Keep Natural Light In And Peeping Eyes Out With An Affordable Dollar Tree Hack

If fabric curtains don't fit with your aesthetic — or your budget — but you need a quick and easy way to create more privacy in your home, then this simple hack will make your day. There's an unassuming household item that will effectively block the sight lines into your home while still allowing natural light to get through. The answer lies within a roll of humble wax paper.

As shared by Reddit user atXNola on the ​​r/lifehacks forum, a sheet of wax paper can be cut to size and taped to the glass of a standard window. This is particularly handy for anyone living on the ground floor nearby a high traffic area, as sunlight is at a premium in those lower level units, but it can be easy to feel like you're living in a fishbowl. Pet owners may also enjoy a buffer from the outside world, as it can keep dogs from barking at every slight movement just beyond their reach. A 65-square-foot roll of Wax Paper will run you $1.25 at Dollar Tree, although, if you are purchasing online, then there is a 24-box minimum required that'll set you back $30. You probably don't need that much wax paper, though, so it's a good idea to either shop in-store or explore some alternatives.

If your windows get a lot of direct light or if you live in a particularly warm environment, then wax paper may not be the best option for you. In the comments to the original post on the r/lifehacks forum, user misfitdevil99 reported that they tried this wax paper hack on their windows but then regretted doing so. Since their windows caught a lot of direct sun, the wax from the paper melted onto the glass and left behind a stubborn residue. This shouldn't be an issue if your window is in a fairly dim or cool space, but it's an important consideration to make, especially if you're only planning to use this hack as a temporary solution.

Others in the forum commented that their pets ripped or tore down the paper while attempting to jump up on the window sill, so if there are animals in your home (or small children) then opting for a semi-permanent fix could save you a headache in the long run. But if your drawers are already loaded with the stuff and you were excited about the prospect of putting this kitchen supply to good use, then don't fret: there are other smart ways to repurpose wax paper around the house.

Rice paper, tracing paper, and parchment paper all retain many of the same properties as wax paper (sans wax) and allow natural light to filter through. A package of pre-cut sheets of Surefresh Parchment Paper is $1.25 at Dollar Tree, but contains about a third of the overall volume as the wax paper for the same price. If you're looking to put these to use elsewhere in the home — like for their intended use in the kitchen — then this could still be the most bang for your buck.

Of course, if you love the look and want to opt for something semi-permanent that kids or pets can't pull down, then peel-and-stick contact paper in a frosted finish can help you achieve the same goal. You can find privacy films on Amazon, like this Ismoon Frosted Contact Paper, for under $10. There are also more decorative options, like the Lemon Cloud Window Film, that are around $20. If you're willing to get extra crafty, you can try an Epsom salt hack to add privacy to your windows that involves mixing 4 tablespoons of Epsom salt with 1 cup of light beer, or snag a can of pre-made spray to get the same vibe.