Stained Glass Film for Windows: A Budget-Friendly DIY Alternative
Transforming your windows with DIY stained glass window film is a budget-friendly alternative to real stained glass. Stained glass window film is an easy and inexpensive way to add character and privacy to your home and your windows.
With window film, you can have the look of stained glass without the cost and fuss that the real glass requires. Decal window cling film is a realistic and practical solution that allows you to do as many windows as you would like at a cost that you can afford.
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We recently bought home #4, an 1886 Victorian in Wisconsin that has TWO BILLION WINDOWS!!! I am literally almost serious! There are so many windows. Many of which are super huge…and I absolutely love it!!! The house is always filled with natural light and it’s just so gorgeous!

Our library has a humongous and gorgeous Queen Anne stained glass window. (I’m not totally sure that is what it is technically called – but I insist that it is! And if you don’t call it by it’s rightful name of “liiiibraaary” with a very strong old English accent, then you are not allowed to enter! hehe. This house is owed so much respect and glory in my mind!
However, the price of antique stained glass is super expensive and very hard to find. Let alone, finding windows that are the same size as any of the windows in my house would be a miracle in itself. With our house being built in 1886, the windows are all different sizes, not standard, they are truly custom as it would have been way back when (insert a giggy squeal of love!!…and most likely an eye roll from my hubby, lol!)
As a quick and decorative fix, I ran to Home Depot to take a look at their stained glass vinyl film. Unfortunately, I didn’t like any of their designs so I hit up Amazon. I wasn’t able to find any Queen Anne style, colorful boxes along the edges, so I went with one that would look really pretty in our 2 upstairs bathrooms. It is called the Peacock in blue and green. I have to admit that I was a bit weary of how it would look, but now that I have it installed, I absolutely love it. It adds just the right amount of decorative flare and privacy that I was going for!
How To Installed Stained Glass Window Vinyl Film
The process is really easy and takes very little time. I was able to have both windows complete in less than 30 minutes!
Supplies Needed:
- THIS stained glass window vinyl film.
- Window cleaner
- Rag
- Scissors
- Credit card
- Knife

Step 1: Wash windows
Start by washing your windows really well. I used an old rag with my favorite organic, non-toxic window cleaner, Basic H2.

Step 2: Figure out your pattern
My vinyl film was not as wide as my windows so I had to cut it to make it fit together like a puzzle.

Step 3: Apply stained glass film to window
Remove plastic backing and apply to window. I like to leave an overhang at the bottom, that I will later cut off to ensure a tight fit.

Step 4: Smooth out window film
Using a credit card, apply light pressure and rub out any air bubbles.

Step 5: Trim excess film
Using a sharp knife, trim off all of the excess vinyl film. This product I used is rather thick, so it did take a little muscle to cut through the film with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut yourself!

Done!
And that it’s! You have now successfully transformed your window from drab to fab with added privacy!

I chose to only do the bottom windows because we do have blinds on the windows that you can lower when needed. But I like the open top window because you can still see outside if desired.

It adds such a beautiful look and really does add the privacy I was wanting…I mean, you don’t always want a dark bathroom with un-natural lights!
What stained glass window film looks like during the day
Here it is in the primary bathroom:

What stained glass window film looks like during the night from the exterior
Here it is at night from the outside:

I love it how it turned out! The stained glass window film adds just the right amount of privacy at night and looks gorgeous! I call this type of budget-friendly DIY a WIN!!
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Oh I love it! You had me at stained glass windows and Victorian Farmhouse ❤️
Thank you!! …same here, lol! I love all things Victorian!!