Daylight vs. Privacy

Generous sunlight is one of the best reasons to live in a storefront. With continuous front windows that typically extend from the floor to the ceiling (around 10-12 feet), the amount of natural light let in makes for a dazzling interior. Unfortunately, these great windows can create privacy issues.

The best conversions make the most of the storefront window’s two advantages – abundant light and good views – while creating a visual barrier between the interior space and the street. One can create privacy without changing the building's character by using:

Window Treatments: Blinds, curtains and shades offer flexibility.  A screen, low wall or other creative solution can be placed behind the display window area to block the public's view of the interior.

Obscured Glass: This offers a permanent, non-adjustable solution. Existing glass can be sand-blasted to create a frosted appearance, or you can purchase a variety of etched, colored or patterned glass from manufacturers. If money is no problem, and high-tech flexibility is your style, privacy glass may be a possibility. 

Privacy Glass: This consists of two sheets of glass separated by a thin film of liquid crystals. When a switch is turned on, the crystals line up, allowing for a clear view.  However, when the switch is turned off, the crystals return to their normal “jumbled” state, blocking vision but allowing iin about 85% of the light.

Second Tier of Windows: Some storefronts have a second tier of windows that separates the display area from the interior. Window treatments or other methods can be used to create privacy at the second set of windows, while the display area can be personalized with examples of your artwork.

Substituting Other Materials: Where the windows are extremely tall, filling in the lower half with materials such as wood, brick or aluminum siding may be a viable option. The building's architecture might naturally suggest the most appropriate material and/or ways to best incorporate these changes into the overall building design.

Plants:  Not only will they love all the sunlight -- they contribute oxygen to the environment.