Parenting Pointers: Privacy Windows

For many homeowners it takes just one privacy window to turn a house into a home.

“People crave privacy in their personal spaces,” says Roger Murphy, president of Hy-Lite®, a U.S. Block Windows Company. “A well-situated privacy window in a master bathroom, home office or nursery is all it really takes to increase the comfort level of a homeowner.”

Murphy suggests that builders can create this sense of security during the construction of a new house. Or, homeowners can replace an existing clear glass window with a decorative glass or acrylic block window.


“A window package in a home can easily be designed as the marriage of clear glass and privacy unites,” says Murphy. “There’s nothing that needs to be sacrificed for a privacy window --- and everything to be gained.

“In today’s marketplace there are a wide variety of operable privacy windows, so people can control air flow into the home. There are also privacy windows that help with the overall energy efficiency of a home. And, there are privacy windows designed and tested to withstand severe weather conditions. With all these options, there’s no reason not to have at least one privacy window in a home.”

Where We Want Privacy
For most homeowners, privacy windows are located in the master bathroom --- oftentimes above a garden tub. A growing trend is to place transom privacy windows in the shower to allow light into a usually dark area of the bathroom.

Other popular locations for privacy windows include first-floor master bedrooms, children’s rooms and nurseries. These rooms are ideal for privacy windows to keep prying eyes from looking into the home.

Plus, there are other ideal scenarios for adding privacy windows in the home. “Imagine having your kitchen overlooking your neighbor’s driveway and garbage cans,” says Murphy. “That’s an unwelcome view day-after-day while preparing your family meals.

“A privacy window blocks the ugly view while giving you ‘art for the wall’ with a decorative design. And, if ventilation is needed, just crank open the awning or casement window to let the air in!”

Privacy at Your Fingertips

Along with offering acrylic block, glass block and decorative glass privacy windows, Hy-Lite also offers a “fingertip control” Vari-Lite window. The 4’ x 4’ fixed window unit features between-glass blinds that can easily be raised, lowered and tilted open.

“These windows are the perfect accent to any home style,” says Murphy. “You can raise and lower the blinds in an unlimited number of ways to find the privacy level that best meets your needs.

“Plus, blinds are encased in clear tempered safety glass. Each window has a cord-free operation that reduces safety risks to children and pets.”

Vari-Lite windows allow homeowners to control the amount of privacy versus views with the touch of a finger. Blinds can be kept fully up for wide open views, fully closed for complete privacy or any level and slant in between.

“One of the best aspects is the low maintenance with these windows,” says Murphy. “Because the blinds are securely encased in the glass unit, there’s no cleaning hassles with the blinds or the possibility of them getting tangled. Raising, lowering and tilting the blinds is an effortless way to put privacy control at your fingertips.”

Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company, is the leading manufacturer of acrylic block, glass block and decorative glass windows. The company's privacy product options include acrylic block shutters, accent panels, radius walls, partition walls and door inserts. Since 1988, the Pensacola, Florida-based company has been committed to providing residential and commercial construction professionals and homeowners with elegant, affordable privacy window designs. For more information, visit www.hy-lite.com.