Covering for Aluminum Single Pane Windows

Tape paper window shades to the wall just above the window. These are available in a very basic, accordion pattern made of paper, or you can find fancier paper and vinyl versions that have cords woven through them to help raise them. The blinds have a strip of poster tape at the top that adheres to the wall. You can cut non-corded versions so that you don’t have a huge wad of paper hanging down at the bottom; measure the height of the window plus a few inches to ensure the top and bottom are covered, and cut with scissors. The shades come in different widths, and some models are very thick and act as blackout blinds, which cut out as much light as possible.

Hang blackout curtains on a tension rod in the window to cut down on light and sound. Blackout curtains are thick and tightly woven, creating a barrier to sound waves and helping to reduce light that would shine through thinner curtains. Tension rods are temporary curtain rods that fit inside the window frame, expanding so that it is wedged inside the frame. The two issues to consider with tension rods are that they make it more difficult to cover the sides of the window, and they cannot support a heavy curtain. Solve these problems by hanging a curtain that uses metal hooks instead of tabs through which you slide the rod, and leave a few inches of curtain hanging off the rod to fit over the gap at the side of the window.

Stick a layer of window film over the glass. The film is available in clear or translucent versions that block out heat, but if you want privacy, go for an opaque version. NotMartha.org notes you can buy decorative films with patterns, and the films do not use adhesive. In fact, the site advises against adhesive because it can leave residue on the glass if you need to remove the film. Baby shampoo or another non-detergent soap mixed with water in a spray bottle serves as the adhesive; spray it on the window and attach the film after peeling off the backing paper.