We have small sidelight windows on either side of our front door.
(This is an old picture...I have since painted the door black to match the shutters on our house.
See here.)
And here's how it looks from the inside.
There wasn't much privacy with nothing covering the windows. And between neighbor children peering in to see if we were home (Ryan loves that!) and trying to hide from door to door salesman, we wanted some privacy.
Awhile back I tried to hang curtains like these on the windows.
But I had to hang the curtains with magnetic curtain rods because there is no room to add a tension rod. That just meant that the kids pulled them down everytime they wanted to see who was at the door. So I returned the sheer curtains and magnetic curtain rods and was back at square one.
And then....{enter pinterest} I found a great (and cheap-o!) solution. I found out that you can make your own privacy film type window covering from CONTACT PAPER!
(Similar to this, but about 1/5 the price tag.)
(Idea found here. Thanks Greg and Ashley!)
I reduced the size of the stencil they posted on their blog because my windows are smaller.
Then I traced and cut and traced and cut.
(This reminded me of the felt leaf garland I made.)
I did most of my cutting out in the school parking lot waiting for my kindergartener.
And here's my progress after finishing the one side.
And the view from outside at night.
I like the pattern and the privacy.
PS - Even though it looks frosted, this is just regular old contact paper.
Thanks for stopping by...feel free to stop and stay awhile! :)
Linking with these parties.

Love the windows! When you're finished with yours can you come do mine?
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and LOVE IT! Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteJust became a follower and would to have you follow back.
Blessings,
Linda
www.creativecommotion.blogspot.com
How clever! They look great, and you need that privacy from the front door. Love it! Linda
ReplyDeleteAmazing! They look great!
ReplyDeleteWow - just contact paper. We have the same kind of windows. Great idea. Happy to be following you now. Can't wait to see what else you come up with!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea! It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteLooks great. I did that on my side windows as well but used diamonds.
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love it! And what a great idea to make the stencil smaller. I had the exact same problem with my front door window. I made some cute curtains that the kids have slowly destroyed. This has been on my to do list for a while but after seeing your it may get done sooner. I'm a new follower from HOH.
ReplyDeleteCinthya
www.eyeheart.ca
Wow! What a terrific idea. So functional but incredibly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much for taking the time to share at our Pin'Inspiration party this week. I really hope that you can take part in my "Beat the Winter Blues" party on Saturday. :-)
This turned out beautifully!!! Thanks SO much for sharing it at the Kiss & Tell party over at I Gotta Create! <3
ReplyDelete(By the way, you have word verification on. You can really unlock your blog's potential and make it easier for fans to interact when you turn it off. To find out how, visit: http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/2011/12/bloggy-tips-101.html
Thanks for the heads up and for the tip! (I was actually just thinking about that the other day and this reminded me to change it!!!!)
DeleteLove it - I have a full-length window along my front door that needs this right now! Thanks for the tips & how-to.
ReplyDeletethis is wonderful! I can see how it could have lots of different applications. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I was just looking at some spray paint yesterday that was supposed to do the same thing, but I don't want anything that permanent. Clear contact paper is the perfect solution, and I have some that I keep on hand to make book covers. I'm going to start drawing out my pattern right now!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea. I've almost used the frosted glass spray paint for a similar solution but it's permanant....I like your idea better. Cute design.
ReplyDeleteHolly @ Down to Earth Style
What a great idea! And it looks so good! I would love for you to link up to our party before it closes! http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinteresting-link-party-week-22.html
ReplyDeleteI love this. I have seen this, but I love yours so much more! I'm going to do this for a bathroom window and will link back to you! I love that you did this in carpool line too! Newest follower would love a follow back to http://imnotatrophywife.com
ReplyDeletelaura
ps my sister's name is tricia and it is spelled the same way :0)
Um, wow. That is incredible. Truly. Absolutely adds so much to your door! Great job!
ReplyDeleteMelody
ChattyChics.com
PS Come show off at my place on Wednesday if you can! You could win a $5 Starbucks card!
This looks great. I love form and function! What a beautiful way to add some privacy! Great job!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! Love this idea. Great low cost solution. Plus you can use any design.
ReplyDeleteOK, first I have to say that I LOVE this idea and especially this design you used! It's so pretty! 2nd, I can't believe you cut those all out by hand! You ARE one dedicated crafter!
ReplyDeleteI may be just a little crazy! ;)
DeleteI have a BIG front window I've been wanting to do something like this with....regular contact paper? Like the CLEAR contact paper? Cause, yes, it totally looks frosted...great job!
ReplyDeleteYep, just regular clear contact paper. Looks frosted on glass. Who would have thought? Good luck!
DeleteI love it! What a clean fresh pattern! I have pinned you to keep in mind when we move!
ReplyDeleteHeidi@HomemadeBeautiesByHeidi
GENIUS! Love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKim www.plumberrypie.blogspot.com
Love it to pieces!! Thanks so much for linking up to Overflowing with Creativity!! Have you entered my giveaway yet?
ReplyDeleteXO, Aimee
Customizable Frames, Signs, Wall Decor
What an easy way to get such a fancy look on glass. I want to have frosted glass door on my upper kitchen cabinets and this looks like the perfect way to make it happen. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an awesome idea! It really looks like frosted glass! Thanks for sharing at my party. I can't wait to see what you have next week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea!!! And so many places in a house where you could use this technique...
ReplyDeleteLove it! newest follower here!
Linsey
Wow! That turned out great. When I clicked over here I thought it was going to be another painting tutorial. You surprised me with the contact paper! I'd love for you to stop by Etcetorize to share this (http://etcetorize.blogspot.com). Party opens on Sunday night~
ReplyDeleteThat looks great. I always cringe at doors with windows in them or beside them. Kinda like my privacy here. prefer my people on the other side of the computer i guess, LOL! Visiting from Motivate Me Monday.
ReplyDelete~Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva
These look like very expensive custom glass. You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteReally cool! It looks great!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Like the poster said above - it really does look like custom glass! Coming over from Between Naps on the Porch and your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteJeanine
You did a great job on your windows! I did something like that in the past -- and then I discovered D-C-Fix at Berlin Wallpaper: http://www.berlinwallpaper.com/dcfix/ It's a decorative contact paper-type STATIC CLING that doesn't require wetting the glass first like the window cling products at the big box stores. Works great -- if you ever need something like this in the future ... or if one of your readers wants your fantastic results but doesn't have your incredible patience! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! In a neighborhood full of kids it's the perfect solution... plus maybe my dogs will stop eyeballing the UPS guy when he comes to the door! - Susan
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! I would LOVE if you would link up to my NEW link party!
ReplyDeleteKathryn
http://destinationcraft.blogspot.com/2012/01/destination-cutesy-monday.html
Pretty awesome!
ReplyDeleteThis such a brilliant, beautiful, and practical solution to a common problem.
ReplyDeleteI love it!
I would absolutely love it if you would link this up at my FREE-FOR-ALL linky party going on right now!
http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/01/feature-friday-free-for-all-3-50.html
So looking forward to seeing you there!
P.S. I'm a new follower. : )
P.P.S. (: )) Every link counts as an entry into my Cutting Edge ($50) stencil giveaway!
~Abbie (www.fivedaysfiveways.com)
This is amazing! I love it! I am going to try this out on my wine glasses
ReplyDeleteI love this! Such a great and inexpensive way to customize your windows. Found you through Serendipity and Spice Linky Party.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! You did a wonderful job. Don't you just love Pintrest?
ReplyDeletefab.u.lous!
ReplyDeleteLove this! It's incredible that regular contact paper looks so good! Can't wait to try this out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! We currently have the sheers on either side and I would love to change them.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! Would love for you to stop by and share it at the Tuesday To Do Party this week!
ReplyDeleteSmiles!
Jami
www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com
You cut those by hand? Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe result is beautiful!
Wow! this is really impressive! I have used frosted contact paper on windows before but not in a cool pattern like this. For some reason, I can't find the frosted kind in stores anywhere. Great job saving money too!
ReplyDeleteI have similar doors, and thought about using frosted contact paper, or the spray. I never thought of cutting it out and putting it back on like you did! This turned out beautiful and so easy, too!
ReplyDeleteThis is a terrific looking project for a storm door. It looks so much better than before! Now, if only my apartment had a storm door... lol.
ReplyDeleteBest, Jenn from www.justaddwatersilly.com, hopping from anti-procrastination Tuesday (newest happy follower!)
This looks amazing! I can't wait to try it!!
ReplyDeleteKatie @ Little Becky Homecky
http://littlebeckyhomecky.blogspot.com
This is So Very Pretty.... I LOVE the idea of using Contact Paper... Thank you for linking up this project as well to at http://shoprubyjean.com/2012/01/sew-crafty-tuesday-7-and-winner/
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of work but it turned out great! Thanks for the idea. Found you via Sew Craft Tuesday :)
ReplyDeleteFeatured you b/c you totally ROCK!!! XO, Aimee
ReplyDeleteThis is so totally amazing! I can't wait to do it :)
ReplyDeleteOh I love it! It makes me want little windows just so I can do that! I would love for you to share this at our link party
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/fab-not-drab-link-party-3.html
Jen
I love this! I can't believe you cut all that out by hand and it's so perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I've been looking for an idea to cover our bathroom window... we have one of those lovely "in the shower" windows that looks out into the main street. I stuck a makeshift curtain up when we moved in a few months ago but I LOOOOVE THIS. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKristy - Did you try this in your bathroom? I did this on my front door. A friend loves the look and is thinking about doing in her bathroom... another house w/ an "in the shower" window. :) I wasn't sure if the adhesive would come undone w/ all the shower steam/heat.
DeleteThis is awesome! I've been wanting to do something in my bathroom (huge window over the tub, ugly mini blinds for privacy) and this is just the thing!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday - you were featured today! - - Mandy, www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
ReplyDeleteSeriously? You are brilliant! I LOVE this idea.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI did this with our outside garage door. The entire top half of the door is paned glass so I used contact paper to make it frosted! After a few years and the sun burning on it, it's really super stuck on there now and I'm not sure if I'll ever get it off...LOL
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabulous! Great job.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this! It came out so great. I wish I had a window/door that I could try this on. Maybe one day :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to Financial Friday.. you were featured! Check it out tomorrow :)
Wow - thanks!
DeleteIt's beautiful...love it! Curious though, is it easy to clean with little finger prints touching it all of the time? May sound dumb, but feel like I'm always cleaning glass and don't know how contact paper holds up!
ReplyDeleteThe contact paper has only been on the windows for a few weeks and there actually have not been any fingerprints left on it. In between putting the cut outs on the windows, I was more "buffing" with a dry rag. I'm thinking the same technique may work if fingerprints become a problem, or just replacing a cut out if it's really bad.
DeleteLove it ...
ReplyDeleteI have been looking and looking for something like this. We have the exact same problem, I especially don't like it at night when people can see in! Thank you so much for sharing this! I am one of your new loyal followers! When you have a chance come on by and check out my blog (and make sure to say hi!). If you like my blog, I would love it if you would follow me back! Cath @ Home is Where my Heart is: http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWow, love it, love it, love it! Looks amazing! x J
ReplyDeleteLove this! I'm going to do this tomorrow!!!
ReplyDeleteJust found this through the link up party at a bowl full of lemons.
You were my featured crafty project from Manic Monday...I pinned this to Pinterest and it's already been repinned 50 times! I can't wait to do this in my house!
ReplyDelete-Melissa
Wow! Thanks so much, Melissa! :)
DeleteI'll be featuring you tonight at the start of my {wow me} wednesday party. :) You were one of the top viewed links from last week's party. Thank you so much for sharing. Hope to see you tonight, too. :)
ReplyDeleteGinger @ gingersnapcrafts.com
I will be featuring this tonight at my Winter Blues Wednesday party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteWow...I am so glad I saw this...I am pinning for future use in my house, I have 1 side window by my front door that poses the same problem you had!! This is being featured today at {Junk in their Trunk}...thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteIt turned our AMAZINGLY!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to have to find myself a window to this too!
ReplyDeleteWould you mind linking up this project on my blog please??
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/
What a great idea. We have windows on either side of our front door. This would be the perfect solution.
ReplyDeleteFound you on thediydreamer.blogspot.com. Feel free to visit my Lego Keychain link.
I love the frosted windows. I always found windows that you can look nto kind of odd, yet they are everywhere! Plus, I adore the stencil pattern you chose:)
ReplyDeleteHI!
ReplyDeleteI featured this post on my blog!! It should be up tomorrow by 9 am Pacific! Enjoy!!
This is genius.
ReplyDeleteThis came out so great! Delectable Home recreated the look and credited your inspiration post. Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteKarah
Fabulous! We created a frosted pattern on our windows, which were exactly like yours, using a mixture of beer and epsom salts! Worked great and stayed on as long as we wanted it to, then wash off when wanted to redo it :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteFantastic...so many places in house where you use this technique.
ReplyDeletewindow shutters clayton, ca
Hi - very nice job - would not have thought to use contact paper. I would like to do something like this in my house (I have the same small sidelight windows). But - my foyer is very dark - so I would probably need a more light filtering solution.
ReplyDeleteI have a few ideas...I will let you know when I do it!
Hopefully - you will visit my blog as well. I just did a transformation of a stainless steel range hood - which I shared on a few blogs this week!
Linda
http://www.studioofdecorativearts.blogspot.com.
The small sidelight windows provide a picturesque display of your door. Plus, it’s a lot safer inside since you can see anyone behind it. You did a pretty remarkable job with the covering. It’s so artsy and creative of you. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo I LOVE this idea!! But I have a question...would it be "easier" to make two designs one slightly smaller than the other and then cut the "space in between" the two of them? I'm pretty far from perfect, so I'm not sure how great it would look if I had to line up all those individual pieces perfectly. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think that would work. You could really come up with any design you would like!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try this on my front door that is a huge pane of glass but I'm curious - do the ends of the contact paper start peeling off? What if they get dirty? Was it really difficult to place them evenly? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Kate -
DeleteSo far I haven't had any problem with the paper peeling off. (They've been up for 8 months and have endured some HOT summer sun!) If they get dirty (mostly fingerprints around here) I spray some windex on a rag and gently rub them clean. They weren't too hard to place evenly. I was a little OCD about spacing them, so some I had to redo. I also stepped back periodically and made sure they were spaced to my liking.
Hope that helps!
I just put solid sheets of contact paper on the bottom two rows of my glass paneled double front door - dogs were barking at EVERYONE that passed. I had a lot of air bubbles. AFTER I was done, I researched on the internet and found a number of sites that recommended spraying windex on the window first, then putting the contact paper on. Supposed to be easier to move around and push out bubbles. Might re-do mine. . . might.
ReplyDeleteI really love this!! How did you resize their stencil? I need to do the same thing! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica - I just copied their stencil onto a word document and could resize from there. You can also google images for "moroccan stencils" for lots of other shapes and sizes. Hope that helps!
DeleteWe recently bought a French door and we are going to do a sliding barn door between our master bedroom and bathroom. I want to frost the glass and wonder if this would work.... I guess my only concern would be the steam from the shower - would that damage the contact paper? Am I better off using a spray to frost the glass?
ReplyDeleteHello there - I'm not 100% sure on this one. Maybe put up some test contact paper shapes and see if the steam and moisture from the bathroom damages it? Sorry I'm not much help on that one - good luck!
DeleteRobyne:
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I have several windows in my house that would benefit from this treatment. How to these stickers weather over time? Can they be cleaned like bare glass?
How did you keep them so evenly spaced? And how did you avoid air bubbles?
ReplyDeleteHi Dalia -
DeleteI just eyeballed it in spacing everything out. A friend used this idea on her window and she did the same and it turned out great. everything looked well-spaced without any measuring. As for air bubbles, just work slowly when peeling the contact paper off the paper backing and apply slowly from edge to edge and those shouldn't be a problem.
This is so great - thanks for sharing! I already bought some contact paper, but wasn't sure how exactly to tackle the project. I didn't even think of doing a pattern until I saw this idea! =)
ReplyDeleteI just did this to my front door windows this week. It looks fantastic and now there's no more creepers peeping in!! Thank you so much. It was actually pretty easy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, make sure to get the ConTact Brand Clear that you have pictured. I tried an office max brand and it was too clear. I found mine at WalMart.
wow this is a life saver, just went to my new house yesterday and noticed it has that type of window and i had no clue what to do with it and then i ran into this. Thank you much for sharing
ReplyDeleteEverything is just so pure and elegant, Tricia, especially the hanged curtains. They really go well with the white window sidings. Congratulations, by the way. Your effort of tracing and cutting paid off. The design looks so beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with those windows and doors. It's helpful because we've been wanting to get new windows in Chicago for a while and just haven't decided what we want to do yet. I will have to see what my wife thinks, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have a newly remodeled kitchen with decent sized window in it. I was going to faux wood blinds up but was afraid that it would close things in. I am definitely going to do this instead. It will give privacy but still allow for the open feeling that I want in my small kitchen. Thank you for posting this idea.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea and will incorporate my cricut to avoid all the cutting - just make sure your blade pressure and double cut are on!
ReplyDeleteOur son is grown,so our only means of destruction is our four cat's.After hanging a mini blind they destroyed it.Our front door is antique bevelled glass door.I know this will last longer and look classy.Thanks for posting this. doors ottawa
ReplyDeleteHow easy would this be to eventually remove? I want to do this, but I rent.
ReplyDeleteIt should peel right off without any problems.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful. ...I have 2 garage windows I would love to use this application for. Question: due to the heat/cold seasonal changes, have you had any issues with peeling/losing stickiness?
ReplyDeleteThink this could work on glass shower doors?
ReplyDeleteThink this could work on glass shower doors?
ReplyDeleteI think that these windows and doors ottawa are so great. They really make the house look much more cozy. I find that they really add that finishing touch.
ReplyDeleteLove it! The pattern is really great. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really love the design and creativity..
ReplyDeleteWow, I love how these turned out! I am feeling motivated to give etching a try...I don't know why it seemed so 'scary' to me. LOL interior glass doors
ReplyDeleteHow did you get them so straight and perfectly spaced? Each stencil is stuck on individually, no? Or am I missing something? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI bought a can of frosty stuff to spray on our entryway, but I think I'm going to go the contact paper route instead! Looks much easier than stenciling with tape and all that junk! Thanks fro the idea!
ReplyDelete