DIY Network

Install Window Film, Carpet Tile Finish up a dandy dressing room From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-307

Let the light in, without sacrificing privacy.

Mark and Molly's cluttered, disorganized dressing room/closet is coming together: Host Karl Champley helped them remove an awkward closet and partial wall, then built a custom laundry sorter. They also leveled the floor and created hidden in-floor storage for valuables.

Now, they add some finishing touches to make this dressing room fit for a star: The window faces directly at the neighbor's house, so Karl helps install some window privacy film to let the light in without compromising privacy. They also lay carpet tile for a finished, comfortable floor.

advertisement

Install Window Film

Tools and Materials:

utility knife
window film
spray bottle with water
small squeegee

	Figure A
	Figure B

• Pick the right film. Many types of window film are available for a variety of purposes. For this project, Karl chose a simple film that will keep people from seeing in through the windows, but will let light in.

• Clean windows. Make sure the windows are very clean and dry.

• Cut film. Cut the pieces of film so they measure about 1/2" larger than the window panes being covered.

• Apply film. Spritz the window pane with clear water, remove the backing from the film and stick the film to the window. The water makes it easier to position the film and helps hold it on the window.

• Flatten and trim. Use a small squeegee to burnish the film onto the window, pushing air bubbles to the edges (figure A). When the film is firm, flat and free of bubbles, trim the edges with a sharp utility knife (figure B).

• Repeat the process. Attach the other window films in the same way.

Install Carpet Tiles

Tools and Materials:

utility knife
carpet tiles
double-sided carpet tape
baseboard molding
finish nailer
5" baseboard molding
miter saw

	Figure C
	Figure D

• Snap a chalk line. Measure the width of the carpet tiles. Measure this distance out from the longest, straightest
  wall and snap a chalk line across the room at this point (figure C).

  Tip: Walls aren't necessarily straight, especially in older homes. Snapping a straight line means the tiles will line up straight even if the wall doesn't; baseboard molding will cover gaps between tiles and the wall.

• Adhere tiles. Use double-sided carpet tape to adhere tiles to the floor. If installing carpet tiles over hidden in-floor storage bins, don't tape down the tiles over the bins.

• Trim as needed. Trim the carpet tiles as needed using a metal straight edge and a sharp utility knife.

  Tip: To trim tiles neatly, flip the tile carpet-side down. Don't try to cut through the depth of the tile all at once. Instead, score the tile several
  times with a sharp utility blade – using a straight edge as a guide – for a cleaner cut (figure D).

• Replace base trim. Replace any baseboard molding or install new molding, as desired, to cover gaps between the carpet tiles and the wall.