Not Frosted Film: A Cuter, More Unique Way To Add Privacy To Glass Shower Doors

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Even though there are plenty of glass shower door ideas that can make your bathroom look flawless, privacy isn't one of their strong points. Whether you've got a framed, frameless, or semi-framed style, most of them are made of clear tempered glass that doesn't leave much to the imagination. Replacing the doors with a unique and affordable shower curtain may seem like the solution, but it's not ideal if you want to maintain the heightened sense of luxury and lighter feeling glass provides. Etching or frosting the glass helps a little, but like frosted window film, both are semi-transparent options that can still leave you exposed. Instead, installing colorful window film is a cuter, more unique way to add privacy to glass shower doors.

Decorative window film may seem like a surprising choice for this bathroom upgrade, but there are several reasons it works so well. For starters, there are a myriad of colorful static cling options that are easily installed on the outside of a glass shower door with just a few tools and plenty of patience. Unlike frosted window film, these can totally transform the look of your bathroom while providing that opaque coverage, and the wide variety of designs available means there's something to suit every taste.

While professionally installed films rely on adhesives, making them a permanent alteration, you can swap DIY colorful window film out whenever you're ready for a new look. Installing decorative window film on a glass shower door is also far easier and cheaper than removing the doors to make way for a shower curtain, which requires purchasing and installing a rod, hooks, curtain, and liner.

Of course, that doesn't mean you shouldn't spend some time carefully thinking through your decorative film options, especially if your primary goal is to add privacy to your glass doors. While there are plenty of subtle options, like soft rice paper, clear prismatic designs, and fluted glass effects, these typically aren't opaque enough to truly add privacy. The same goes for any stained glass design that contains several clear or translucent sections. 

When privacy is your priority, opt for richly colored window films instead, like the Magnolia Decorative Privacy Film by Artscape from Amazon. It's a particularly good choice if you need to cover a standard glass shower door, because the 36-inch wide rolls can be rotated 90 degrees for a perfect fit without needing to make any cuts. Choosing a linear stained glass style is a good idea if the width of your decorative film and door are different from each other, because it will make piecing together the design easier and more seamless.

You can install window film on your shower doors the same way you would on any other windows in your home. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the doors, including removing any soap scum or buildup. Then, liberally spray the door using water with a little dish soap mixed into it. Starting at a top corner, glide your film into place. Smooth it out with your hands before using a squeegee or credit card to push any bubbles toward the outer edges. If the steamy conditions of your bathroom loosen the edges of your film over time, simply peel it back, add a little more water, and repeat the process.