As one of the private spaces in your house, many regard their bathroom as a haven of silent retreat. Do you imagine relaxing in your tub or having a warm shower in a room that’s bright, open, and airy? Or does your shower space frequently accumulate moisture and need some ventilation? These are the primary reasons why people put windows near their bathtub or shower – but wanting to do so without compromising their privacy.
What are the Things to Consider when Placing Windows Near a Bathroom Tub or Shower Without Feeling Exposed?
So, you want to have a window near your tub or shower but still want your privacy? There are some things to consider when putting windows near a bathroom tub or shower.
If we’re talking of building or remodeling a bathroom, then the key points to remember are the window’s location, size, and type. However, in case of rented places wherein you will have to work with an existing window, then look for ways to at least enjoy your window while maintaining your privacy.
1. Place windows higher on the wall.
To enjoy your baths with ease, you can try locating your window higher on the wall within your bath space. This way, you can still take advantage of the natural light coming into your bathroom while taking your bath with confidence. Some bathrooms have like 4 tiny shower windows for airflow and light which are both decorative and functional.
2. Choose transom windows.
You can try using transom windows, since they’re usually placed higher than your body level. If you want airflow, you can safely open them throughout the day to ventilate your bathroom without compromising on your privacy. This said, you can either choose sliding transom windows or those that swing outward.
3. Use frosted or etched glass windows.
If you want to use regular windows to enable more natural light to brighten your bathroom, it’s better to pick frosted or etched glass windows. Their texture or decorative patterns obscure visibility, thus it still allows light to pass through without the concern of privacy.
4. Decorate with stained glass windows.
Stained glass windows – to give you an idea – is also known as Cathedral windows. They are colored thin glass used as decorative windows. They serve a dual purpose if placed in your bathroom. First, their color adds radiance and brightness to the room when the sun’s rays pass through. Second, since the glass windows are colored, it gives you an added sense of privacy even if placed near your bathroom shower or tub.
5. Build a skylight for that ultimate privacy.
What other way to put a window near your bathtub or shower than place it overhead? It’s the closest you can go to the source of natural light. And its location is perfect in offering you that total privacy. Unless of course, you’ve got unwanted visitors from above – which is highly improbable.
6. Choose full height windows with caution.
Okay, if privacy is your issue, then placing a full height glass window near your shower and bath will seem to be ironic, isn’t it? Surprisingly, a full-length window can be permissible under certain locations.
If you’re living in higher floors or grounds, then you won’t concern yourself much about privacy even though you’ll place a full height window near your tub or shower. In fact, you’ve got a nice view to complement your soothing environment.
In addition, if you’re living on ground level yet have a private lush garden surrounding your property, then go bold and daring with a full height glass window. Taking your bath while relishing your garden view, can’t get you closer to nature than this.
What are Some Practical Ways to Maintain Privacy on Already Existing Windows Near a Bathtub or Shower?
Left with no choice, you may already have a bathroom window built near your bathtub or shower. Chances are, people who live in condominiums, ready-built houses, or rented properties, can’t just easily tear down a window or remodel a bathroom design.
If you’re stuck with a bathroom window that may pose a concern to your privacy since it’s already part of a structure, don’t worry. There are still practical ways to maintain your privacy on existing windows near your tub or shower. Some work with fabrics, paint, décor, or other material to your window which not only adds style but also gives zero issue to your privacy.
1. Apply frosted spray paint.
Spraying frosted paint over your window is a practical way to make your window blurry. It will add privacy to your window without totally blocking the light and it’s cost-efficient.
2. Spread over some window film.
Window films will give you the effect of a double-sided mirror. Your tinted window will turn to a mirror from the outside preventing people to see you but you can still see the outside. While your privacy is protected, filtered light can still come into to your bathroom. Also, they are cheaper than curtains and very practical since you can easily put and take them out by yourself.
3. Go with blinds.
Blinds are great with windows because it both gives the dual purpose of privacy and functionality. While there are many varieties of blinds to choose from, faux wood shutters are good options. Since they are made from moisture-resistant material, they are perfect to withstand humid places like your bathroom. Also, because of their resilient material, you need not worry about warping, cracking or splitting under such environment.
4. Use interior shutters.
Another way to maintain privacy windows for bathrooms is using interior shutters. The shutters can be tilted to provide you with more privacy while still permitting some light to enter. Also, you can totally open the shutters to let fresh air and brightness in or close it shut for total privacy. You can even open the shutters halfway to achieve both results.
If using a transom window, you can place the shutter halfway below the window, while remaining the top part of the window (transom) open. This way, light from the transom is allowed to get inside the bathroom, while the windows remain shut to maintain your needed privacy.
5. Hang some artworks.
If the window near your bathtub or shower makes you feel uneasy, you can hang a piece of artwork over a part or all of your window. If you have a smaller window, you can hang your décor by covering half of the window area. Again, light is not totally blocked, yet you’re not totally exposed.
6. Cover with curtains.
Putting curtains over your bathroom window to provide you with some privacy in your bath space, can be a bit tricky. Curtains can provide some privacy to windows near your bath space but they are a bit tricky to use. You need to decide on the kind of material and color you need to go with.
If you consider curtains made of lace or sheer fabric, these materials will allow light to pass through, but may not totally give you complete privacy. However, if you choose thick curtains, then your privacy is secured, but it will totally block light to come in. I think a good plan to remedy this is to use a light material with darker shades.
Also, for total security, you can use an exterior screen outside your window before hanging your curtain inside. Or in the alternative, place a window shutter inside your bathroom before putting your curtain of choice.
