Bathroom Windows That Pull in Light and Also Provide Privacy
Get the most from your bathroom with windows that perform a multitude of jobs beautifully
Jo Simmons
18 July 2016
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Bathroom windows have to work hard, allowing natural light in while also protecting the privacy of anyone inside. The most beautiful contemporary bathrooms often feature huge picture windows that seem to put protecting a bather’s modesty far down the list of priorities. But there’s no need to compromise on privacy if you also want to keep your bathroom open to the outdoors. These smart schemes make enjoying light and views compatible with seclusion, thanks to cleverly designed window treatments and, in the more adventurous spaces, inspired architecture.
Film it
Frosted window films are a simple, inexpensive way to provide privacy in a bathroom. A huge range of beautiful designs are available, making this a decorative as well as a practical option. The patterns are computer cut from the film and, once applied, look like acid-etched or sand-blasted glass. The frosted areas obscure views of you while still allowing a good level of natural light to pass through.
Discover designer secrets of a perfectly styled bathroom
Frosted window films are a simple, inexpensive way to provide privacy in a bathroom. A huge range of beautiful designs are available, making this a decorative as well as a practical option. The patterns are computer cut from the film and, once applied, look like acid-etched or sand-blasted glass. The frosted areas obscure views of you while still allowing a good level of natural light to pass through.
Discover designer secrets of a perfectly styled bathroom
Fit a mix of glazing
Here, a combination of dimpled glass bricks and clear glazing are a contemporary take on the trad textured glass that was once a bathroom staple. The dimpled glazing keeps out prying eyes, while the clear glazing makes the most of a good view.
Here, a combination of dimpled glass bricks and clear glazing are a contemporary take on the trad textured glass that was once a bathroom staple. The dimpled glazing keeps out prying eyes, while the clear glazing makes the most of a good view.
Consider curtains…
1 Try a simple drape
It’s not the obvious choice for a bathroom, but when well designed, a simple curtain can be a great solution to privacy issues. Choose a moisture-resistant, light fabric, and avoid silk, which can rot, or anything that will soak up dampness, such as linen. Be sure to pick a fabric and curtain design that can easily be taken down and washed, too.
1 Try a simple drape
It’s not the obvious choice for a bathroom, but when well designed, a simple curtain can be a great solution to privacy issues. Choose a moisture-resistant, light fabric, and avoid silk, which can rot, or anything that will soak up dampness, such as linen. Be sure to pick a fabric and curtain design that can easily be taken down and washed, too.
2 Style up with sheers
Sheer fabric curtains make a romantic addition to a bathroom, filtering strong sunlight and keeping out prying eyes, while still letting in lots of natural light.
Check out how to make an impact with colourful bathroom furniture
Sheer fabric curtains make a romantic addition to a bathroom, filtering strong sunlight and keeping out prying eyes, while still letting in lots of natural light.
Check out how to make an impact with colourful bathroom furniture
Get clever with blinds…
1 Fit a discreet roller
Nobody wants to obscure a beautiful picture window like this with a fussy treatment, but unless you want the neighbours to know which brand of soap you use, it’s crucial to fit something that will obscure their view.
A discreet roller blind, tucked snugly against the ceiling, will offer privacy, then stow neatly out of the way when not needed, leaving the view uninterrupted.
1 Fit a discreet roller
Nobody wants to obscure a beautiful picture window like this with a fussy treatment, but unless you want the neighbours to know which brand of soap you use, it’s crucial to fit something that will obscure their view.
A discreet roller blind, tucked snugly against the ceiling, will offer privacy, then stow neatly out of the way when not needed, leaving the view uninterrupted.
2 Hang blinds partway up
When it comes to privacy, there’s often no need to fit a blind across the entire window. Identify how much you need to cover to protect your modesty, then hang a simple roller across this area only, leaving the upper portion of the window untreated.
As this bathroom shows, this is also a good solution for windows that are unusually shaped at the top.
When it comes to privacy, there’s often no need to fit a blind across the entire window. Identify how much you need to cover to protect your modesty, then hang a simple roller across this area only, leaving the upper portion of the window untreated.
As this bathroom shows, this is also a good solution for windows that are unusually shaped at the top.
3 Take it from the top – and bottom
Roller blinds that roll up from the base of the window – bottom up blinds – are widely available. Teaming these with conventional rollers fitted at the top is a great way to provide flexible levels of privacy.
Roller blinds that roll up from the base of the window – bottom up blinds – are widely available. Teaming these with conventional rollers fitted at the top is a great way to provide flexible levels of privacy.
4 Look out for louvres
Simple louvre blinds let in light and, even when “open” like this, offer a good degree of privacy. When the lights are on at night, simply swivel them shut to ensure no one can see in.
Simple louvre blinds let in light and, even when “open” like this, offer a good degree of privacy. When the lights are on at night, simply swivel them shut to ensure no one can see in.
Say yes to shutters
More substantial than louvre blinds, shutters do the same job, but with the advantage that they can fold back and be fully opened if desired.
More substantial than louvre blinds, shutters do the same job, but with the advantage that they can fold back and be fully opened if desired.
Opt for an outdoor screen
An outdoor screen is an innovative design idea that protects a bather’s modesty, allows in light and also offers glimpses of the outside world.
This contemporary bathroom has a sliding window that opens onto a balcony. The laser-cut screen on the balcony face has a beautiful leaf motif on it, to create a natural, dappled effect. A slatted wooden screen would do a similar job.
An outdoor screen is an innovative design idea that protects a bather’s modesty, allows in light and also offers glimpses of the outside world.
This contemporary bathroom has a sliding window that opens onto a balcony. The laser-cut screen on the balcony face has a beautiful leaf motif on it, to create a natural, dappled effect. A slatted wooden screen would do a similar job.
Incorporate innovative glazing
This bathroom wall is peppered with openings of various sizes and at various heights. Coupled with a skylight, they let in natural light without offering a clear view of the interior and therefore ensuring privacy. From inside, the outdoors is framed as a series of pictures on the wall.
This bathroom wall is peppered with openings of various sizes and at various heights. Coupled with a skylight, they let in natural light without offering a clear view of the interior and therefore ensuring privacy. From inside, the outdoors is framed as a series of pictures on the wall.
Rethink your window position…
1 Go low
Setting windows low into the wall is a clever way to swerve issues of privacy. If you’re lucky enough to be building from scratch or adding a contemporary extension, consider adding windows at floor level in a bathroom, so anyone outside would have to stoop to see in (which, hopefully, they won’t do!).
1 Go low
Setting windows low into the wall is a clever way to swerve issues of privacy. If you’re lucky enough to be building from scratch or adding a contemporary extension, consider adding windows at floor level in a bathroom, so anyone outside would have to stoop to see in (which, hopefully, they won’t do!).
2 Aim high
A combination of slot windows and skylights will draw plenty of light into a bathroom, while also keeping wall space clear for a shower or bath – ideal in a small room. Only Spider Man would be able to peep in here, too, so privacy is a given.
TELL US…
Inspired by these clever bathroom window treatments? Add your thoughts to the Comments below.
A combination of slot windows and skylights will draw plenty of light into a bathroom, while also keeping wall space clear for a shower or bath – ideal in a small room. Only Spider Man would be able to peep in here, too, so privacy is a given.
TELL US…
Inspired by these clever bathroom window treatments? Add your thoughts to the Comments below.
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Ok, I'm going to be the 'nay' sayer here. The overwhelming majority of the time I used my bathtub (oversized), it was at night. A window does nothing for me at night besides be potentially cooler than a solid wall. Also the point about being able to see in obscured windows at night is a good one. I don't know about y'all, but I like to be warm in the tub and I live in Michigan. Also, the currently popular bathtubs remind me of vessel sinks - attractive, but not as practical as built-ins. In the case of the tubs, I'm guessing the current models don't retain heat as well and definitely offer no place to put things.
I used to have a bathroom overlooking the most amazing view and could lie in the bath during the day. But at night I had Venetian blinds for privacy and a massive skylight above the bath so could see the stars. NOw sadly I have a bathroom without any window whatsoever.
I had the builder grade small transom style windows in my bathrooms so I had them removed and the opening enlarged to the level of a tub and used glass blocks with a pattern of waves and bubbles so that they allow light and still provide privacy. The pattern is in keeping with a water theme and lets in lots of light. I had ceiling fans installed to deal with air circulation. Works for me.