Net curtains...

[Spinney]

One of my windows opens directly over next-door's garden, so both I and the neighbours would like that window to have net curtains to give a bit of privacy to both parties. But I don't want to block too much light coming through the window.

My question is - is there any way of having net curtains (intended to be left permanently across the window) that won't make the place look like my granny's house?

 

[summerdays]

Instead of nets have you considered some of that frosting film? You can get some nice ones, I see them around Bristol (Redland, Ashley Down and Bishopston areas I think), quite a bit, often only applied over the lower half of a window. If you want I can try to take some photos if I see some next week to show what I mean?

 

[I like Skol]

Defo not nets IMO. I suggest a change of glass, there are lots of patterned glasses to choose from that are good at obscuring the view with hardly any impact on light transmission. Also consider just plain frosted/etched glass and there are many companies that can do this in custom patterns (the family crest or just a plain chessboard check, your imagination is the only limit!)

If you don't want to change the glass I believe there is a plastic film available that mimics the frosted/etched effect and can be self applied. This will need carefull application to avoid bubbles and creases but the best thing about it is that it is a removeable/reversible change should you decide you don't like it.

 

[young Ed]

Instead of nets have you considered some of that frosting film? You can get some nice ones, I see them around Bristol (Redland, Ashley Down and Bishopston areas I think), quite a bit, often only applied over the lower half of a window. If you want I can try to take some photos if I see some next week to show what I mean?

assuming this is a opening windows then it would mean when open the privacy is compromised
Cheers Ed

 

[threebikesmcginty]

If you want the privacy fine but if your neighbour is telling you what they want you to do with your house tell them to **** off. Nets are disgusting, I'd put up a blind, still let's plenty of light in, has to be horizontal slats though otherwise it looks like an office.

 

[Ganymede]

Depending on how big the window is - how about hanging strings of glass/acrylic beads from the top of the frame? Clear or coloured - you don't need to fill the whole window with beads for it to distract the eye. Choose faceted beads to reflect the light randomly and distract the curious eye. This would be fairly hard work with a big window I admit - though I've just googled and you can buy strings of them, try googling "crystal bead garland". You would lose no light at all - in fact gain some! It may not fit with your decor of course but it's worth considering!

 

[Spinney]

Thanks all.

It is a new double glazed window, so replacing the glass is not an option.

The neighbours are not telling me what to do - I suggested it, they agreed - I want to be on good terms with new neighbours.

The decor is going to be 'modern cottage' if that makes sense? It is an old, stone-built house, so the glittery beads probably won't look right, but it was a good idea, thanks @Ganymede! I may look into it - maybe one item like that in a room could enhance the general theme rather than distract from it?

I have used bits of stick-on frosting before @summerdays (just some squares on a plain glass internal door - to stop ourselves walking into it!) I think I'd prefer something that was less permanent, but it's definitely worth considering. I think you can get lots of different patterns and as said, the pattern doesn't have to block the view completely, just distract the eye. These kinds of things are what you meant? http://www.purlfrost.com/

 

[KneesUp]

I think net curtains are gross.
Boom boom!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

We had something similar in one of our old rental properties when they replaced all of the windows and didn't frost over the downstairs toilet window...
We went with a multi-coloured net curtain.... Obviously not the size shown in the photo, but not white which was my main requirement. They tend to be more of a guaze than lacey net but come in some great colours now.

 

[Bollo]

Simply mount a camera with a high-powered zoom lens at the window in question. This will dissuade your neighbours from using the garden, so no need for nets! You're welcome.

 

[Spinney]

Simply mount a camera with a high-powered zoom lens at the window in question. This will dissuade your neighbours from using the garden, so no need for nets! You're welcome.

The most helpful reply yet!

 

[Ganymede]

Thanks all.

It is a new double glazed window, so replacing the glass is not an option.

The neighbours are not telling me what to do - I suggested it, they agreed - I want to be on good terms with new neighbours.

The decor is going to be 'modern cottage' if that makes sense? It is an old, stone-built house, so the glittery beads probably won't look right, but it was a good idea, thanks @Ganymede! I may look into it - maybe one item like that in a room could enhance the general theme rather than distract from it?

I have used bits of stick-on frosting before @summerdays (just some squares on a plain glass internal door - to stop ourselves walking into it! I think I'd prefer something that was less permanent, but it's definitely worth considering. I think you can get lots of different patterns and as said, the pattern doesn't have to block the view completely, just distract the eye. These kinds of things are what you meant? http://www.purlfrost.com/

Try crocheted nets - a fairly plain "filet" crochet openwork pattern, it wouldn't be flowery/frilly etc but very in keeping with the modern cottage look (yes I know exactly what you mean!). Filet crochet is a simple square net - the squares can be filled in to make patterns (you could even have a bicycle) - but completely plain would let in plenty of light.

 

[summerdays]

His reply made me laugh though.

Yes that is the sort of frosting things I meant.

 

[Spinney]

Try crocheted nets - a fairly plain "filet" crochet openwork pattern, it wouldn't be flowery/frilly etc but very in keeping with the modern cottage look (yes I know exactly what you mean!). Filet crochet is a simple square net - the squares can be filled in to make patterns (you could even have a bicycle) - but completely plain would let in plenty of light.

These kinds of thing?

I think they look a bit grannyish (although I guess it does depend on the design!). Favourite option so far is the 'etched' film. Or very thin voile attached top and bottom and possibly tied in the middle to make a hourglass kind of shape? This kind of thing (but on a much smaller window!)

 

[Ganymede]

These kinds of thing?
View attachment 49475

I think they look a bit grannyish (although I guess it does depend on the design!). Favourite option so far is the 'etched' film. Or very thin voile attached top and bottom and possibly tied in the middle to make a hourglass kind of shape? This kind of thing (but on a much smaller window!)
View attachment 49476

Yes, that kinda thing, but if you have a larger hole in the lace - perhaps made with thicker thread - it looks really nice and modern. I have an example in a book but have no idea how to post the pic. Also you'd have it without the scalloped edge - and as you see, filling in the holes means you can have no pic or any pic on it, not just hearts and flowers. If you google images there are some quite modern ones. There are people who will make them to order so you could get a bike done! I suspect it would be much pricier than net or gauze but individual and long-lasting.

That hourglass voile looks nice. Voile is much nicer than net.