Front door window treatment - modern style/old brownstone
We’re gut renovating a brownstone in a modern style (it was a wreck when purchased) but preserving the very few original details that were left i.e. front doors (front and vestibule) which is classic wood with glass panels. However, we’d like some privacy since currently you can see right into the house through the glass. What’s a good modern solution? We see lots of old brownstones with these doors that put lace or curtains over them but that seems heavy and old-fashioned. Advice appreciated!
realestate
in Doors 13 years and 6 months ago
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6 replies
brokelin | 13 years and 6 months ago
as much as I like frosted glass, better if actually glass etched into patterns, I do not think it is any more a modern look than lace curtains. yes, you can do it in a way that looks quite modern, but that may clash with the old vestibule door style. also, it may be an issue for buyers, if you plan to sell eventually, if it is not removable stuff. i do not like frosting at all on vestibule doors, as I like to look out to see who is there at the outer door when someone is knocking or ringing before they see me, and to see inside the home as i am entering from the vestibule. Lace is popular because it allows some light in, and some view though the holes, while generally obscuring the view somewhat. You may want the flexibility of looking out occasionally. There are many more modern coverings for windows in doors, that you could keep closed most of the time, either very opaque, or semi opaque, that are designed specifically for doors, as they can be used with little clips so they do not flap around when the door opens. You could completely open them, or tilt open blinds, when you want to look out or let more light in. I would look at pleated paper shades, honeycomb shades, which are particularly good for keeping heat and cold from passing through window surfaces, plastic, aluminum, wood, or faux wood mini blinds, bamboo roll up blinds if that fits your decor ideas, though it is not mine, fancier woven wood shades, if they still make those, and those fabric vane shades that are a nice combination of sheers and blinds. you can also do a simple roll up shade in fabric, weighted with a rod at the bottom, instead of side clips, to keep the shade in place over the window when opening the door. all of these give a more modern look than lace, add more to your design style than frosted glass, in my opinion, and can be the same as whatever shade or blind covering you use on nearby windows, as you surely have the exact same problem with then. You can also do curtains on two skinny cafe rods at the top and bottom of the door, but I do not think of curtains as a modern look…both shades and blinds are more modern. and most have various options for degree of opacity sought. You can see pictures of them online at a variety of window shade sellers, in print in their catalogues, or at shade and blind retailers. start online with smith and noble, and hunter douglas, as they are good for understanding options and for pictures in rooms. I would do some sort of shade or blind on the inner door, and o sidelights if you have them, and nothing on the outer door, and I would use the same style I used on windows in the next room.
bkmatthew | 13 years and 6 months ago
I am in the process of a commercial fitout. There are a lot of adhesive distraction type privacy applications that can be applied to glass. The good thing about them is that they do last a long time, but can be removed if you, or a future owner/occupant, change you mind. Talk to your architect/designer for options.
clickandimprove | 13 years and 6 months ago
check out this link as well: http://www.amazon.com/Artscape-01-0113-Magnolia-Window-24-by-36-Inch/dp/B000Q3QWRG
deano | 13 years and 6 months ago
You could also try the window frosting spray-paint you can find for about 7 bucks. for a DIY rattle-can product, it dries to make a surprisingly even and ‘professional-looking’ frosted finish. Comes off with some thinner/acetone…
jellystew | 13 years and 6 months ago
The vinyl frosted glass kits are surprisingly good (and cheap) if you want to experiment before committing. We’ve fooled quite a few people with them.
daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 6 months ago
Have the windows frosted. Never done it myself but there are DIY kits. Call Vila Glass and see if they do it