Your family is unique. Why shouldn’t your vehicle reflect that? Custom family window decals are a fun, affordable way to showcase your crew—whether it’s you, your spouse, three kids, two dogs, and a cat, or any combination that makes your family yours.
This guide covers everything you need to know about family window decals: popular styles, how to customize them, quality considerations, and tips for creating a decal that perfectly represents your family.
Why Family Window Decals Are So Popular
Family decals have been a vehicle staple for years, and for good reason:
They’re personal – Your family configuration is one-of-a-kind, and your decal shows it
They’re conversation starters – Other parents spot your decal in parking lots and connect over shared experiences
They’re affordable – Starting around $7.99, they’re one of the cheapest ways to personalize your vehicle
They’re easy to update – Add new family members (babies, pets) or remove old ones as your family changes
They show pride – Celebrating your family publicly is a simple joy
Whether you’re a new parent excited to announce your growing family or a pet owner who considers your fur babies part of the crew, family decals let you share that pride.
Popular Family Decal Styles
1. Stick Figure Families
The classic. Simple line-drawn figures representing each family member.
Standard options include:
- Parents (mom, dad, or two moms/two dads)
- Kids (babies, toddlers, children, teens)
- Pets (dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses)
- Hobbies and interests (sports equipment, musical instruments)
Stick figures are clean, recognizable, and easy to customize with different hairstyles, clothing, and accessories.
2. Detailed Character Families
More elaborate than stick figures, these decals feature fully illustrated characters with personality.
Options include:
- Different body types and heights
- Detailed clothing and accessories
- Facial expressions
- Occupation-specific outfits (military uniforms, scrubs, hard hats)
- Sports jerseys and team gear
These decals have more visual impact and allow for greater personalization.
3. Themed Family Decals
Families with shared interests often choose themed decals:
Popular themes:
- Star Wars families – Characters as Jedi, Stormtroopers, or droids
- Zombie families – Undead versions of your crew
- Superhero families – Each member as their favorite hero
- Disney families – Mickey ears and princess crowns
- Hunting/fishing families – Outdoor gear and camo clothing
- Military families – Uniforms and patriotic elements
Themed decals show off your family’s personality and shared passions.
4. Pet-Only Decals
Not everyone has kids, but plenty of people have fur babies. Pet-focused decals celebrate your animal companions.
Common pet decals:
- Multiple dogs or cats with breed-specific details
- “Dog Mom” or “Cat Dad” text
- Paw prints and pet names
- Mixed pet families (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles)
These decals are perfect for pet parents who consider their animals full family members.
5. Custom Name Decals
Instead of generic figures, some families opt for name-based decals:
Examples:
- “The Johnson Family”
- Individual names listed: “Mike, Sarah, Emma, Noah”
- “Est. 2015” with wedding or family founding date
- Last name with decorative elements (hearts, stars, flourishes)
Name decals are elegant and timeless, working well for families who prefer a more sophisticated look.
How to Customize Your Family Decal
Choose Your Family Members
Start with the basics:
- How many adults?
- How many children (and what ages)?
- How many pets (and what types)?
Most custom decal shops let you build your family piece by piece, selecting each figure individually.
Add Personality with Details
Make each figure unique:
- Hairstyles – Long, short, curly, straight, ponytails, buns
- Clothing – Dresses, pants, sports uniforms, work attire
- Accessories – Glasses, hats, jewelry, backpacks
- Hobbies – Holding sports equipment, musical instruments, tools
- Occupations – Military uniforms, medical scrubs, firefighter gear
The more specific you get, the more your decal truly represents your family.
Select Your Layout
Horizontal lineup – Traditional side-by-side arrangement (most common)
Grouped layout – Parents in back, kids in front, pets at the sides
Custom arrangement – Specific positioning to fit your window shape
Most families go with the classic horizontal lineup, but creative arrangements can add visual interest.
Choose Your Color
White vinyl – Classic, visible on any vehicle color, clean look
Black vinyl – Sophisticated, works well on light-colored vehicles
Custom colors – Match your vehicle or family’s favorite colors (available from some shops)
Full-color printing – Detailed, realistic figures with multiple colors (premium option)
White is the most popular choice because it shows up clearly on tinted rear windows.
Sizing Your Family Decal
Typical sizes:
- Small families (2-3 figures): 6-12 inches wide
- Medium families (4-6 figures): 12-18 inches wide
- Large families (7+ figures): 18-24 inches wide
Placement considerations:
- Rear window center (most common)
- Rear window bottom corner
- Side window
- Tailgate or bumper
Measure your window before ordering to ensure proper fit. A decal that’s too large overwhelms the space; too small looks lost.
Quality Matters: What to Look For
Outdoor Automotive-Grade Vinyl
Family decals live on your vehicle 24/7, exposed to sun, rain, snow, and road grime. Cheap vinyl fades and peels fast.
Look for:
- Oracal or 3M vinyl – Industry-standard materials
- UV-resistant – Won’t fade or yellow in sunlight
- Weather-resistant – Handles temperature extremes
- 5-7 year outdoor durability – Lasts as long as your family configuration stays the same
Avoid generic craft vinyl or indoor-rated stickers.
Pre-Spaced and Transfer-Taped
Quality family decals come pre-assembled with transfer tape, so all your figures are already positioned correctly.
This means:
- No measuring individual pieces
- No alignment headaches
- Professional results every time
- One-step application
If a decal shop sends you loose pieces to assemble yourself, that’s a red flag for quality.
Made in the USA
American-made decals support domestic jobs and typically use better materials and manufacturing processes.
Installation Tips for Family Decals
Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Clean your window thoroughly – Use glass cleaner and let dry completely
- Position the decal – Use masking tape to hold it in place before applying
- Check alignment – Step back and make sure it’s level and centered
- Apply from one side – Peel backing slowly while pressing the decal down with a squeegee
- Remove transfer tape carefully – Peel at a 45-degree angle after 5-10 minutes
Pro tip: Apply on a mild day (60-75°F) for best adhesion. Extreme heat or cold makes installation harder.
Updating Your Family Decal
Families change. Babies are born, kids grow up, new pets join the crew. Here’s how to handle updates:
Adding New Members
Option 1: Order individual figures and add them to your existing decal Option 2: Remove the old decal and create a completely new one
Most shops sell individual figures, making it easy to expand your family display.
Removing the Decal
When it’s time for a change:
- Heat the decal with a hair dryer or heat gun
- Peel slowly from one corner
- Use rubbing alcohol to remove any adhesive residue
- Clean the window thoroughly before applying a new decal
Quality vinyl removes cleanly without damaging your window or tint.
Creative Family Decal Ideas
Blended Families
Show your unique family structure:
- Two sets of parents
- Kids from different relationships
- Stepchildren and biological children together
- “Yours, Mine, Ours” configurations
Military Families
Add military elements:
- Parent in uniform
- Branch insignias
- Deployment ribbons
- “Proud Military Family” text
Memorial Elements
Honor family members who’ve passed:
- Angel wings on a figure
- “In Memory” text
- Halo or star above a figure
Hobby-Focused Families
Showcase what you love to do together:
- All holding fishing rods
- Wearing matching sports jerseys
- Camping or hiking gear
- Musical instruments
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ordering too large – Measure your window first; oversized decals look awkward
Skipping the cleaning step – Dirt prevents proper adhesion and causes peeling
Installing in extreme weather – Cold or hot temps make vinyl difficult to work with
Choosing cheap vinyl – Low-quality materials fade and peel within months
Forgetting pets – If your pets are family, include them!
Privacy Considerations
Some people worry that family decals give away too much information (number of kids, family structure).
If privacy is a concern:
- Use first names only (no last name)
- Skip specific details like ages or schools
- Consider a more generic “Family” decal without individual figures
- Place the decal on a side window instead of the rear window
Only include information you’re comfortable sharing publicly.
Where to Buy Quality Family Decals
Look for:
- American-made products using Oracal vinyl
- Extensive customization options (100+ character choices)
- Pre-assembled decals with transfer tape
- Verified customer reviews and high ratings
- Free shipping and money-back guarantees
- Promotions like Buy 2 Get 1 Free (great for getting extras or updating later)
Avoid cheap imported decals that fade quickly and look unprofessional.
Celebrate Your Family
Family window decals are a simple, affordable way to show off what matters most—the people (and pets) you love. Whether you go with classic stick figures, detailed characters, or a themed design, your decal tells the world: “This is my crew, and I’m proud of them.”
Choose a decal that:
- Accurately represents your unique family
- Uses quality materials that last for years
- Reflects your family’s personality and interests
- Makes you smile every time you see it
Ready to create your custom family window decal? Browse over 165+ family decal options with unlimited customization. Made with 7-year outdoor-rated Oracal vinyl, starting at just $7.99 with free shipping on orders over $25 and unlimited Buy 2 Get 1 Free.
Your family deserves to be celebrated. Show them off today