Tutorial: Window Clings DIY

Bookshelves filled with books surround a stained glass window depicting colorful flowers and leaves, creating a cozy, artistic library setting.

Installing window clings is one of the most beginner-friendly (and renter friendly!) DIY's you can do. They come in a privacy style, meaning you cannot see through the window anymore, or non-privacy varieties. They are perfect for bathroom windows, front doors, or, how I used them, covering up old foggy windows!

Woman in blue dress adjusts window film, standing in front of bookshelf with books. Brown bottle on shelf. Bright, airy room with grid window. — The original window clings I put up last year

Last year, I put up these window clings! They are so much fun and reminded me of leaded glass windows. But the black felt a little too dark and heavy for a cozy, cottage-core space, so I bought a different set to try that looked a little bit more like stained glass. I also decided to repaint the window frame from black to white to soften the look.

Supply List:

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Window Clings. Here are the ones I am using, but I also rounded up a bunch of fun options here.
Spray bottle filled with water and a couple of drops of dish soap
Scissors and a razor blade
Wallpaper tool (in a pinch, you could use something small and flat, like a credit card)

BONUS TIP: Make sure when buying the window clings you take into account the dimensions of each individual section of glass, if yours has multiple panes like mine

Tutorial:

Spray the window with a generous amount of the water and soap mixture. This is what the window cling will stick with!
Line up the top right corner, and smooth out all the bubbles with the wallpaper tool. Cutaway and extra at the bottom or sides by using the wallpaper tool to keep the window cling taut, and then slide the razor blade across the bottom of the tool. it is really important that the blade is sharp, or it will not leave a clean cut. (I usually change my blade after 3 or 4 cuts or whenever it stops cutting cleanly on the first try)
Line up the pattern for the second piece, and then follow the same steps.

BONUS TIP: I find it easier to get a clean cut with the razor if I precut the film roughly to size with scissors first. This way there is less excess material in the way.

Bookshelves filled with books next to a stained glass window which is halfway finished. A wooden ladder rests against the shelf. A vase with yellow flowers adds color.

Although they apply with only water and soap, the clings should stay on fairly well. If you notice a corner start to droop, spray more water mixture on, and then add a small piece of tape for a day or two while the film dries and adheres.

Removal: The window clings peel right off and should not leave any residue! You can reuse them anytime!

Red vintage sofa in front of blue bookshelves filled with books. Stained glass window above, wooden ladder on right, flowers on left.

Resources:

photos are clickable!

Make sure to tag me if you try this @MelissaAshleyMeares so I can see your beautiful home!

xoxo,

Melissa