Window Film Retro - Category Overview 

 

Retro window film takes inspiration from glass trends over the decades. While retro window film can be used to seamlessly blend with any existing building styles, it also has a widespread appeal within modern settings. A major advantage of retro window films is that they provide excellent glass privacy without having to change your actual window glass. This includes replicating vintage glass styles within a simple to apply and remove window film format. 

 

What Are Retro Window Films?

Over the years, we’ve seen various glass textures and patterns come and go. So with retro window films, they allow you to head back to a specific point in time to recreate a specific glass texture or pattern.

For instance, it used to be common to see leaded windows (including imitations within uPVC windows). Examples of leaded window patterns include diamond, Cathedral, Queen Anne, Regent, Tudor and Georgian. Our Coventry window film is one such example of how leaded window film styles can be mimicked within a window film. Such window films can help make any new window glass feel in keeping with period properties in particular. 

 

Other retro styles include the likes of fluted glass which was popular in the 18th century, and reeded glass which dates back to the 1930s. So whether you’re looking to do a sympathetic renovation of your property, or simply want to step away from contemporary window film styles, our retro window films have something for every project. 

 

You might also be in search of ‘vintage film’ or ‘period window film’. Rest assured that within the retro window film category, you’ll be able to find these styles with plenty of others available elsewhere on our website.

 

Types Of Retro Window Films

 

• 1/4″ Reeded Glass
• 1″ Reeded Glass
• Antique Glass
• Antique Wavy Glass
• Corsica Glass
• Coventry
• Easyfit Prism
• Fluted Glass
• Fresnel Squares
• Frosted Ice Cubes
• Glass Block
• Large Glass Block
• Light Seedy Glass
• Master Ray
• Reeded Glass
• Reeded Glass Lilac
• Reeded Glass Olive Green
• Reeded Glass Seamless
• Reeded Glass Twilight Black
• SimRain
• Solitude
• Wire Glass

 

How Do Retro Patterns & Textures Help Achieve Privacy In Window Films? 

 

Believe it or not, the need for window privacy is not a modern problem! Stretching back centuries, there has often been a need to obscure window glass, particularly any window glass which feels overlooked. In fact, the first recorded use of window tinting dates back to 3000 B.C.-1300 A.D. to the Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures.

Considering the types of textures available in our window films such as antique glass, Corsica glass, reeded glass and wire glass - we’ve looked to retain elements of history but within the modern format of a window film. 

Some of the glass properties our retro window films replicate include blurring, distortion, embossing, frosting, geometric shapes and other man-made processes which were applied to real glass to change its properties.

In addition, some of our retro window films are also coloured adding further privacy and style.

Compared to plain window glass, any of the above effects or colours change the opacity of the glass. With a range of patterns, textures and privacy levels to choose from, our retro window film is completely customisable to your requirements. 

 

Retro Window Films - Usage Ideas 

 

Retro window films demonstrate just how versatile window films can be. When you click on any of our product listings, you’ll see information on the usage suitability of that particular window film. 

But in general, here are some of the top usage ideas for retro window films. 

 

Entrance Doors & Windows

Want to create privacy for your doors and windows, while adding a nostalgic touch? Retro window films help to achieve both of these objectives in one.

Some of our retro window films replicate lead window patterns, and others give a reeded, fluted or even a wire glass effect. Every pattern and texture is in the format of a window film, making it effortless to change the look of any entrance door or window. 

 

Film & Television Projects 

 

Glass Films has a dedicated Film & TV window film category. While retro window film is a separate product category, there could well be some retro styles which are perfect for any film or television project. For instance, where there is a need to create a realistic backdrop in terms of the decade when the production is supposed to be set in.

 

Internal Glass

The vast majority of our retro window films are suited for internal glass. Alongside windows and doors, internal glass can include glass balustrades, shower glass, cabinet glass or glass partitions.

So if any internal glass feels plain or overlooked, a retro style could be an option to consider when wanting to add a window film to the glass.

External Glass 

 

Our Glass Block and Easyfit Prism retro window films are suitable for exterior applications.  

 

Any Other Residential Or Commercial Space

Retro window films can make for an ideal selection for a vast range of residential or commercial settings. Why not take a look at the Glass Films social media pages for some further usage inspiration? 

 

How To Choose A Retro Window Film

By their very nature, retro window films have a stylish and distinctive look to them. Depending on the era you are looking to tap into, this will help guide your purchase decision.

But when selecting a window film in general, here are some of the other factors to consider. 

 

Interior Or Exterior

 

Most of our retro window films are geared towards interior environments. It’s possible to toggle between interior and exterior to find the right usage environment for your project. 

 

Level Of Window Privacy (Low To High)

All window films including our retro window films offer a low, medium or high level of window privacy. The higher the level of privacy, the more difficult it is for people to see through to the other side of the glass. 

 

Texture Style

 

Many retro window films mimic certain glass textures or industrial effects such as frosted or fluted glass. 

 

Window Colour

 

Two of our reeded glass window films have a stunning colour tint applied. Otherwise, our retro window films will add a pattern or texture to the look of your glass but will not change the colour of the glass. 

 

UV Transmission Level

All window films have varying UV transmission levels. 

 

Window Film Size

Ensure you measure your glass to suit the window film roll size. 

 

Benefits Of Retro Window Film

 

Retro window films cover a vast range of styles, textures, patterns and even colours. All within the format of a window film that’s easy to apply and remove from your windows or internal glass surfaces.

With retro styles harnessing certain design trends from the last few decades and even centuries, it’s safe to say that retro window films are expressive and creative in nature. The designs also carry through some of the most popular glass effects to have ever been developed.

Here are just some of the benefits that retro window films provide to any domestic or commercial project. 

 

Easy And Cost-Effective Way To Replicate Period Glass Styles 

 

Real glass textures such as fluted glass or reeded glass are specialist effects. Not only is textured glass expensive, but it can be difficult to find suppliers to make and install it depending on where you live.

But when you opt for a retro window film, you can achieve the visual look of unusual glass styles in a far more cost-effective way. Not only is window film cheaper than real glass, but there’s also no window replacement costs to consider either, as would be the case if you wanted the real thing.

For film and television projects especially, retro window film helps keep your production on budget if a different style of glass is required.

Window Film Gives The Look Of Textured Glass But Retains A Flush Finish 

 

Another problematic aspect of real patterned or textured glass is that it can have a very inconsistent surface. This may prove impractical for a number of reasons.

However, a window film is flat and slimline. When applied to your window glass, window film retains the smooth feel of the original glass. The only difference is that the film contains patterns or textures to change how the window visually looks.

Window Film Can Be Easily Applied And Removed

Want to change your retro window film at any stage? Not a problem! Our window films are designed to be removable, should you want to try another style or simply revert the glass to its original appearance. 

 

Endless Design Trends And Eras To Explore 

 

Countess design trends have graced architecture and interior design over the years. Window films are just one of the ways to tap into your favourite looks, including to replicate lost architectural features within windows or interior glass. 

 

Glass Films - All Window Film Designs

 

This page is dedicated to our retro window film. However, elsewhere on our website you’ll also find other window film designs including:

 

• Dichroic
• Dots
• Frosted
• Gradient
• Opaque
• Patterned 
• Solar Control
• Speciality
• Stained Glass
• Stripes
• Textured

 

Shop all Glass Films window film styles

 

Retro Window Film UK FAQs

 

We’ve answered some of the most common questions about purchasing window films with retro or vintage patterns below. 

 

If you don’t see your query, please get in touch with our customer service team by calling us on  0800 970 6366 or email us at [email protected].

 

You can also keep up to date with our latest news and product launches by following us on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. 

 

What Is Fluted Glass?

 

Fluted glass has vertical grooves which give glass a distinct look. Also known as ribbed or textured glass, fluted glass diffuses direct sunlight to create a soft glow within internal spaces. In particular, fluted glass is ideal for windows or glass partitions of meeting rooms and similar commercial spaces. This is especially the case when paired with sleek aluminium window frames.

Our fluted glass window film replicates the unique look of window glass without having to replace your actual windows. So if you’re in search of increased window privacy through distortion effects, fluted glass window film is a style to consider.

What Is Wavy Glass?

 

Several of our retro window film styles feature wavy glass effects. Harking back to the 1800s, wavy glass has imperfections or irregularities on the surface of the glass. Rather than be considered as a ‘fault’ in the production, the surface texture was created deliberately to create a style that was in keeping with architectural trends of the time. Wavy glass has a nostalgic appearance that adds character to living spaces. The surface imperfections also add window or glass privacy.

Our antique wavy glass window film is an example of how to achieve the look of textured window glass but within a window film format. Not only is this more cost-effective, but it also means the original window glass can be left intact.

What Is Corsica Glass? 

 

Corsica glass is the name given to a glass style which uses distortion and refraction to give a textured finish. The end result can be likened to viewing a pool of water when it's raining, in that the surface goes from being smooth to very inconsistent. Yet, there is a definite beauty at the same time.

Our Corsica glass window film ensures your window glass stays flush in terms of texture, yet still gives that same look of Corsica glass. It is for this reason that Corsica glass window film is ideal for the likes of bathroom windows, meeting room windows or other glass surfaces where high privacy is required.

What Is Retro Style In Architecture? 

 

In architecture, the term ‘retro’ can refer to any stylistic trend from past eras. The focus can be on wanting to revive the trend, or create a sympathetic renovation based on the age of the building. By considering the era, a cohesive look can be created in line with any existing building or interior features. 

 

Within our retro window films, several key periods of history are reflected in the various styles of glass that have been replicated. So whether you are wanting to create an interior space that is in keeping with a particular era or theme, or if you aim to create a unique look, retro window films can meet a number of creative objectives.