Medical research indicates that natural light has a positive effect on mood and overall human wellness. It can thus boost productivity in workspaces by creating a more conducive environment than artificial lighting. It is also much safer for eye health than the blue light from fluorescent lights and saves you a ton in office lighting expenses.
Natural light does, however, present challenges such as UV exposure and glare on computer screens or desks. This is why most office interior designers or contractors recommend window films.
But, how do you choose the right window film for your office space? Are they all the same or should you make a choice based on your specific lighting concerns?
Here are some pointers to help you make the right picks as you window shop for window films.
Assess Your Office Space
Office spaces have different layouts and exposure to natural light.
Consider, for example, that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Subsequently, an office space with windows on both sides receives more intense and direct sunlight compared to an office with a south-facing window.
Assessing your office space gives you a chance to take stock of such important details and how they impact the space. For instance:
- Does the sunlight cause glares? At what angles or directions do they occur?
- How much light flows into the office space?
- Is privacy a concern for you?
- Do you require protection against UV exposure?
The findings from this assessment will show you the priorities that your ideal window films should be able to address.
Explore Your Window Film Options
Window film manufacturers have come a long way and now offer window films to address different challenges. So, do not fret, there is likely a window film for most of your needs.
More importantly, you will also find that most window films address more than one issue. The trick is to use your findings from the assessment to decide which issue is a priority.
Some of the main window film options include:
Reflective Window Film
Reflective window film is made using a plastic membrane coated with a metallic layer. The shiny element of the metal reflects sunlight rays away from your windows. This type of window film is, therefore, ideal for:
- Reducing the intensity of sunlight that flows into your office space
- Anti-glare coverage
- Privacy; the shiny metallic layer makes it hard for anyone to see through the window film
- Some percentage of UV protection and heat rejection
Frosted/Privacy Window Film
Frosted window film takes on the whitish color of ice. It often also has a slightly roughened surface. The frost effect is effective at:
- Reducing sunlight intensity while still allowing adequate light to flow into the room.
- Providing privacy; the frosted glass distorts light rays and makes it impossible to see through the window film.
- Controlling anti-glare
An extra advantage to this type of window film is that you can use it for both out-facing office windows and interior office partitions. Their translucent nature provides privacy but does not obstruct the flow of light in your office space thereby keeping it well-illuminated.
Decorative Window Film
Decorative window film may be designed to address other issues like UV protection or anti-glare. However, its core purpose is to improve the aesthetics of your windows. It is available in different colors and decorative patterns but you can also choose a custom color or design. It may come in handy for:
- Decorating your windows during festive occasions
- Creating an impressive decor statement in your entryway, staff lounges, or other areas
Thermal Window Film
Thermal window film is usually multilayered. It is primarily designed to mitigate the flow of heat in and out of your office space through your windows.
The out-facing layer of the window film reflects excess heat and sunlight away from your windows. This helps keep your office cool during hot weather and addresses other issues like ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. The inward-facing layer of the window film, on the other hand, reflects heat to the room thereby reducing heat loss during cold months.
The temperature mitigation effects of this type of window film make it ideal if you are looking to create an energy-efficient and comfortable work environment.
Choosing the Right Window Film
Exploring your window film options will give you a good idea of the type of window film that is right for your needs. That said, as you choose:
Pay Attention to Manufacturer Indications
As we mentioned above, one type of window film can offer multiple protections. Window film manufacturers, therefore, indicate these protections by percentage.
For example, a roll of window film may have a 99% UV protection rating. However, the same window film may have 53% visible light transmission(VLT) and 90% heat rejection (often indicated as IRR).
In a nutshell, this particular window film will provide great protection against UV rays and excess heat. On the flip side, it will only allow 53% of natural light to flow into your office space so the space may not be very bright.
Be sure to always check these details because they differ from one brand or type of window film to the next. Choosing the right combination of percentages also ensures that you pick the most effective window film for your needs.
Compare Materials and Quality
Window films are mostly made from PET which is a complex plastic membrane. The material is treated with various elements such as metallic coatings, dyes, or ceramics to make them effective for a specific function.
Wherever possible, prioritize high-quality options like ceramic window films which offer high functionality and great durability. Multi-layer window films are equally highly recommendable.
Conclusion
Installing window films in your office space gives you freedom and comfort. It enables you to enjoy glorious natural light without worrying about privacy, eye strain from sun glares, or the risk of sunburn. You can also make your space more interesting by using decorative window film to liven things up. Add to that the option of customizing your window films and the possibilities are endless.
So, no more dull fluorescent lighting for you. Embrace window films and design the naturally lit dynamic office space of your dreams.
