Skip Blinds: There's A More Colorful Way To Cover Windows

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Sometimes you just want to cover up some windows without giving up on light. Or maybe you just don't want to go through the hassle of attaching a blind or hanging a curtain rod just right. But before you add a roll of window tint film to your cart, there's a more colorful way to cover windows, and you probably already have everything you need. 

With a bit of Elmer's glue and food coloring, you can make a colorful frosted window covering that adds privacy and a splash of color to any room. That's exactly what TikTok creator candyslovenest does, turning an ordinary multiframe window into a multicolored privacy window. She started by mixing Elmer's Glue and food coloring in a paper plate to create her window film. Then, working fast to keep the glue from drying, she used a foam roller to apply the paint one color at a time. The result is a charming, colorful way to add privacy to a window without blocking out natural light.

Gather your materials, and you'll probably find you already have most of what you need for this simple DIY hack. You'll just need some Elmer's glue, food coloring, paper plates, and a paint brush with foam rollers. For her DIY, candyslovenest used a 32-ounce bottle of Elmer's glue, which should be enough to cover at least one large window. Mix your first batch in a paper plate with small drops of food coloring. How many drops you end up actually using is up to you — just add a few at a time until you reach the color density you're looking for.

Now that you have your window paint ready, apply it evenly using a foam roller brush, like this Mister Rui 2 Inch Foam Roller Kit from Amazon. Wait for the glue to dry and then apply a second coat — and that's it. You should now have a nice, colorful, frosted window effect. But candyslovenest also shared a few smart tips to make sure your colorful privacy window turns out picture perfect.

First, you should thoroughly clean and dry your windows before applying your Elmer's glue color tint. In her DIY, candyslovenest points out a few spots along the edges of her windows where the effect was not as strong, possibly because some window scum or moisture kept the glue from adhering nicely. If you're painting a multiframe window like hers, candylovesnest recommends planning your design first and doing one color at a time so your glue doesn't have time dry out.

The color will fade over time (candyslovenest says hers lasted about three years), and you'll be left with a window frosting that still offers privacy, but doesn't add any color to the light. The best part of this DIY privacy window film is that it's not permanent. Just peel off the old and mix up some new glue any time you want to try out a new set of colors, such as a Christmas color scheme that goes beyond red and green.