We know the biggest improvements coming for our laundry area will be upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and adding built-in storage to make the most of that small space. While we’re saving and planning for those larger changes, we set aside a few hours after Clara’s bedtime recently to tackle some smaller, high-impact tasks on the laundry to-do list.

Our first project was the glass side door that offers a clear line of sight from the carport, through the laundry room, and into the kitchen. That direct view made the whole area feel exposed, and the temporary bi-fold door we’d been using for privacy wasn’t a great long-term solution (you can read more about that setup in our original post).

At first we considered a simple wooden blind over the glass, removed the dark pocket door, and thought that would solve the problem. After buying a bamboo rolling shade from the home center, though, we realized how much light it blocked. Our kitchen is starved for natural light in the mornings—it’s the only room without an exterior-facing window (the sink window looks into a sunroom)—so we didn’t want anything that dimmed the space further.

That led us to choose frosted window film. We used the same materials and techniques we’d employed in our basement project, and the step-by-step guide there explains the process and the product we used. The application seemed straightforward, but this time we hit one snag: persistent bubbles.

Small air pockets are normal when applying film, and usually a few firm passes with a squeegee get them out. These bubbles, however, wouldn’t budge. We suspected two possible causes: not enough applicator spray on the surfaces, or a temperature issue—the instructions warned against applying the film in temperatures under 40°F, and that exterior glass was definitely cold. We peeled off the bubbled film, scraped residual adhesive from the glass, and prepared for a second attempt using a larger scrap of film we had left over.

This time we used a generous amount of applicator solution to keep the film slippery during positioning and squeegeeing. The extra moisture made it easier to work out air pockets before the film began to set, and the result was smooth and bubble-free. Problem solved—and the frosted film allowed the sunlight to keep filtering into the kitchen without exposing the inside view to the carport.

Our next mini project was removing a set of open shelves next to the door. While extra storage can be useful, these shelves were exposed and difficult to keep tidy. We kept bumping into items when coming in with our hands full, so removing the shelves made sense both functionally and visually. Instead, we plan to use that section of wall for artwork or a framed collage. A little art gives the laundry area an inviting focal point and softens the utilitarian feel.

While I was unscrewing the shelves late at night, we also decided to take down the shutters on the laundry room window. Removing the shutters clears the space for a future blind, roman shade, or curtain and helps the room feel less cluttered. By morning the laundry area looked much cleaner: no shutters, no shelves, and just some touch-up painting left to do.

Overall, the frosting film turned out to be an affordable, attractive solution that preserves morning light while improving privacy. We eliminated visual clutter, opened the wall for art, and maintained a brighter kitchen in the early hours—small changes that make the space more pleasant while we save for the big-ticket upgrades.

Have you tried frosted window film from the home center? Did you run into stubborn bubbles, and if so, was it from cold glass, insufficient applicator spray, or something else?

Psst—this week’s giveaway winners were announced on the original post. Check there to see if you’re one of the winners.