’s brilliant—I’ve learned something, and I see that B&Q stocks it:

d-c-fix One Way Mirror Privacy Self Adhesive Window Film 1.5m(L) 90cm(W)

Dc fix self-adhesive mirror-effect privacy film is designed to provide one-way privacy to windows, wherever the light is greater. When fitted to the interior side of external glazing, you will be able to see out, but no one will see in during daylight hours. This vinyl also offers a high level...

www.diy.com

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

.

d-c-fix One Way Mirror Privacy Self Adhesive Window Film 1.5m(L) 90cm(W)

Dc fix self-adhesive mirror-effect privacy film is designed to provide one-way privacy to windows, wherever the light is greater. When fitted to the interior side of external glazing, you will be able to see out, but no one will see in during daylight hours. This vinyl also offers a high level...

www.diy.com

Read the description in the link carefully - it only works when it is lighter outside, than inside. After dark, with lights on indoors, the situation is reversed.

For privacy day and night, you need either a patterned, obscure film, or blinds.