Opaque Windows

There are many possible solutions with a wide range for budgets. On the low end, Home Depot sells something you can press on the glass for an opaque look. Window manufacturers do offer various options. Alternatively, you can also install something like a custom fitted shoji screen for the window to allow light to maintains privacy (which is what I did as a ground floor residence).

are you looking for something like in this apartment: http://streeteasy.com/building/5-franklin-place-new_york/8b

There are solutions at all price points, though what you want is 'translucent' rather than 'opaque'. The press-on films include those that are 'mirrored' when viewed from the outside, as well as just 'frosted'. There are some minimal roller shades in varying amounts of translucence that are nearly invisible when up, and fully flat when down, as well as the thinner honeycomb shades. At the higher end, you could replace the existing window with translucent glass, or have a configuration of fitted interior moveable panels., for those days when you really do want to see your neighbors. Prices will be anywhere from $50 to thousands. I like my translucent roller shades from the Shade Store.

Maybe corrugated glass? You'd want to consult with your architect so that your place doesn't end up looking like a bank, but I sold an UWS townhouse duplex where corrugated glass was used to draw light into the interior, specifically the bathroom, and the result was really great.

ali r.
{downtown broker}

Fieldchester, thanks for the picture. I think that those windows would be an option. Do you know the brand? Or similar?
FrontPorch, I'm not sure that corrugated glass would fit woth the character of the unit. Any other thoughts?

I would like a permanent solution (probably involving the glass in the windows themselves) and would like something conservative. I had seen old diamond leaded windows for bathrooms, but this seems impractical for a bedroom, correct?

When I first moved in with my boyfriend, he had no covering on the bathroom windows. I was enjoying a bath one night watching a party across the way, when I realized that if I could see them...I was probably the entertainment. Amazon Prime shipped some of that magnetic film the next day. Ours looked like stained glass and even fooled a few guests. They also have some that are just textured looking translucent. It was super easy to apply and when we moved a few years later, it still looked good.

reminds me: http://streeteasy.com/talk/discussion/14059-98-riverside-drive