I don’t know what this is called…thus the title, but my DH and I saw this bathroom window in a model home a few months ago (and can’t remember where to go back and ask the builder.) The window looked like a clear glass window, but there was a “light” switch near the bathroom door, and when you flipped the switch, the window became opaque. It seems like a great idea for bathrooms, giving you a view when you want it, but keeping anyone from seeing in at other times. I would guess it was some sort of “thermopane” window, and when the switch was flipped, the gas inside was ionized or something which made it opaque.
Anyone have the slightest idea what I’m talking about? Any experience, good or bad, with these? Any hints on where I can find them, cost, etc.? TIA.
Insist on the real MadMom – accept no substitutes!
Replies
Marvin windows made something exactly as you described called "switchable privacy glass" but discontinued it about 10 years ago. It was based on liquid crystal technology, the same as used in flat screen displays now. If you saw it recently, I'd be curious who picked it up. Sorry I couldn't give you more information. Hope this helps. Rich.
Might get real interesting if you had just gotten out of the shower, only to find that the power had gone off...........
I saw that on This Old House once, maybe in "The House of the Future"?
Anyhow, here is one>>>
http://www.polytronix.com/pdlc.htm
Thanks for the info. The cost may be the deal breaker here. Actually, it's for my DD. Her home is on 7 acres outside of Durango, CO, and she will have a beautiful view out of the new bathroom window looking at the mountains...nearest neighbor is about 1/2 mile away across the valley. So, most of the time, a clear open window would be great. I just thought that if they're having visitors, or later, when the little ones are up running around the yard, it might be nice to be able to have the opaque window...will check it out.Insist on the real MadMom - accept no substitutes!
Geesh - I can see why these things aren't common. I called the local distributor...for a 3' x 4' window, unframed, it would run close to two grand. Don't think so. Curtains are sure looking good right now! (Or maybe a nice bathrobe?)Insist on the real MadMom - accept no substitutes!
Holy 2 grand Batman! Ha, naked isn't so bad.
You know, I was going to get these pleated blinds for my 1/2 bath that are transparent to see out, but you really can't see in. I forget what they are called but you could look into something like that. You could also get power operated blinds if you insist on going Jetson.
And MM, when you are done fixing up DD's house could you free up some time for mine? Just a little patching/painting/decorating, a slam dunk for you.
Don't know if we'll ever get finished with DD's house. My earlier project was redoing the kitchen. Here's what it looked like when we bought the house, then after most of the "cabinets" (as you can see, they were sort of peach crate shelves) and appliances were removed, and finally, the new kitchen. We couldn't afford one of you master craftsmen, so just ordered readymade cabinets, but it turned out nice, IMO.Insist on the real MadMom - accept no substitutes!
The kitchen turned out great! And I have to admire a woman who keeps fresh flowers on the windowsill during a remodel.
"A completed home is a listed home."
I've seen these windows too...and stopped once I saw the price......but the part about the bathroom reminded......have no idea where we were at the time...but I left the bar to go to the mensroom....stand at the urinal...stare at the wall.......till I notice something move!
No...not that.......it was the bar! Thru darkly tinted glass...I could see my wife and my empty stool! Scared the XXXX outta me! They had a one way mirror.....I chached after I was.....uh...out of the restroom! The "wall".....was mirrored on the bar side.
After I got used to it....checking and knowing no one was watching back....it was pretty cool. Even made sure the joint was empty and snuck the wife in to check it out! Jeff * Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
Also, don't you think Taunton should have a Fine Decorating mag? You leave decorating up to the guys around here and you will have empty beer cans and peanut shells on your floor. Of course the floor will be finely crafted and be able to withstand a barroom brawl...
They had a window like that on the Carousel of Progress ride back at Disneyland back in the 1970's. Interesting that it may finally, actually be available in real life!
Rich nailed it.
While pretty neat in theory, the high cost made these windows dinosaurs for Marvin, thus the discontinued line.
I was recently in Manhatan and visited the new Prado store in SOHO. The fitting room walls are made with this type of window system. Very interesting and HIGH TEC.
I saw this on a show about Miami nightlife.
It was a bathroom wall and door in a nightclub - enter, switch on and the glass wall and door goes opaque.