Projects

DIY Etched Glass Windows

March 18, 2013

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

Portfolio

Projects

Design

We're Chris + Julia

read more

What we're                   right now

Loving

browse the shop

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here. 

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen. 

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.

browse all

browse all

browse all

02

01

03

Popular Posts

1.

2.

3.

Top Categories

In order to make our personal deadline for the kitchen of April 13th, we kicked it in high gear this weekend.  Our countertops are ordered (we’ll share those details soon) and we checked a few other projects off this weekend that we’re anxious to share with you this week.
When we updated our pantry door to one with glass panes, it definitely added an openness and contemporary feel to the kitchen–but, the chic and sleek factor got cut short when you could see the box of cheerios (in the box–not a beautiful, clear glass canister) through the clear glass.   So this weekend, I finally got around to frosting all of those windows.
I used this Etched Glass Window Film.  It comes in a huge roll, so we have lots of leftovers that we plan on using in our places in our home–like the big picture window in our shower.  Yeeahhh. Here’s how the process breaks down:
1.  My first pane, I put a slightly larger piece of film up to the window with the plan to trim it down to just the right size.  That method didn’t work for me.  I couldn’t get a clean cut in the corners.  So, I scrapped that piece (and plan) and carefully and accurately measured the film for each pane and cut them to size.
2. I sprayed each pane with a solution of cold water mixed with a few drops of dish soap, per instructions.  I learned applying it liberally gives the best results–just keep paper towels handy.
3.  I lined up the top edges of the film with each window and smoothed it down.  Lastly, I used my old card to push out any air bubbles. Because the film was already cut to size, the air bubbles smoothed out without hesitation.
The whole task took me about an hour, with the biggest chunk of time taken to measure and cut each film to size. Using the film on the inside of the door drove the etched glass look home and the result restored the sleekness we were going for.  And yes, Greta’s back to hiding out in there snacking away almost unseen.  I guess you can’t win them all.  ;)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

What do you think?

  1. […] We have used frosted or “etched” window film  (this one!) with great results on our last home’s pantry door. […]

  2. Kelly says:

    I love this! I was actually thinking of getting a door like this for my bathroom and frosting it. Do you think it is frosted enough to still have privacy in the bathroom?

  3. Anonymous says:

    Julia- You are beyond talented & I like all you do. Ironically though, when I saw that french door for the pantry,it made me want one. I just did a reorganizing project, in which I “decorated” my pantry & now I want to show it off.I painted the walls & ceiling the color of the kitchen. Then I used a fabric on the shelves to spiff them up. I used wire baskets, glass jars, etc. I even have a picture on the shelf! I’m in pantry heaven!!

  4. DoublClik says:

    Its just about going that little extra mile for sophistication : )

  5. I love the door and I would need etched glass too! I hate to say this (and please only take it as constructive criticism) but I think you missed the opportunity to paint the door navy to match the lower cabinets and keeping it more cohesive. I do love it black and I don’t want to sound negative or judg-y in anyway but I thought I’d put it out there. Also, dear lord, Julia, I hope you are ok. I saw the instagram pic!

    • Kristi, we welcome all opinions! In fact, we have heard that one from a couple people. No worries. For us, that would be too much blue. The black door will tie into other elements too. Wait for ittt…..

  6. brandilyn says:

    you don’t put your cereal in apothecary jars? seems sloppy. EVERYTHING in my pantry goes into labeled jars and gets sorted alphabetically.

    ;) jk! it looks great! you should have a spy cam in there for miss greta, haha

  7. It looks like the door was made that way! Very pretty. I am all about hiding pantry contents… Way too much pressure to keep it neat and tidy.

  8. I’m loving the progress so far! We just did this instead of blinds in our bedroom [for the bottom half only] and I love the privacy but also the light! Now I want to frost everything!

  9. Looks nice! I sounds surprisingly easy.
    {lamourcheznous.wordpress.com}

  10. Courtney says:

    I am IN LOVE with the white over blue! It is soooo nice to see a kitchen with some color!

all the latest

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

HI! We're Chris + Julia

read more

Load More

Reader Faves

SHop all

What We're                     Right Now

What We're                 Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop. 

Loving

looking for inspiration? 

A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

Follow Along on Instagram

Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations

@chrislovesjulia