What To Do If You Have A Window In The Shower?

Having a window in the shower is very practical, it lets in natural light and brings much-needed fresh air into the room. Even if the window is not functional, it still lets in extra light while adding a dash of elegance to your bathroom.

Widows designed to be eye level for an adult allow you to enjoy the view outside right from the bathroom. All the same, a window in the shower room or bathroom can seem creepy, especially if it is big and lower than necessary.

It can also make you feel exposed, even if, in the real sense, anyone outside can utmost see nothing but the top of your head. And with such discomforting thoughts, you may be tempted to replace the window with a concrete wall.

Windows have their uses in bathrooms and restrooms. However, the issue of privacy arises when you start considering the idea of having a window directly in the shower or tub area.

Luckily, there are several ways in which you can protect your privacy while enjoying the benefits of having a shower window.

If your shower area has a window, this article is for you. You will learn about what to do to establish privacy while making sure the window works for your bathroom décor.

A window in the shower gives an excellent way to illuminate and ventilate the entire space. However, depending on where it is positioned, it can compromise privacy.

When renovating your bathroom, you will most likely contemplate the idea of having a window. While you may also say “no” to such an option because of privacy reasons, having a window in a bathroom is practical and can look stunning at the same time. So, it is a no-brainer to say that it makes perfect sense to have a window in the shower room.

There are a whole lot of ideas to add a window in your shower area to achieve spa status. While most people opt for regular windows installed at a safe height, you can install a full-height window in the shower, provided it does not compromise your privacy.

If you’re still in a dilemma, here are the most prominent reasons why you should consider installing a window in your shower or tub area:

— Windows let in natural light: The first and obvious reason for installing a window in your shower area is daylight. It makes your bathroom look bigger, lighter, and more inviting. It feels amazing to have sun rays flooding the once dark and stuffy room. Small bathrooms will never be claustrophobic.

— Shower windows provide excellent ventilation: If you install a window that can be easily opened, you will benefit from fresh airflow. Indeed, ventilating your space by opening the window is more pleasant than using an overhead fan.

— Windows can help prevent mold and mildew from forming: You don’t need to be told this: moisture is a major issue in bathrooms. Other than excess moisture being a catalyst for mold and mildew on walls and ceiling, it can make your charming wallpaper peel.

An excellent way to prevent all these undesirable scenarios is by installing a window in the shower area. The window provides an escape route for odors and moisture, therefore, staving off mold and mildew.

However, many homeowners think that a window in the bathroom is a bad idea because of a lack of privacy. But if your shower window is covered or small and positioned at eye level, it can enhance privacy while allowing you to enjoy all its benefits.

Like with any other window in your home, you can block the view into your bathroom to prevent people from seeing through. This is extremely important, particularly if the shower window faces the street or you live on the ground floor of an apartment.

If your bathroom has a huge window that you want to block your window for whatever reason, there are various ways through which you can achieve this.

Here are some ideas to cover those shower windows for privacy’s sake:

They provide an excellent way to ensure privacy when using the bathroom. Waterproof shutters come in different styles to add a touch of class and elegance to your space while offering a greater degree of light and privacy control. Everything about waterproof shutters is impressive.

However, when purchasing, avoid shutters made of wood because they can be ruined by steam from the shower.

Placing a waterproof curtain over the shower window is a great solution for making the area private. Besides eliminating disconcerting thoughts, waterproof curtains protect your bathroom window from splashing water.

Unlike fabric curtains, nylon and vinyl curtains work best because they are water-repellent, durable, and require minimal care. They easily wipe clean with only a mild detergent.

For optimal privacy, do not choose transparent options.

Essentially, frosted glass is a smooth glass with one of its sides coated to blur visibility while still transmitting sunlight. If you opt for frosted glass, you will be able to enjoy a clear view of the outside while keeping your shower time private. When installing, remember to keep the frosted side outside.

If your windows are in working order, you can also open them to keep the space ventilated. Like other glass panes, frosted glass allows natural light to pass through, making your shower space appear larger and brighter.

Even with the impressive pitted surface effect, frosted glass has one significant downside. It tends to be transparent when wet, which means that it may not be useful when it’s raining outside.

Another great option to establish privacy in your shower area is using window privacy films as they are designed with privacy in mind.

Other than blocking people from peeping into your bathroom, privacy films are decorative, so they add a bit of style and elegance to your interior. They come in many colors and eye-catching patterns and last for a quite long time.

These tinted window films are also an excellent option if you are on a tight budget. They let in natural light while offering privacy during your bath time.

Apart from that, window privacy films are considered great thermal insulators and UV filters ideal for sustaining desired room temperature throughout the year.

If you want to learn more about privacy films, you may read my post on home window tinting for night and daytime privacy.

It’s a decorative, uniquely textured glass designed to blur visibility by distorting the image, thus, it can without a doubt be used for shower rooms. It offers a higher obscurity level than frosted glass. However, obscure glass is not 100% opaque.

Depending on your budget and the degree of privacy control you want to achieve, you can choose from various obscurity levels.

If you wish to obscure the view to your bathroom from passers-by, consider putting different plants and flowers on your window sill or in a window box outside.

Also, if you have a garden, take some measures in hiding the view by planting shrubs in front of the window.

Live house plants can make a bathroom feel more pleasant by improving the décor and air quality. As this room is typically warm and humid, it is a well-suited environment for some indoor plants. For example, the dense, extensive, and tall asparagus fern will do well in a spot by a shower window.

Shimmering suncatchers, which are usually made from cuts of stained glass, can transform any space, adding a splash of beautiful colors to your bathroom.

A suncatcher is the easiest way to make a bathroom look more attractive adorning the window with unique designs. At the same time, it will blur the view into the room, blocking out prying eyes from outside.

Simply hang a suncatcher from the window that gets direct sunlight and it will transform the light into a range of multiple hues.

If you have a bathroom window, you’ll need to cover or treat the glass, otherwise, people can see you in. With so many shower window treatments, it can be a bit trickier to choose the right treatment for your windows.

You need a treatment that adds privacy while letting natural light stream indoors. Among the many available treatments, shower window coverings made of vinyl seem to take it all because they are waterproof, let in sunlight, are easy to maintain, inexpensive, and, most importantly, provide a greater degree of privacy control.

But before making a decision, consider the following:

— Your lighting needs: When getting treatments for windows in the shower area, make sure to determine your lighting needs. Find out the amount of light you will need in the room, then get a treatment that will best let in the desired light plus offer privacy.

— Aesthetics: When establishing privacy in your bathroom, you also need to pick a treatment that makes your space visually appealing. Vinyl window curtains can make your space look attractive while keeping your shower time private.

— Cost: The cost comes in every single project. Since all the treatments offer privacy, you need to compare the price versus the obscurity they provide.

While some window treatments might be expensive, don’t forget that you should buy what you can afford. Even on a tight budget, you will still get a reasonable level of privacy.

If you strike a balance among these factors, you will find a treatment ideal for your budget and that offers a reasonable degree of privacy control.

No matter what you choose, remember that bathroom is a host to moisture and mold, especially if you are fond of long, hot showers or baths.

For this reason, make sure to install water-resistant frames when remodeling or renovating your bathroom. Although wood can be caulked to be water-tight, it is best to avoid it and use other available options.

With window frames made from a waterproof, non-corroding material like plastic or vinyl, you don’t need to worry about rotting.

Final Thoughts,

The windows in the shower room have a purpose. Unfortunately, they pose a threat to your privacy, especially when you’re using the bathroom. Fortunately, there are many ways you can create the illusion of a larger, brighter space while striking the perfect balance between privacy and functionality.

With so many available window treatments that are creatively designed for practicality and aesthetics, you will find the ideal option to prevent people from seeing you while taking the shower. If you are not a savvy DIYer, make sure to hire a window tinting expert to ensure superb results.