By Rachel Elmkies | Updated Nov 18, 2016 3:36 PM

In old homes, it’s the details that draw us in. While the intricate trim and sculpted ceiling medallions certainly create character, some of these popular design details—particularly French doors and tall windows—may leave you longing for a little more privacy. That’s what happened to Annabel Vita, an adventurous DIYer from across the pond whose rental features a majestic double-hung window directly at the foot of her bed. Since traditional curtains would have limited the natural light that flooded the room every morning, Annabel needed another solution to her privacy problem. On a mission, she stumbled upon an easy, inexpensive, and temporary way to make her own window film.

Sheer fabric works magic as the base for this custom fix. Annabel created a frosted glass effect with lace—opaque enough to keep neighbors from seeing inside, but transparent enough to keep her sunny view. Using a piece of paper, she crafted a simple template that matched the dimensions of her window panes. Then, she laid the lace over the template and cut out eight squares, one for each lower window pane.

A removable fabric glue from just cornstarch and water would adhere the lace panels to the window without damaging the glass and losing her security deposit. Concoction in hand, Annabel brushed a thin coat to the first pane. After carefully aligning the lace edges with the glass, she then pressed the fabric in place and painted on a thick second coat. In an hour, the cornstarch mix had dried, leaving Annabel with a perfect fix for her old window—good for as long as she wanted to stay in her charming little apartment.

This DIY film isn’t just for windows that face into your neighbor’s home. It also obstructs a clear view through interior French doors, masks your cupboard’s content when affixed to glass cabinet doors, and doubles up well behind sheer drapes as an extra layer of texture. Well-suited for homeowners and renters alike, this translucent fix proves there’s no need to sacrifice your privacy for a little extra sunshine. You can have it all!

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