Window film or window blinds: Which one is better?

October 31, 2022

If you are currently looking for some new window treatments, traditional blinds might be your first thought. However, we would like to put another option in the ring for your consideration: window film.

Window film is a perfect solution for both commercial and residential windows. Installing window film to your windows has many benefits, including energy efficiency, UV protection, reducing glare, and additional privacy and security.

Let’s break down these benefits below, so you can decide if window film is more suitable than blinds for your home or office.

Contents:

• Heat Protection
• Glare Reduction
• UV & Fade Protection
• Privacy
• Easy to Install
• Durability
• Conclusion

Heat Protection

Most blinds, especially darker shades, absorb a lot of solar heat, which is then expelled into the room. You can install heat reflective blinds, but this might be a more costly answer to the problem.

Window film reflects sunlight which helps to reduce the heat build-up in your room. And not only that, some window films also have insulating properties, retaining heat during the colder months. Perfect for year-round savings!

Glare Reduction

Blinds are very effective at reducing glare as they help to block out most of the natural light. However, a window film will cut glare down but also allow vision out. Films come in varying levels of darkness depending on your specific needs, meaning you can enjoy the view of the outdoors without having to deal with annoying sun glare when trying to watch TV or use a screen.

UV & Fade Protection

If you want to enjoy a sunny room in the summer, such as a conservatory, but are worried about sun exposure, window film is the solution for you. It is the perfect alternative to conservatory roof blinds and window blinds as window film blocks out around 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays without compromising your enjoyment of the sunshine. Blinds can also block UV, but only offer protection when they are drawn, whereas films give protection 100% of the time.

When fading is a concern, window films are the number one choice, with darker films giving the best protection. However, if you want to maintain maximum light but have occasional requirements for glare and privacy, a film and blind combination might be the best solution for you. 

Privacy

PMX offer one-way privacy window film which allows people to see outside but blocks onlookers from seeing in during the daytime. This is a great solution for ground floor office spaces or residential windows.

If you want privacy using window films, but don’t like the idea of having silver-mirrored windows from the outside of your house, there are films available that come in various shades including neutral finish.

For total privacy, a film and blind combination can be the best solution for you. A film will give good daytime privacy whilst keeping vision out with a blind offering night-time privacy and security.

Easy to Install

Window films are applied directly to the glass so there is no need to drill holes.

For small areas DIY kits and instructions are available but for larger areas we always recommend a using professional installation company. PMX can advise on the best and most suitable film for your requirements and offer a guaranteed installation service.

Durability

Due to constant use, exposure and moving parts, blinds do deteriorate over time. Which means another expense to replace them. Window films can last much longer than window blinds and don’t need any upkeep or maintenance during their lifetime. Typical life of an internally applied film is 10 years plus.

Conclusion – best of both?

Window film offers an easy and cost-effective solution to your window needs and comes with many benefits over window blinds.

However, as mentioned above there are many instances when a film and blind combination might be the answer.

We hope this article has helped you to think about what the best solution for you would be. If you would like to discuss a project with us, please get in touch with the friendly PMX team and we can help you find the right fit for your windows.