Opinions to Pick the Best Temporary Window Coverings

Maybe you do not like the look of the curtains, or you are not allowed to hang them. Perhaps you just moved in and want a quick solution to block the view. Or maybe you are changing your decor. Perhaps you want some ideas for temporary window coverings during construction.

Either way, you can easily find some creative options for window coverings. We have some fantastic temporary window covering ideas in stock for you.

Also, none of these methods are going to cost you a ton of money. If you are looking to install cheap temporary window coverings, you will find a way that works for you here. A lot of the materials you will need are things you can easily find around the house. You can use household objects or DIY covering using glass paint. No matter what method you choose, they will work well as temporary window coverings. Also, your place will look incredible once you add your personal touch! So without further ado, have a look at the options you have.

Temporary Window Coverings

You will be able to find some of the best temporary window coverings from your everyday life. Yes, You can use household objects for this method. Let us show how you can do so.

Placing a sign or screen in front of the window

A good idea for a temporary window cover is to place some object in front of it. Here, you can use a sign or artwork or a privacy screen for more oversized windows. You can pick something that goes with your style and aesthetic.

• You can add a pretty hand-painted sign with a message that you like.

For example, you can write something like “Home sweet home.”

• You can use a folding room divider to cover a large bay window or sliding doors.
• Placing something in front of the window is an excellent option if you want to change the window’s look quickly. The best part is that you do not have to worry about putting any holes in the wall if you are renting.

Put colorful glass bottles on the windowsill. Not only will it be a window covering but also a pretty display too. The glass bottles will catch the light wonderfully. It will also block the view offering some privacy. That is because anyone looking in will see the colorful glass instead of the inside of your home. You can find glass pieces of various shapes and sizes from secondhand shops. Or else you can repurpose bottles you might already have on hand.

• If you cannot find any colorful bottles, do not worry. You can try painting them yourself! You can use acrylic paint for your creation.

Place a shelf in front of a window

A shelf is a great way to cover a window without blocking out natural light partially. First, measure the width of your window. Then purchase a rack that’s about 4 inches wider at your local home-improvement store. Then mount the shelf following the instructions. Once you place it, you can go ahead and decorate. Also, if you wonder, How do you cover a window that is not in use, this option will work well for you. In that case, place the shelf to cover the window entirely.

• You can add houseplants, some books, and a flower vase on the shelf.
• It would be better to use glass shelves here. That way, you can make the most of the natural lighting.
• The best part is that you will get a little extra storage space from this project.

Add a DIY valance made of draped fabric in front of the window.

It will work as well as temporary curtains. For this project, you can Drive two nails or push pins into the wall, one on either side of the top of the window. Then tie a piece of twine between the nails. Next, hang 15–20 pieces of fabric over it. You can use bandanas, scarves, or a leftover fabric garland for this.

• The valence will cover the top portion of your window. However, it will still let some natural light peak through.
• If you want a more refined-looking valence, you can hang a curtain rod over your window. Then drape pieces of fabric over the rod.

Place tall potted plants in front of your window.

Yes, plants are not necessarily a window covering. However, they are still effective at partially blocking visibility while letting in natural light. You can place a couple of leafy house plants on the windowsill of the window. However, suppose you want to cover a tall, narrow window, like a hall or entryway. In that case, place a single tall houseplant directly in front of it. You can always use artificial plants as a low-maintenance option.

Attach faux stained glass to your windows

A great idea to cover your windows while adding color to your home is attaching faux stained glass. You can buy them in pre-made form at any craft supply store. Then attach it depending on your window’s location. You can either place the faux stained glass up against it. Or else place the glass on the window frame using mirror hanging hardware. You are welcome to paint your stained glass design on the window if you are a homeowner. You can use stencils and glass paint for this.

Add gallery glass to your windows

You can apply Gallery glass directly to your windows. Brush it on and let it dry. It will create an opaque surface. You can get gallery glass in a variety of colors. Also, even though it dries opaque, it still allows some natural light.

• If you want to create a border on your window or highlight shapes on the glass, trace the outline with liquid leading. After that, brush on the gallery glass. Make sure to wait for the leading to dry.
• You can find gallery glass and liquid leading at any art-supply store.

Apply window insulation film to your windows

Window insulation film adds a protective layer over the windows. It will keep warm air in your home during cold seasons. You can apply it by sticking the adhesive side of the insulation film onto the surface of your window. After that, blow hot air onto the film using a hairdryer. Then wait for 3-5 minutes to let the film shrink and fully adhere to the window.

• Remember that most of these layers are transparent. So make sure to pick a tinted film for more privacy.
• You can buy window insulation film at your local hardware store or a major home-improvement store. Be sure to check the package to see how much glass the insulation film will cover.

Etch the window surface for a frosted look

You will need some glass etching cream for this project. You can purchase one from your local craft store. First, make sure to wipe the window well and let it dry. After that, you can brush the etching cream onto the window using a paintbrush. Then let it sit according to the instructions. Once the time is up, rinse away the cream using a sponge and freshwater. Voila! You completed it. The window will have an opaque, frosted look. It will give you all the privacy you need, with no curtains required.

• Make sure to wear gloves when you are working with etching cream as it can be harmful to your skin.
• Remember that this effect is permanent. If you are renting, though, you will have to ask your landlord’s permission to do this project.

Temporary Window Shades and blinds

You can install vinyl blinds for a simple look.

If you wonder ‘’How can I cover my windows without curtains?’’ your go-to option will be to use blinds.

It is an excellent substitute for curtains. Now, if you want to try blinds, you first need to measure the width and height of the window. After that, buy blinds at your local home-improvement store. To install them, you have to hang the brackets at the top corners of each window first. Then, once the rail is in place, you can place the headrail and have the valence over it.

Blinds are a fantastic choice to cover your windows because you still get enough natural light. You can open them and close them whenever you want.

If you want a more warm rustic look, wood blinds are perfect for you. However, remember not to install wooden blinds in the kitchen or bathroom because the moisture could damage the wood.

You can go for vertical blinds for a window that is wider than it is tall. They work well in tall, narrow hallway windows. You cannot raise or lower them. However, you can still adjust the slats to allow more or less light depending on the time of day.

You can use shades for a soft covering that lets in more ambient light. Pick shades if you need privacy, but you still want some sunshine throughout the day. You can raise or lower them anytime you wish. They also allow more ambient light compared to blinds.

• You can choose honeycomb shades if you live in a cold environment. That is because honeycomb shades include many small tubes of air to hold warm air. That way, it will keep your home warm.
• You can try woven wood shades in rooms that get overly bright sunshine. They can block light, but of course, you can still raise and lower depending on how bright the room needs to be.

Temporary paper blinds is a great and budget-friendly solution.

Paper blinds are a cheap and easy method to create a temporary window covering. They will create privacy and lower the amount of sunlight that enters the room. These can be ideal window covering for minimalist-style decor. They are also perfect as temporary blinds for sliding doors. The best part is that it does not take much time to make. You can create paper blinds for an entire room within a few hours. Let us see the steps you have to follow for this project:

1st step:

Place a sheet of paper flat on a firm surface. Then mark every inch on the two long sides of your paper with a small dot. You can use a pencil here. Make sure to make the dots so small.

2nd step

Using the dots as guidelines, fold the paper accordion-style, starting at the bottom.

3rd step

Next, cut three pieces of double-sided tape. Each of them should be 24-inch.

 4th step

Place one piece of tape on the bottom of the blind and then fold over once.

5th step

Then fix the top segment of the blind to one piece of the balsa using tape. Stick a piece of tape to the top of the window frame where the blind will hang. Keep the blind in the window and have the blind naturally fall.

6th step

You can raise the blind however you like and pin it in place using clothespins.

Remember to make the creases sharp by running a ruler lightly along each crease. You can adjust the measurements of the paper and dowel depending on how small or large you want the blinds to be.

How do you cover a window cheaply?

One of the best and most affordable ways is to use aluminum foils.

Yes, aluminum foil is not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing choice out there. However, covering your windows in foil is a fantastic way to reduce any light from peeking in. Also, it is an inexpensive method. Still unsure if you want to try this idea?

Well, here are a few good reasons why you might want to use this option:

• It is one of the best temporary blackout window coverings. It is also a budget-friendly option if you need to blackout your windows for a few days. After all, the only materials you need are some tape and some aluminum foil. Also, if you are wondering how to cover windows waiting for blinds, this is an excellent option for you.
• It will block out all light. Paint can occasionally let some sunshine peek through. However, the foil does not allow that at all. As you know, foil is a solid sheet of metal. So there are no spaces for the light to get through.
• The foil will keep extra heat out of your home. Aluminum will reflect any heat and harsh UV rays from the sun away. It can therefore help lessen air conditioning bills, particularly on hot summer days.

Summery

There you go! We hope that you got some creative ideas from this guide. Now you do not have to sit and wonder, ‘what can I use to temporarily cover my windows?’’ From this article, you learned about a variety of options to cover the windows. Always remember to pick a method that suits your circumstances, like your budget and preferred aesthetic. Have fun recreating these projects!