Faux Door Window Insert With Window FIlm

DIY Faux Window Insert Film

My niece didn't like the fact that the front door of her new house had a plain flat glass window.  Unfortunately, as it was a new subdivision, the builder did not offer a choice of different doors for her model.  She was so unhappy with this one 'flaw' in her new home.  First of all, it allowed for no privacy, and second, she thought it looked just sort of ho-hum compared to some of the beautiful decorative glass doors she had seen in her old, established neighbourhood.

Having just invested in a new home and the high costs of moving, replacing the brand new door was just out of the question.  I suggested a faux window insert created with window film for a quick, inexpensive and beautiful solution.  This patterned looks like cut or bevelled glass in a colourless pattern that is decor neutral.

The great thing about the faux window insert film is that you don't have to block light as going with blinds or drapes for privacy would.  And, you achieve the cut glass or stained glass appearance of real glass inserts.

DIY Geometric Pattern Decorative Privacy Film

Other alternatives to the faux window insert that I suggested would have been faux stained glass window film or decorative patterned privacy window film, that offer either total or partial privacy, for example the geometric frosted squares pictured in this window.

You can purchase faux window inserts film and a comprehensive selection of other do-it-yourself decorative and privacy window films online through the Apex Decorative Window Film Store  You can choose from a wide variety of decorative frosts, faux stained glass, textured and geometric patterned window film to complement your home or business's unique style and decor.

Protection From Harmful UV Rays Indoors

At last, it feels like spring!  The sun is shining and things are really beginning to warm up.  Many of us know that we should begin wearing sunscreens and protective clothing at this time of the year to protect our skin from the harmful and aging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation*:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States – more than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually
• One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime
• More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure
• A person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns

Most North Americans have been educated about the harmful effects of the sun and many, particularly children, use sun protection measures like that recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society "Slip, Slap, Slop" campaign (Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen!) when they are spending time outdoors. 

Did you know, that the suns harmful UVA rays penetrate glass?  The Skin Cancer Foundation characterizes the sun's rays as  "Sneaky.  Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they're also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you're inside your car or house, if you're sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you're at risk for UV damage."**  In fact, studies reveal that drivers have higher incidence of skin cancers and sun damage on the side of their body (arms and face) that is closest to the window when they drive.

The use of window films to block UVA rays in automobiles has been common for many years now.  As more people become aware of the dangers of UVA rays penetrating the glass in their homes, schools and work-places, more and more are installing UV blocking films on their windows to protect occupants from these harmful rays.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation website:  "This helps prevent not only sunburn, but also the brief daily UV exposures that cumulatively accelerate skin aging and multiply the risk of skin cancer. In addition, the film can be lifesavers for people with diseases involving dangerous photosensitivity, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and lupus."**


For the do-it-yourselfer, Apex offers DIY UV Blocking window films in clear and tinted varities at the Apex Do-It-Yourself Window Film Online Store at www.apex-window-film-store.com.




Sources:
*http://www.panoramafilm.com/Benefits/Protection_from_the_Sun copyright 2011
**http://www.skincancer.org/uva-radiation-a-danger-indoors-as-well-as-out.html copyright 2011

Faux Stained Glass Window Film

Faux Stained Glass Created With Window Films

Faux Stained Glass may sound somewhat tacky to some, conjuring up images of low-budget Las Vegas wedding chapels.  However, faux stained glass created with window film is so beautiful and realistic that it is frequently used in church sanctuaries, homes and other buildings with excellent results.

Why choose faux stained glass window film over true stained glass?  Well the first and perhaps most obvious reason is the cost.  Decorative Window Films are a fraction of the cost of real stained glass.  This is often an advantage for new churches that cannot yet afford real stained glass or in homes and buildings with very large windows.

The second compelling reason to go with stained glass window film is permanence.  Sometimes you are not sure you will enjoy the effect of stained glass or fear you may grow tired of it - window films, which can be removed without damaging the original window glass are a good option for those that would like to change the look and feel of their decor in the future without having to replace a window.  Also, they are a good option for rental properties or condominiums where a permanent glass replacement may not be an option for the resident or tenant.  Faux stained glass is also a great way to improve the ambiance of a temporary sanctuary, for example, where churches are renting a property until a permanent building is constructed.

Window films are also a great trick in scenic design.  A set designer can create faux stained glass windows with window film to easily give the impression of a church or sanctuary without a lot of extra props or background effects.

Whether you are looking to create a temporary stained glass effect or are more of a do-it-yourself on a shoe-string project you can use to window films to create faux stained glass with an excellent result.  Visit the Apex DIY Window Film Store for a full line-up of do-it-yourself window film products - save time and money with Apex.