1. Comparing privacy window films: solar control vs mirror vs blackout vs decorative

Comparing privacy window films: solar control vs mirror vs blackout vs decorative

Decorative window filmSep 23, 2025
Comparing privacy window films: solar control vs mirror vs blackout vs decorative

In today’s world, where your data is everywhere, privacy has become more of a priority than ever, and nowhere more so than in your own home. Privacy window films are a great tool in the arsenal of keeping your home private, but there are many options to choose from. Solar control window film has many variants, including mirror privacy films. Blackout window film delivers total privacy but also blocks almost all light transmission. Then there are decorative films, which can add a design element to your house, and many more. What are the best privacy films for windows? The answer, as with most things in life, is “it depends”.

Solar control window film: stylish defence without living in a cave

You don’t have to pick between “feels good inside” and “looks good outside” with solar control window film. That’s exactly why Solar Screen’s solar control films exist—like the Azur 80 XC, a blue-tinted exterior film that resists sunlight while still letting in enough light to keep your space from feeling too dim.
Here’s what these privacy window films actually do: only 15% visible light gets through, but they reject 79% of solar energy (and up to 84% on double-glazed glass). Glare is down 84%, UV is pretty much gone (just 1% sneaks in), and it all runs on a PET film with a scratch-resistant exterior—so yes, it’s essentially bulletproof during cleaning.
The result? Cooler rooms, less glare, and a facade that doesn’t scream “I’m hiding.” Just add a curtain for evenings, and you’ve got comfort, style, and privacy all in one tidy package. Solar control gives you that privacy edge—without asking you to live in darkness.

Mirror privacy film: reflective by day, exposed by night

Mirror privacy film walks a fine line between clever and cocky. It’s the film you get when you want to make a statement—sleek, modern, a little bit bold. From the outside, these privacy window films look like a tinted mirror; from the inside, it’s business as usual. That makes it ideal for street-facing windows, office glass, or any situation where privacy is necessary.
But let’s not pretend it’s magic. Mirror film doesn’t create privacy in all directions or all conditions. It thrives in daylight when the outside is brighter than the inside. Come evening, when the lighting flips? That mirror turns into a window—and you’re the one on display.
Still, used right, it’s one of the best privacy films for windows in high-visibility settings. Solar Screen’s Vista 90 XC and Vista 90 C offer high reflectivity with serious heat and glare control. Just pair it with curtains or blinds after dark, and you’ve got the best of both worlds—privacy and daylight, without the fishbowl effect.

Blackout window film: zero light, absolute privacy (but at a cost)

Want to vanish? Blackout window film is your stealth mode. It doesn’t just obscure your view—it obliterates it. No light, no glare, no nosy neighbors, just total darkness. Solar Screen offers several blackout options, but let’s spotlight two solid choices:

  • Mat White PET – A clean, interior-facing opaque film that drops light transmission to nearly 0%, yet blocks glare and UV completely. Durable and easy to install, it’s perfect for storage rooms or home theaters that need a “lights out” mindset.
  • E-Film – Crafted for those obsessively private corners of your life. It’s a polyester-based option that delivers full visual cutoff and is built to last, room after room, cleaning after cleaning. While blackout window films are the ultimate fortresses, they aren’t for every use. They ban daylight, so rooms feel smaller, moodier, and less alive. That makes them ideal for bedrooms, AV editing stations, or any space where “I don’t want to be seen or disturbed” is required.
    If you need total privacy—for all intents and purposes—blackout films deliver.

Decorative window film: privacy that doesn’t look like privacy

Not all privacy films are trying to hide their interiors. Some of them are designed to show off. Decorative window films walk the line between function and flair—they soften visibility without blocking out light entirely, and they do it with a bit of personality. Think frosted gradients, clean lines, subtle patterns, or full-on design statements. You’re not just covering a window; you’re making a choice.
Solar Screen’s decorative window film range includes options like Mystic, a gentle frosted gradient film that fades from opaque to clear over 120 cm, and Vogue, which adds parallel lines to glass in a way that’s more interior design than security feature. These films are often used in bathrooms, front doors, reception areas, or anywhere you want visual softness without total isolation.
They’re not blackout. You’ll still see silhouettes. But they offer enough visual disruption to feel comfortable—especially in shared or semi-public spaces. And let’s be honest: if you can keep your privacy and make it look good? That’s a win.

Choosing the best privacy window films

When looking for these privacy window films, there’s no universal “best”—just the right film for the right job. Need heat control and visibility? Go solar. Want one-way privacy during the day? Mirror films work—just not at night. Total blackout? You’ll lose the light, but gain complete privacy. Prefer something with style? Decorative films give you both form and function.
Privacy doesn’t have to be dull, boring, or depressing. With the options available on Solar Screens, you can choose what looks and works best for you!