Storefront glass is prime real estate that most businesses leave empty — or worse, fill with taped-up paper. Four families of window graphics cover nearly every need. Here's what each one is, what it typically costs, and where it wins.

1. Cut vinyl lettering

What it is: individual letters and logos cut from solid-color vinyl and applied directly to glass — no background, just the message floating clean.

Best for: hours, door lettering, logos, service lists. The timeless professional look.

Typical cost: $75–$300 per door/pane depending on complexity. Lifespan: 5+ years. This is exactly what our Design Studio designs — type it, size it in real inches, send it.

2. Perforated window film ("perf")

What it is: full-color printed film with thousands of tiny holes — a solid image from outside, mostly clear view from inside. The magic trick of the category.

Best for: big storefront statements, product photos, seasonal campaigns — while keeping daylight and visibility for staff.

Typical cost: $8–$15 per square foot installed. Lifespan: 2–4 years outdoors. Note: works one direction — at night with interior lights on, the effect fades.

3. Frosted / etched-look film

What it is: translucent film that mimics sandblasted glass — light passes, sightlines don't. Can be cut into logos, stripes, or full-coverage privacy panels.

Best for: conference rooms, clinics, salons, office fronts — anywhere "private but premium" is the goal. A fraction of real etched glass's cost, removable, and landlord-friendly.

Typical cost: $6–$12 per square foot installed. Lifespan: 5+ years indoors.

4. Full-color clings & window posters

What it is: printed graphics — static cling or low-tack adhesive — made to swap easily.

Best for: sales, promos, seasonal messages that change monthly. Cheap to replace, zero residue.

Typical cost: $4–$8 per square foot. Lifespan: months by design.

☀️ West-facing glass? Sun exposure halves the life of budget films. Spec UV-laminated materials on south/west exposures — the desert doesn't do refunds. Details in the desert-proof guide.

The classic storefront package

  1. Entry door: cut vinyl — logo, hours, license.
  2. Biggest pane: perforated film statement or brand graphic.
  3. Side panes: frosted accents or promo cling zones.

That trio covers identity, impact, and flexibility for most storefronts — typically for less than one month of the rent the glass sits in. Photos of your frontage are enough to get exact numbers, and interior glass ideas live in the office graphics guide.