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The Best Decorative Window Film

Last updated on July 10, 2023

We looked at the top 14 Decorative Window Films and dug through the reviews from 36 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Decorative Window Films.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Windows are great for letting light in, but they can bring privacy issues. If you have a big window in your bathroom, for instance, you may feel self-conscious in there at night, especially if you have neighbors nearby.

With decorative window film, you can keep the very thing you like about your house’s windows while still maintaining privacy. You’ll have a wide range of design options to match your own room’s décor, including stained or frosted glass. But beyond your personal preferences when it comes to aesthetics, there are a few very important things to consider.

Vicki Liston serves as writer, producer and host of “On The Fly…DIY,” a home improvement show that helps consumers with their DIY projects. She recommends a film that uses water for application. Just spray the film with water to activate, then attach it directly to the window glass.

“Water-based films hold up better to drastic seasonal changes, so you won’t have to worry about peeling corners when the temperatures outside drop to freezing,” Liston says. “The disadvantage to adhesives, though is that they contain polyvinyl chloride. If you’d rather purchase an eco-friendly alternative, PVC-free decorative films are also available. These adhere via static cling but do require water to create an attachment between it and the glass.”

Even if you choose a water-based film, though, durability can be an issue. Some window films fade in color over time, which means you’ll have to replace them more often than you’d planned. If you’re renting a place for a short time, this may not be as much an issue as if you’re planning to stay in the same house for many years.

Of course, if you‘re looking for a window film, chances are you have an application in mind. If you’re going for a bathroom or bedroom window, be aware that with some films, those on the outside may still be able to see in somewhat, especially if they’re near the window. Fine details will be impossible to make out, but they might still be able to see shadows and movement, keeping you from having the total privacy you’re after.

Our Picks For The Top Decorative Window Films

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

VELIMAX Rain Glass Decorative Window Film

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VELIMAX

Rain Glass Decorative Window Film

Add a little privacy to your living space with this decorative window film. The film is nice and thick and easy to install. It has a UV coating, but doesn't have an adhesive backing, which means it's easy to clean the window after you remove the film.

Overall Take

Reusable FilmEnjoy savings on your next heating bill, thanks to this energy-saving decorative window film.

 Reusable Pick

DKTIE Decorative Vinyl Window Film

DKTIE

Decorative Vinyl Window Film

You'll get the look of stained glass without the expensive price tag when you opt for this decorative window film. There are five different color patterns to choose from, all of which block out 96% of the sun's harmful UV rays. Consumers will love that the film is eco-friendly and made from a waterproof vinyl PVC material.

Overall Take

Energy SavingThis decorative window film leaves no residue behind and can be reused over and over as desired.

 Sun-Safe Option

Coavas Non-Adhesive Static Cling Frosted Decorative Window Film, 17.7×78.7-Inch

Coavas

Cling Decorative Window Film, 17.7x78.7-Inch

If you prefer the frosted look instead of a stained glass design, this decorative window film is an excellent choice. It comes with the ability to block 96% of the sun's harmful UV rays. Since it is installed with water and is free of adhesive, you can recycle the film after it has outlived its usefulness.

Overall Take

Blocks UV RaysKeep the sun's harmful rays out of your home with this UV-blocking decorative window film.

Pros
" This thick privacy material also aids in temperature conservation. Easy wet application."
Cons
"Some people claim it doesn’t work well."
 Mosaic Look

Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch

Rabbitgoo

3D Mosaic Window Film, 18x79-Inch

The first thing you'll notice as you look at this decorative window film is that the small mosaic pattern is different from other window films. The film blocks out about 96 percent of UV light while still letting in plenty of natural light to keep your room bright. The film is insulated to help keep your utility bills at a minimum.

Overall Take

Unique DesignThe small mosaic tiles that make up the design of this decorative window film sets it apart from others in the field.

Pros
" Helps block out UV rays as well as conserving privacy. Easy-to-handle, residue-free static cling application. Stands out for its attractive design that's a bit different from many other options."
Cons
"Bubbles can form up shortly after application at times."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
21

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the decorative window films available to purchase.
14

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

36

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Best Reviews Guide, Wcma Window & Door, Afiavillage, BestReviews, Archareer.

48,680

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 14 Decorative Window Films and also dug through the reviews from 36 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Decorative Window Films.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

Our Expert Consultant

Vicki Liston 
Home Improvement Expert

Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.

Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch

Our Expert Score

9.1
7 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.8
2,865 user reviews

Our Take

The first thing you'll notice as you look at this decorative window film is that the small mosaic pattern is different from other window films. The film blocks out about 96 percent of UV light while still letting in plenty of natural light to keep your room bright. The film is insulated to help keep your utility bills at a minimum.

What other experts liked

Helps block out UV rays as well as conserving privacy. Easy-to-handle, residue-free static cling application. Stands out for its attractive design that's a bit different from many other options.
- BestReviews
The application is easy and possible anywhere providing the surface is a smooth plane.
- Top Ten Review Pro
March 9, 2019 | Full review
Strong Sunlight Blocked, Harmful UV Rejected: Made of premium material, the glass film effectively reduces annoying glares, blocks out 96% UV rays, and protects your skin and furniture from getting directly exposed to sunlight; By allowing softened natural light in, it also creates a cozy atmosphere in the room for...
- Archareer
September 8, 2019 | Full review
Its unlimited decorative purposes also make it one of the best window films. With the heat preservation properties, you can cut the energy bills during winter.
- AmaPerfect
September 21, 2019 | Full review
Aside from versatility, installation is effortless as well. It has no glue or adhesive, but relies on a static cling to stick to your glass.
- Top Home Review

What other experts didn't like

Users report it can curl at the corners after time.
- BestReviews
Bubbles can form up shortly after application at times.
- Top Ten Review Pro
March 9, 2019 | Full review
The mosaic squares are smaller in person than the product image
- Top Home Review

What to Look For

  • The first thing to consider is how your chosen film will be applied. Some require water, while others use static cling to adhere to the window. The Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch just requires a quick spray of either water or soapy water to stick to the window. If you ever want to remove it, you’ll only have to peel it off. It doesn’t leave a residue.
  • As with any items that adhere to a surface, you’ll need to press down on your window film to remove any air bubbles.

“Decorative window film is easily applied with a water spray bottle and a rigid piece of plastic, like a credit card,” Liston says. “Some privacy window films come with squeegees or scrapers but don’t feel like you need to purchase them separately to get the job done. The best advice I’ve ever received is to ‘measure twice and cut once.’ There’s nothing worse than cutting your film, only to realize your measurements were wrong.”

  • Once the air bubbles are out and your window film is in place, you can use either a razor blade or box cutter to remove any excess. This can take some of the pressure off to cut your film exactly to size before you install it.
  • Some decorative window films can also serve as insulation between your house and the temperatures outside. The Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch, and the Coavas Cling Decorative Window Film, 17.7×78.7-Inch help keep air and heat inside your house when you need it, as well as ensuring the outside weather remains outdoors.
  • Although design preferences vary from one person to the next, the Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch has a stained glass look. Other models have a medieval design that some may prefer, while the small mosaic squares of the Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch sets it apart from the others.
  • If privacy is your top concern, it’s important to note that not all decorative window films are equal. There are films that provide extreme privacy from a distance, but as someone comes closer to the window, they don’t block quite as much. The Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch does tend to blur visibility, but movements and shadows can still be detected from the other side.
  • It’s important to find a film that provides privacy without blocking the natural light coming in. Although the Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch blocks approximately 96 percent of UV rays, it lets a soft natural light in that enhances your surroundings.
  • You’ll want a film that will look good and offer privacy for many years. The Coavas Cling Decorative Window Film, 17.7×78.7-Inch not only doesn’t fade, but it also doesn’t tear very easily.
  • Window films don’t just work for small windows. You can use them on sliding-glass doors and storm doors. Although they’re popular for bathrooms and bedrooms, you can also use them in kitchens, living rooms and entryways. They’re also great for office buildings, retail shops and hotels.

Decorative Window Film Rankings

1. VELIMAX Rain Glass Decorative Window Film

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 1

2. DKTIE Decorative Vinyl Window Film

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

4. Coavas Sun Blocker Frosted Privacy Window Film

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 4

5. Rabbitgoo 3D Mosaic Window Film, 18×79-Inch

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 8

7. Artscape New Leaf Window Film, 24×36-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 4

8. Lemon Cloud 3D Static Window Film, 18×79-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 6

9. Rabbitgoo Decorative Window Film, 18×79-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 6

10. CottonColors Privacy Window Film, 35×79-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 1

11. Artscape Magnolia Window Film, 24×36-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 8

12. CottonColors 3D Decorative Window Film, 35×79-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 4

13. Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Window Film, 24×79-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 11

14. Coavas Stained Privacy Decorative Window Film

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 4

More to Explore

Although stained glass is associated with cathedrals and other places of worship, it’s actually found in buildings across the world. But it’s important to note that stained glass gets its color during the manufacturing process, not by staining the glass after it’s already made. To arrive at the desired color, manufacturers add metal powders to molten glass, at which point the glass develops that tint. The target color is achieved through a combination of oxides and powders. To get blue to bluish-green glass, for instance, manufacturers add copper oxides, while iron oxides provide green and brown tints. Red was traditionally a tough color to achieve, requiring gold, which was too expensive for everyday manufacturing. But today, manufacturers can get red without using gold, which means you’re more likely to see red in modern stained glass than in older buildings where the original windows are in place.

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