Reeded glass film - an honest review
Reeded glass film increases privacy and style; elevate doors and windows with this simple guide
Reeded glass film is amazing if you're looking to add a touch of style to your windows or doors without spending a fortune. Regular readers know how much I love a good DIY project, and this one is up there with the most impactful yet achievable home DIYs. I was sick of my naff white uPVC door, but as there was nothing actually wrong with it, I couldn't justify replacing it, so I gave it a stylish makeover instead. This post is an honest review of reeded glass film, all the thoughts are my own and this isn't a sponsored post or collab. I can only give evidence about the specific brand that I've trialled, but many of the points will apply to many or most brands of reeded glass film.
What is Reeded Glass Film?
Reeded glass film is a type of decorative film designed to mimic the appearance of real reeded glass. It features subtle vertical or horizontal lines that create a sophisticated texture, adding privacy and visual interest to any glass surface. This affordable alternative allows you to achieve the look of actual reeded glass without the hefty price tag. I loved how easy it was to apply and how well it has stayed in place. The only downside to reeded glass effect film is that although much cheaper than a new door or window, it's not super cheap, so it will still cost you around £100-120 to transform a full-size door. Let's look in a bit more detail at the advantages and disadvantages of reeded glass film.
Pros and cons of reeded glass film
Here are the pros and cons of using reeded glass window film as I found them after fully testing the product for over a year.
Pros:
Affordable alternative to real reeded glass.
Window films provide privacy while still allowing light to filter through.
Easy installation process with basic tools.
Blocks harmful UV rays, protecting your interior furnishings.
Adds a stylish touch to any space
Brilliant for small furniture revamps / upcycle projects
Can be easily ordered online to fit your exact measurements
Lots of different designs of decorative films to suit a wide range of interior styles
Reeded glass film can be removed if you ever change your mind
Cons:
Can scratch if you accidentally apply pressure with a sharp object.
Limited options for repositioning once the adhesive side of the film makes contact with the glass surface.
Can get expensive if you have a number of doors or large windows to do, but still much cheaper than reeded glass
So, as you can see, in my experience the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages for reeded glass film. Hopefully, you can take note of the issues I touched on above to prevent you from having a negative experience with glass films.
How to use reeded glass film
Here's what I used to install reeded glass film to my uPVC interior door.
You will need
Reeded glass effect window film
Spray bottle with soapy water mixture
Clean water
Microfiber cloths
Credit card or hard card
Single-edge razor
Glass-safe scrub pad
Paper towel
Prepare the Glass Surface
Clean the glass surface thoroughly using a glass-safe scrub pad and soapy water mixture.
Ensure that the surface is free from dust, dirt, and any residue.
The last thing you want is to apply the film and notice some dirt or debris underneath - that would be super annoying!
Measure and cut the glass film
Measure the length of the roll needed to cover the desired area of your glass surface.
If you are applying to a whole door, it might help to have a second pair of hands here to help with the long roll of reeded glass film as you'll want to hold it up to the door to check the measurements before you cut.
Cut the film using sharp scissors or a utility knife.
I advise leaving a bit of extra buffer in length and width as once you've cut the glass film, you can't stick it back on whereas you can always trim it once applied to the glass.
Apply the Wetting Solution
Spray the glass surface generously with the soapy water mixture. This will allow the reeded glass film to glide smoothly and prevent air bubbles during installation.
Position the film
The reeded glass film I used didn't have a removable backing sheet, so I sprayed more of the wetting solution directly onto the back of the film before positioning, but lots of adhesive films have a silicone release liner that you need to remove first from the back of the reeded glass film, exposing the adhesive side.
Carefully position the film onto the wet glass surface, starting from the top and working your way down.
Smooth out air bubbles
Use a credit card or hard card to smooth out any air bubbles trapped between the film and the glass surface.
Work from the center towards the edges to ensure a seamless application taking take to remove all remaining bubbles from the corner of the glass.
Make sure you've removed even the really small bubbles before moving on.
Trim Excess Film
Use a single-edge razor to trim any excess film along the edges of the glass surface.
Be cautious not to damage the film or the glass - once scratched, you can repair the adhesive film so it's worth being super careful.
Wipe Clean and Enjoy
Wipe the entire surface with a paper towel or microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water or residue.
Admire your newly transformed glass surface with its reeded glass effect!
Reeded glass film offers great value and a resilient end result when transforming your interior glass surfaces. With the right film and proper installation technique, you can achieve the look of real reeded glass at a fraction of the cost. Remember to double-check the condition of the item upon delivery and follow the tutorial for the best results. As you can see from the above pictures, I added some faux crittal strips and painted the door at the same time - you can find the tutorial for that project here.
Where can I use reeded glass film?
Here are a few ideas to get you inspired about where you could use this magic material in your own home...
On the bottom half of a bay window for privacy
On the glass doors of a freestanding cabinet upcycle project
On a shower screen
To elevate the look of UPVC doors or windows
On a bathroom window
I hope you found this review helpful. I used reeded glass film from Surface Designs, which has been applied to the door for over 18 months with no issues.
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