If your style is farmhouse-chic, prop up a pretty hand-painted sign with a cheery message like “There’s no place like home. " To cover a large bay window or sliding doors, try using a folding room divider that matches the rest of your decor. Propping something in front of the window is a great option if you want to be able to easily change the look of the window. In addition, you don’t have to worry about putting any holes in the wall if you’re renting.

For a sleek look, stick to 1 or 2 colors for the bottles in your window. If your style is more eclectic, pick an array of bright shades. If you can’t find any colorful bottles, try painting some yourself!

For instance, you might fill the shelf with a houseplant, a couple of books, and a decorative vase. Try using glass shelves to make the most of the natural lighting. As an added bonus, you’ll get a little extra storage space!

The valence will fully cover the top portion of your window but still allow some visibility and natural light. For a more refined-looking valence, hang a curtain rod over your window, and drape pieces of fabric over the rod.

For a low-maintenance option, use artificial plants, birch or willow branches, or dried pampas grass.

If you’re a homeowner—or if your landlord okays it—you can paint your own stained glass design on the window with stencils and glass paint. [7] X Research source

If you want your window to have a textured look, run a toothpick through the gallery glass before it dries. To create a border on your window, or to define shapes on the glass, trace the outline with liquid leading first. Then, brush on the gallery glass after the leading has dried. [9] X Research source Purchase gallery glass and liquid leading at a local art-supply store or hobby shop.

Many of these films are transparent, so be sure you choose a tinted film if you want the extra privacy. Purchase window insulation film at a local hardware store or any major home-improvement store. The package should clearly state how much glass the insulation film will cover.

Be sure to wear gloves, since the etching cream can irritate your skin. Keep in mind that this effect is permanent, so if you’re renting, you may need to ask your landlord’s permission to do this.

Basic horizontal vinyl blinds are a great option if you’re shopping on a budget. However, there are more sophisticated options if you want to spend a little more! Blinds are a great option to cover your windows when you still want plenty of natural light. Just open them in the morning, then close them at night for more privacy. [12] X Expert Source Cindy HofenProfessional Organizer & Home Staging Specialist Expert Interview. 13 February 2020. Wood blinds are perfect when you want a warm, rustic look. However, don’t install wooden blinds in the kitchen or bathroom, since the moisture could damage the wood. [13] X Research source

Installing traditional horizontal blinds in a tall, narrow window would be impractical and look odd.

Install honeycomb shades if you live in a cold climate. Honeycomb shades contain many small tubes of air that hold warm air to help keep your home warm overnight. Try woven wood shades in rooms that receive overly bright sunlight. Woven shades are typically made from bamboo. They block a great deal of light, but can still be raised and lowered depending on how bright the room needs to be.

If you like the idea of fabric shades but don’t have a formal room, choose a shade made of tightly woven opaque twill.

You can purchase shutters at any home improvement store. The shutters will come with directions for how to install them. However, if you’d rather not install the shutters yourself, the home-improvement store can send professionals to install them for you.

Purchase barn door shutters at a home-improvement store near you. Many large online retailers and general home-supply stores also sell barn door shutters, although these may be a lower quality.

Buy plantation shutters at any major home-improvement store.