One thing about me: I am constantly redecorating my apartment, whether it’s rearranging all my trinkets, reorganizing my bookshelf, or applying peel-and-stick tile backsplash to my kitchen (a minor mistake-riddled adventure). My latest project — applying window cling film to my refrigerator — was inspired by my daily morning scroll on Instagram.
This wasn’t my first window cling project. The first time I used it was in my bathroom, because it inexplicably has a window … right in the shower. I remembered applying it was pretty easy, so I immediately got to work to beautify my fridge with it.
After carefully searching for the right pattern — something complementary color-wise with a not-too-busy pattern — I finally landed on a pattern called “Flight” on Amazon. I ordered three rolls because I wanted to cover my whole fridge instead of one door like in the Reel. (And also, because I had plans to put a “fridge skirt” above my fridge, not on it!) This specific roll comes in a whopping 20 patterns, all of which are delightfully vibrant and fun.
Mathematically I had a decision to make: The doors on my fridge are angled on the sides for whatever reason. This meant that I couldn’t do one giant piece across the whole fridge and freezer doors, and would either need to break it up into three panels (one center, two for the slanted side panels) or just do the large middle panel. I chose the latter simply because it was easier.
How I Applied a Stained Glass Privacy Film to My Fridge
The application process is surprisingly easy — here’s how to do it in just four simple steps.
- Clean your fridge. I used some Windex all-purpose spray, but use your favorite cleanser. This film most likely works best for fridges that are stainless steel (as shown in the video and my personal experience) or have a smooth surface so that the film can really cling.
- Make a soapy spray. Mix a few drops of soap and water in a spray bottle and spray the doors. The film needs this wet soapy mixture to stick to the surface.
- Apply the window film. I peeled the film off one roll, and after positioning the top of the film with the top of the door, I pressed down firmly.
- Spray and swipe. Spray the film and door with more soapy water, then smooth out any air bubbles by using a squeegee (the brand’s recommendation) or a credit card (my recommendation) to push them to the edge of the film. You should not use a bench scraper like I did (it was literally the closest thing available), because it will scratch. Then, repeat!
I was amazed at how this one simple addition majorly upgraded my entire kitchen! The green in the pattern ties into my green backsplash, which makes it feel cohesive. The pattern is simple enough that it’s nice to look at but isn’t distracting. My fridge is fairly wide (about 30 inches), and the vastness of the stainless steel was boring. The finishing touch was when I put my magnetic picture frames back on the door! I did breathe a sigh of relief because I wasn’t sure if the film would be too thick, but thankfully it wasn’t.
The nifty part is that if I want to change the pattern or if I move, it’s easy to peel the film right off because it’s non-adhesive. It’s been a few weeks since I first applied it, but I’ve seen no signs of it starting to peel off on its own. I’m about to enter a hot and humid New York City summer, so I’ll see how it holds up. The film in my bathroom is a bit different, but I’ve never had issues in the three years since I installed it.
My biggest goal is for my kitchen to be cute and functional, of course. I’m in there all the time, as I love to cook, bake, and host (and everyone always hangs out there when they come over). It’s important that my kitchen works for me and looks good while doing it! When I hosted my friends for a small Passover seder, I got tons of compliments on how nice the fridge film looks and how cool of an idea it is.
It’s pretty, quirky, and a little whimsical. Whenever I go into my kitchen, it puts a smile on my face — because it’s the little things that make the ordinary or mundane feel special.
Buy: Artscape Flight Privacy Window Film, $20.49 for one 24×36-inch roll