The bathroom is one of the most private and personal spaces in a home. It’s a sanctuary where we start and end our day. The right window treatments can elevate the look and feel of your bathroom while also providing privacy and natural light. Here are 10 ways to use windows to create an elegant, spa-like bathroom that nurtures your soul.
1. Add an Accent Window
One simple way to upgrade your bathroom is to turn a standard window into an eye-catching accent. Opt for a dramatic shape like an arch or trapezoid to make the window a focal point. Or add architectural details like a vibrant trim, sill or recessed panels to give it personality.
Accent windows look especially chic in bold hues. Try deep blues or greens for a coastal vibe or jewel tones like ruby and sapphire for a glamorous look. Matte black or brass frames add contemporary flair. Don’t be afraid to make a statement – the lavatory is a great place to have fun with daring styles.
2. Install a Stained Glass Window
For an instant dose of old-world elegance, install a stained or leaded glass window. The colored, textured glass casts a warm, dappled glow into the room. Styles range from traditional to modern so you can match any decor.
Place your stained glass window on an accent wall or where light will shine through it, like above a freestanding tub. For privacy, use translucent glass or install sheer curtains. The sophisticated charm of stained glass gives a bathroom a refined, spa-like ambience.
3. Frame the View with Cafe Curtains
If your bathroom window looks out onto a beautiful landscape, draw attention to the view with cafe curtains. These partial curtains only cover the lower half of the window, leaving the top open to highlight your outlook.
Opt for airy, lightweight fabrics like lace or linen in neutral hues. Or add a pop of color with pastels, metallics or patterns. Hang the cafe panels high and wide to maximize the view. This framing effect turns your scenery into a work of art.
4. Filter Light with Sheers
Sheer curtains are a versatile option that filter bright light beautifully. They come in breezy, gauzy textures perfect for the bathroom. Cotton, silk and polyester blends provide an airy look that still allows plentiful light in.
Install sheers on their own or layer them over other window treatments. For maximum privacy at night or when not in use, pair sheers with shutters or drapes. The filtered sunlight creates a soft, pleasant ambience in the room.
5. Adorn with Curtains or Valances
Curtains infuse elegance and sophistication into a bathroom. Fabrics like silk, velvet or brocade and details like tassels or trim bring a glamorous hotel suite feel. Hang curtains on their own or combined with other treatments like shades or blinds.
For a lighter look, install a fabric valance at the top of the window instead of full curtains. You can even pleat or drape the valance for extra flair. Curtains and valances frame a window beautifully while controlling light and privacy.
6. Add Warmth with Wood Blinds
Wood blinds add natural texture and coziness to a bathroom. They come in slats of diverse wood types like bamboo, oak, maple and basswood. For privacy, tilt the slats up or down. Real wood blinds are moisture-resistant while retaining a rich, polished look.
Match wood blinds to other natural elements in the room, like a timber vanity or hardwood floors. Let them complement tiles, natural stone and greenery to create a warm, earthy aesthetic. The organic feel of wood blinds brings the calming essence of nature indoors.
7. Screen with Shutters
Shutters infuse a breezy, cottage-like charm into a bathroom while screening the windows. Louvered shutters with adjustable slats prevent peeping while allowing filtered light and airflow. Panel shutters open entirely yet close securely for total privacy.
Paint or stain shutters in light hues like cloud white, pale gray and soft blue-green for a coastal vibe. Or opt for natural wood tones to match cabinets or floors. Shutters give windows a clean-lined yet classic look and timeless appeal.
8. Layer with Drapes and Curtains
Why choose one window treatment when you can have two? Layer drapes over sheers, shades or blinds to mingle privacy and light control. Use drapes alone during intimate baths or sleep, drawing them open when more light is welcome.
Select drapes in lush fabrics like velvet, brocade or satin that puddle elegantly on the floor. Then layer gauzy sheers or slatted shutters behind them to filter light. The luxurious combination provides beauty, versatility and privacy.
9. Outfit Savvy Skylights
Skylights shower a bathroom with beautiful, natural light. To prevent peeping from above and control illumination, outfit skylights with smart window coverings.
Opt for remote-controlled shades in moisture-resistant materials like vinyl or polyester. Or install drapes around the edges of a skylight to draw closed when desired. Solar screens reduce glare and heat gain while letting light flow in. Window film tints skylights without sacrificing clarity or brightness.
10. Incorporate Stunning Glass Blocks
For a modern, minimalist look, incorporate glass blocks into bathroom windows or walls. These solid glass forms transmit soft light while obscuring views. Walls of glass blocks create dividers and allow soothing light into shower enclosures.
Combine clear and frosted blocks in varied shapes and sizes for visual interest. Backlight glass blocks with LED strips or candles to emit a gentle glow. The modern material adds hip style and abundant natural light.
Elevate Your Bathroom with Beautiful Window Treatments
Strategically placed windows and thoughtfully chosen treatments can utterly transform a bathroom. Here are some key benefits of utilizing windows and window treatments to enhance your bathroom:
Control Light and Privacy
Windows flood a bathroom with natural light, which has a positive effect on mood and health. But too much harsh light or a lack of privacy can make a bathroom feel exposed. The right window treatments let you modulate illumination and discreetly obscure views when desired.
Sheers, shutters and solar screens filter bright light to comfortable levels. Drapes, curtains and blinds fully close to provide visual seclusion and darkness. Controlled daylight and adjustable privacy are key to a relaxing, comfortable bathroom.
Direct the View
Your bathroom windows may overlook a bland wall, busy street or neighbor’s yard. But with the right window treatments, you can frame an attractive vista or block undesirable sights.
Cafe-style curtains accentuate a pleasing view while veiling the lower portion of a window. Draped valances adorn the top of a window to highlight a pretty outlook. Adjustable shades and louvers enable you to redirect your gaze away from eyesores outside.
Infuse Style
The windows and hardware you choose provide endless opportunities to inject style into your bathroom. Play with shapes like circles and octagons or details like trim and scrollwork.
Introduce captivating fabrics like lace, damask and ikat through curtains and shades. Incorporate materials like wood, rattan and bamboo for gorgeous texture. Put your unique stamp on the room with window treatments that reflect your personal taste.
Amplify Overall Design
Window treatments should complement your bathroom’s overall aesthetic – not clash with it. Enhance your design by choosing treatments that integrate beautifully with other elements in the room.
Pick wood blinds that match the natural tone of cabinets or floors. Select vibrant curtain hues that echo accents like towels and wall art. Install shutters and drapes that align with the room’s general style – whether modern, traditional, minimalist or eclectic. Thoughtfully united window and overall design amplify each other.
Key Considerations for Bathroom Window Treatments
To select window coverings that best suit your bathroom and lifestyle, keep the following factors in mind:
Moisture Resistance
The high humidity in bathrooms can warp and disintegrate window treatments made of untreated wood, paper and fabrics. Seek out materials naturally resistant to moisture like vinyl, polyester and bamboo. Or choose wood blinds and curtains made from mold-resistant hardwoods.
Also look for window coverings treated to repel moisture, labeled as “bathroom-friendly” or designed specifically for lavatories. With this preventative measure, your window treatments will last longer in the damp conditions.
Easy Cleaning
Inevitably, bathroom window treatments will accumulate dust, steam, hair products and other grimy buildup. Select window coverings made of wipable fabrics that can be occasionally tossed in the washing machine. Or opt for easily dustable hard materials like metal or smooth wood.
Also make sure any motorized or mechanical window treatment parts are sealed properly to prevent moisture damage or mold growth. Simple cleaning care will keep them looking fresh and extend their life.
Light Filtering Qualities
The amount and type of incoming light you want in your bathroom will guide your window treatment choices. Sheers and solar screens temper brightness while preserving outward views. Opaque roman shades or pleated blinds fully block light for sleeping or privacy.
If the sunlight shifts direction at different times of day, select adjustable treatments like shutters, drapes and slat blinds to moderate the light accordingly. Know your lighting needs before picking window wares.
Style Compatibility
Ensure your window treatments blend with the overall bathroom style. Bold art deco patterns suit modern spaces, while embroidered lace pairs best with traditional rooms. Rustic woods and bamboo coordinate with farmhouse baths, and sleek metallics for glam bathrooms.
Also consider continuity with other finishes like faucets, mirrors, tile and cabinetry. Your window treatments should pull the whole design together, not clash with it.
Proper Installation
Professional installation is recommended to fully secure bathroom window coverings and preserve any warranties. Ensure drapery rods, blinds, curtains and hardware are properly anchored into studs and caulked for moisture protection.
Follow manufacturers’ specific instructions for installing window treatments around tubs, showers and sinks. Taking time for proper installation will prevent future accidents or damage.
Innovative Window Treatment Ideas for Bathrooms
Ready to get creative with your bathroom windows? Here are some innovative treatment ideas to inspire you:
Artifact Display
Turn an accent window into a sophisticated display case. Install shelves in the recessed pane then fill with cherished objects, rolled towels or perfumed candles. The treasures become lit works of art.
Mirror Wall
On one wall, install floor-to-ceiling beveled mirrors divided by trim. This visually enlarges the room and amplifies light. Flank with windows dressed in delicate sheers for airy privacy.
Frosted Film
Apply frosted window film to clear glass panes for an opaque, milky look that softens incoming light. Pair with sleek automated blinds for clean modernism.
Roman Shade Mural
Commission a local artist to paint an abstract mural on multilayered flat roman shades. Roll up or down to reveal glimpses of the artwork.
Rain Curtains
Suspend strands of shimmering beaded curtains from the ceiling across a window or in place of a glass shower door. The dazzling rain-like strands catch and reflect light gorgeously.
Triangle Windows
Embedded a line of small triangular windows high on a wall to usher in gracefully diffused sunlight. Position them above eye level for atmospheric light without sacrificing privacy.
Porthole Window
Add a round porthole window to echo the shape of a pedestal tub. Opt for thick, refractive glass to distort outside views and emit ripply light effects.
Paper Screens
Mount translucent Shoji paper screens on window frames for a soft luminous glow. The organic texture and soothing light enhances a spa vibe.
Grow-Through Vertical Garden
Install vertical hydroponic plant towers in floor-to-ceiling slender windows. The leafy greens will flourish in the sunlight and humidity while obscuring views.
Boost Natural Light With Skylights and Clerestory Windows
Skylights and clerestory windows are architectural elements designed to usher bountiful natural light into bathrooms. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Position Strategically
Determine optimal skylight placement based on the movement of the sun through the sky during the day. South-facing skylights get the most constant sunlight, while western ones get afternoon light. East-facing skylights welcome invigorating morning rays.
Also consider skylight placement in relation to shower and tub locations. Translucent glass or positioning them above eye level maintains privacy.
Complement with Treatments
To prevent harsh glares, outfit skylights and clerestory windows with diffusing shades or screens. Solar screens reduce heat gain while letting light filter through. Around the edges, install sleek drapes or blinds to close when desired for darkness and seclusion.
Choose Optimal Glass
Standard skylights use transparent or frosted glass. For richer light, opt for prismatic glass with molded ridges to scatter sunlight. Or select bubble skylights filled with insulating air pockets to diffuse light. Laminated glass with photovoltaic cells can generate supplementary electricity too.
Maintain Diligently
Dust buildup on skylight glass causes hazy light. Frequently wipe down the glass with a damp microfiber cloth and squeegee. Also clean surrounding metal frames and gutters to prevent leaks. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass.
Proper skylight and clerestory installation, window treatments and care ensure they brighten your bathroom naturally for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Window Treatments
Here are answers to some common questions about selecting the ideal window treatments for bathrooms:
What are the best bathroom window treatments for privacy?
Opaque shades, solar screens, shutters, curtains and fogged or textured window glass provide the most privacy. Treatments like wooden blinds and fabric roller shades also block views when fully closed. For skylights, opt for frosted glass or position above eye level.
Should you put curtains in a bathroom?
Yes, curtains lend elegance and a softening effect around bathroom windows. Opt for moisture-resistant fabrics like polyester or treated cottons. Install curtain rods securely with anchors and close fit to the wall. Choose length based on the window’s proximity to damp surfaces like tubs.
What fabrics are best for bathroom window treatments?
Moisture-resistant synthetic materials like polyester, nylon and acrylic work best. For a natural fiber, choose mold-resistant cotton or bamboo. Waterproof vinyl and plastic curtains are also suitable bathroom options. Avoid silk or other delicate, untreated fabrics.
How do you cover a bathroom window over a tub?
Position rod-mounted curtains above the tub edge and skylight windows out of direct shower spray. To cover a side window by a tub, install a moisture-proof roller shade mounted past the tub rim. Waterproof decorative window film applied to glass also protects privacy.
Should bathroom window treatments touch the floor?
Not necessarily. Curtains, drapes and blinds can stop above wet surfaces like tubs if the windows are sufficiently high. Allow at least 6 inches clearance. For privacy with floor-length windows, use water-resistant fabrics or mount curtains high to puddle attractively on the floor.
How do you decorate a bathroom window over the toilet?
Opt for window films or frosted glass for privacy. Add an accent valance at the top to frame the window elegantly. In a powder room, try creative treatments like art glass, layered sheers or shuttered top windows to let light in stylishly. Just avoid heavy fabrics that could soak up moisture.
What is the most stylish bathroom window treatment?
Any treatment you love that aligns with your overall aesthetic! Classic choices include breezy linen curtains, warm wood blinds, chic cafe curtains and framed sheer panels. Or make a statement with stained glass, Roman shade art murals or beaded rain curtains. Express your style creatively.
Elevate Your Bathroom with Beautiful Windows and Treatments
Thoughtfully designed windows and treatments introduce natural light, style and privacy into your bathroom sanctuary. Take cues from your decor, lighting needs and window positioning when selecting window wares. Luxurious drapes, handsome wood blinds and art glass accents are just some options for elevating your bath.
Experiment with innovative window treatment ideas like herb gardens, pendant curtains or shelved displays. And amplify illumination further with skylights and clerestory windows outfitted with diffusing shades. With the right touches, your bathroom windows can nourish your soul and delight your senses every day.
