Opinions needed on windows in buildings

[Needy Newbie]

Does anyone have a recomendation that will allow realistic interior night lighting without interior furnishings?  I thought maybe 'frosting' the windows to let light through but hide the empty look.  Any thoughts?  I don't want to strange a look during daylight hours either...

[ttrigg]

Have a look over here: http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/171163.aspx 

[cabbage]

I would agree that "frosting" would hide your problem -but to be honest do you really need to worry about the internal furnishings? My buildings are not internally furnished and are simply empty shells that are not lit in the evenings -although this is something I have thought about by modifying a "solar light". I took the view that only the passing ants would notice the lack of furnishings and so far I have been proved correct! regards ralph

[ttrigg]

Using the "Vue-Graph" method, I've put curtains and "leaded glass art" into the windows of the building. Thus hiding the fact that the building is empty. Like Ralph said, most buildings are not noticeably empty,

Putting "artwork" on the windows to hide the empty building has been done in many ways. I use the vue-graph so that lighting (not yet installed) will be able to shine through. I’ve seen folks who simply tape real photos over the glass for special events. On my empire, the only windows to receive this treatment are well short of the "10-ft rule". The exceptions are second floor windows facing away from normal viewing where ladies can be spied uopn.

[fontgeek]

Maybe using cheesecloth or paper doilies on the interior to allow a filtered light through with the look of curtains. There's clear label material that can run through your desktop printer, it would allow you to print stained glass or other looks on a label and apply it to the interior of the glass to obscure the view while still allowing some light to still pass through. Applying an automotive/car wax to the interior allows you to frost the glass without the worries of sanding or distorting the glass or plastic used. If you don't like the finish, just wipe it off and do it again 'til you are happy with it. If it's a store front lettering and such on the windows would block much of the view.

[ttrigg]

I started with the clear Avery labels for stained glass and they yellowed in about 4~5 months from constant direct sunlight. The Vue-Graph material I use has held up well over several years. The oldest, being almost 5 years old. I have recently (over the last 14~18 months) been applying "room scenes" to a several of my windows that are not facing forward to plain view.. I cannot post those photos here as Rene would kick me off in half a heartbeat, as I have been using scans of "French Post Cards" and French Maids (if you know what I mean.) Using the entire picture with the room as a background works very well. I have been looking on Google for some old store front photos and have found some that I kinda like, but DaBoss doesn’t. When I find a storefront she approves of then I will post a pic.