A Conversation with a Window Film Expert About Privacy in Modern Offices

How Office Privacy Window Film Helps Solve Today’s Glass-Heavy Design Challenges

Modern workplaces are brighter and more transparent than ever, but the shift toward glass walls and open layouts has created a new set of privacy concerns for tenants. To better understand how commercial spaces are navigating these challenges, we spoke with teammate and industry expert, Weatherly Mattie, who works with property managers, architects, and designers on office privacy window film solutions every day.

Q: What privacy issues are tenants bringing up most often in modern glass-heavy offices?

Weatherly: “Most modern office spaces use glass wall construction systems. These systems are great because they’re easy to integrate, and tenants get to experience a modern, open space where they’re not blocked off from teammates. However, common feedback that I hear from tenants is that too much openness can sometimes feel like sitting in a fishbowl.”

Tenants often need privacy for confidential calls, sensitive information, or simply to focus on their work without feeling like someone is peering over their shoulder. The challenge is how to keep the open feel while providing enough separation for comfort.

W: “That is where something called a privacy band comes in. It is a strip of decorative film placed at eye level. The most popular option is a frosted band. It usually starts about two feet above the ground and is three to four feet tall.”

Q: How do you balance modern design and openness with the need for confidentiality in the workplace?

W: “Think of privacy from zero to ten. Zero is no privacy and ten is a complete blackout. Most clients choose around a five or six. They like the natural light, so a white frost is the most popular choice. You might see shapes or shadows, so you know someone is in there, but there is no direct view into the space.”

Q: Will office privacy window film darken or close off my space?

W: “No, one of the benefits of these solutions is that it increases privacy while still allowing light to pass through, so the space is bright and comfortable. And if there’s concerns about closing things off too much, you don’t need to cover the entire glass panel. We can place the film only where privacy is needed and leave the rest clear. You get privacy without sacrificing light.”

Q: When a building or suite changes tenants, what privacy challenges tend to resurface?

W: “Tenant turnover almost always resets the privacy needs of a space.

A law firm, a tech startup, and a healthcare group may all occupy the same suite at different times, but each one has a different threshold for visual privacy, confidentiality, and branding. That’s where flexible privacy materials matter.

If tenants move out or rebrand, we can take it off cleanly. Even after five or ten years, the glass looks the same as the day it was installed.”

Because office privacy window film is so flexible, the space can be reconfigured, rebranded, or upfitted for new tenants without replacing panels or altering the architecture.

Q: For active office spaces, what should property teams expect in terms of installation timeframe and operational disruption?

W: “It depends on the size of the scope, but a typical conference room takes two to three hours including prep and cleanup. We are able to get a lot done in a full day. We can usually complete an entire floor in one day with very minimal disruption.”

Q: What customization options can you create to match a tenant’s branding or design style?

W: “The sky is the limit. We can create any design, spacing, or pattern. Our design team and account managers work together to create something that fits perfectly. We can create fully custom decorative film with logos, brand images, and room names. A creative use we have done is adding office numbers or names directly into the privacy band. It creates a sleek look and eliminates the need for separate signage.”

She also points to a standout project with Red Sail Technologies. “They used both custom film and privacy bands. The combination created a cohesive, modern look and delivered the privacy they needed.”

Whether you want a simple frosted band or a fully custom branded design, U.S. Film Crew can bring your office privacy window film project to life. Contact us to learn what is possible for your space.