Smart glass is cool, but honestly, I've had clients who found the tech a bit glitchy after a while. Plus, repairs aren't cheap if something goes wrong. Regular frosted film might be less flashy, but it's reliable and budget-friendly...just my two cents.
"Regular frosted film might be less flashy, but it's reliable and budget-friendly...just my two cents."
Totally agree with this. We looked into smart glass when renovating our bathroom last year, and while the demo was impressive, the price tag made us pause. Ended up going with frosted film instead, and honestly, zero regrets. It's held up great, super easy to clean, and we haven't had any issues with peeling or bubbling yet (fingers crossed!). Plus, if we ever change our minds or want a different look, it's way easier—and cheaper—to swap out.
Smart glass tech definitely has that cool factor, but practicality won out for us. Maybe in a few years when the tech matures and prices drop a bit more, it'll be worth revisiting...
Same here—went through almost the exact same decision process a couple years back. At first, we were totally sold on smart glass after seeing it in action at a home expo...felt like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. But once we got the quote, reality hit hard, haha. We ended up with frosted film too, and honestly, it's been solid. No peeling or weird bubbles yet, though I did mess up applying one section and had to redo it (totally my fault, not the film's).
One thing I didn't expect was how much variety there is in frosted films. You can pick different textures and patterns, so you don't have to settle for something boring. Plus, if you get bored down the line or your tastes change, swapping it out isn't a huge deal.
Smart glass still intrigues me, though—maybe someday when I'm feeling extra fancy or win the lottery I'll revisit it, lol. For now, practicality and budget win.
"One thing I didn't expect was how much variety there is in frosted films."
Totally agree on this. We put up frosted film about five years ago—mostly for bathroom privacy—and it's held up way better than I expected. There's enough variety to keep things interesting without breaking the bank. Smart glass sounds cool, but practicality always wins out for me too... at least until the prices drop significantly. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way.
"Smart glass sounds cool, but practicality always wins out for me too..."
Same here. We went with frosted film in the kitchen after neighbors built a deck overlooking our yard. Easy fix, still looks good years later. Curious though, anyone tried patterned films—are they distracting or subtle enough?
We went with a subtle geometric pattern in our bathroom—honestly forgot it was even there after a week or two. It's pretty low-key, but I guess it could depend on the design. I'd probably steer clear of anything too bold or busy though...
We put privacy glass in our front entryway windows a couple years ago, and honestly, it's been great. Went with something pretty subtle—just a frosted look—and it lets plenty of natural light in without feeling like we're living in a fishbowl. Agree with you though, anything too busy or bold might get old fast. I'd say keep it simple and neutral, and you'll probably be happy with it long-term.
We did something similar in our bathroom windows, and honestly, zero regrets.
"Went with something pretty subtle—just a frosted look—and it lets plenty of natural light in without feeling like we're living in a fishbowl."
Exactly my thinking too. We considered some of those artsy patterns at first, but I kept picturing myself brushing my teeth and getting annoyed by some random swirly design every morning... Glad we stuck to simple frosted glass instead. It's clean, low-maintenance, and doesn't clash with anything. Plus, neighbors no longer get free entertainment, haha.
Did you guys find the frosted glass tricky to keep clean at all? I've been leaning toward it myself, but wondering if soap scum or water spots show up more noticeably... or am I just overthinking this?
I've had frosted glass in my bathroom for a couple years now, and honestly, it's not too bad. Sure, water spots show up a bit more than clear glass, but nothing a quick wipe-down can't handle. You're probably overthinking it a little...aren't we all when it comes to home stuff?