Window In The Shower

By Freshome Team

February 19, 2021 | 4 min read

Bathroom windows are wonderful for bringing in natural light and air while protecting privacy when there is a shade or window covering. But a window in the shower itself can be more complicated for privacy. Many shower windows have beautiful outdoor views, and those that open allow more ventilation. But if your view is anything but private, it’s tough to put that window to good use. Showers with windows don’t have to be an inconvenience. In this guide, we look at the best ways to maintain privacy when there’s a window in the shower.

Window coverings for showers with windows

Moving into a new home, updating your windows or renovating your overall home often involves replacing window coverings in all rooms, including a window in the shower. The good news is that several water-resistant options are not only beautiful but also practical for concealing outside views. Blinds, shades and shutters all allow light to come in when they’re open and protect privacy when they’re closed.

Adding privacy is quick and easy using window treatments. Some people prefer faux wood shutters that fit directly into the window frame and are resistant to humidity. Others want vertical or horizontal polyester window shades that mount over the window.

Shades are a practical option because, when they aren’t in use, you can pull them up to allow light to come through the window in shower areas. When you need privacy, they lower just as quickly. An additional benefit to using shades is their insulating properties. They’re more energy-efficient than shutters because shades prevent heat from escaping.

Despite the difference in energy-efficiency, some homeowners like shutters because they block out more light and have a higher degree of privacy. Though they don’t raise and lower like shades, you can still open and close them quickly. If you opt for shutters, be sure not to install bamboo due to mildew, mold and warping risks.

Frosted glass for shower windows

If you don’t like the idea of using blinds, shades or shutters, decorative film or frosted glass adds water-resistant beauty to bathroom shower windows. You can also use etching techniques on the window’s surface. This technique allows light to shine through the window without compromising privacy.

Opting for frosted glass both enhances the appearance of the window and increases privacy. The pitted effect on one side of the glass blurs images when people are looking through the window. Depending on the effect you’re looking for, there are several DIY techniques you can use.

If you want a temporary fix, static window clings, or film is a practical choice. These clings are removable and work well as an alternative for permanent window glass treatments. Use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wash the glass down before applying the film. You’ll find instructions on the package for application, but it typically involves using a squeegee for removing air bubbles.

Using frosted glass spray paint creates a semi-permanent effect. Applying this spray adds a layer of frost that dries into a decorative finish. Before spraying, clean the glass thoroughly. If you would like to remove this treatment later, you can use a glass scraper.

Glass etching cream is another way of capturing natural light while simultaneously creating privacy in showers with windows. Be aware that, if you choose this decorative option, the effects are permanent. The main reason is that the etching cream removes a thin layer on the glass and leaves behind a frosted finish.

Install a new window in a shower

If you would prefer to replace an existing window with one that offers more privacy, that’s another way of adding appeal and practicality to your shower space. Options include antique, pebbled, rain, stained glass and glass blocks with ventilation that allow for moisture to escape.

Choosing obscured glass finishes, like pebbled or rain patterns, creates privacy in showers with windows. However, this obscuring doesn’t make the window entirely opaque. Instead, the manufacturer creates a pattern or texture that is difficult to see through. Some manufacturers allow you to choose the level of obscuring you want.

Instead of covering up windows in showers, reimagine them as focal points for the room. Use a stained glass window insert, or install a new one. Not only is this addition beautiful, but it’s completely private while letting in colored light. Adding stained glass is an excellent opportunity for adding a one-of-a-kind art piece to your space that is as distinctive as your personality.

Installing glass or acrylic blocks is another decorative way of maintaining privacy in showers with windows. There’s no need to add a window covering because the texture and pattern on the blocks prevent clear sight into the window. This method involves a permanent installation whereby the windows don’t open but create a minimalistic design.

If you choose acrylic blocks, they’re available as casement or crank-out awning style windows. Even though the acrylic block windows open, that doesn’t detract from their privacy benefits. You can install them as replacement windows or by using nailing fins during new construction.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do with a window in the shower?

You can use window coverings, film, permanent frosting and etching techniques, or install a new window. Focus on a method that allows for privacy, light filtering into the room and sufficient air ventilation.

What kinds of window coverings are best in a bathroom?

The best window coverings are water-resistant such as faux wood, vinyl, PVC and aluminum. Avoid using wood, which can mildew, mold or warp from the moisture.

What types of textured glass are there for windows?

Dozens of textured glass styles are available depending on the manufacturer. Many have aquatic, chord, frosted reed and hammered textures to match your bathroom’s decor.

Is installing glass blocks a good idea in a shower window?

Before installing glass blocks in your shower, make sure the pattern is highly textured to ensure the best privacy. If you have experience working with mortar, you can install blocks as a DIY project.

Collaborate with Havenly to transform a blank canvas or redesign an entire room.

Save $20 on Full Designs!

Use MYMOVE code:

Use MYMOVE code:

Get design inspiration and custom solutions to spice up your space or refresh a room.

5 Ways to Protect Window in Shower

Placing a window at the shower space has several uses. Apart from making your shower look elegant, it helps bring in fresh air and extra light. Besides, you can even enjoy a beautiful outside view right from your shower.

But as moisture is common with this space, you might have to deal with potential damage on your window. So can homeowners keep these fittings safe from damp o?

Luckily, it’s possible to keep water from gathering around the sill. With the following tips, you will know how to protect window in shower rooms. Moreover, they don’t take up your time or cost a fortune.

Best Ways to Protect Window in Shower

1. Vinyl-Clad Windows Housed In A Wooden Jamb

Do you need a simple way to fix the tile with the window jamb, especially after providing a pitched sill? If yes, consider covering a window in vinyl and placing it in a wooden frame.

By adding both materials, your window gets the protection that it needs. First, the vinyl keeps damp from the window itself while the wooden jamb offers dependable support for it. But to get the best results, keep the window away from the shower spray.

• Like traditional tiled showers, cover the shower area with cement board. You should also allow this material to stay level with the window jamb. Then, use a good silicone caulk and seal the space between the frame and centerboard. Even if the caulk offers a seal, you will need extra materials to keep the wetness out.
• Wrap a piece of waterproof material -Schluter’s Kerdi works well – over the window jamb and joint. This material will entirely cover both fitting and keep them safe from damp. To secure the membrane to the wood, add thin-set that contains latex.
• Waterproof window sill helps drain water from a shower or bathroom window, so install one. Instead of going with wood, use latex-modified thin-set to fix a piece of Corian materials. For easy pitching, slowly build the thin-set from the back of the sheet and try to it mix it stiffly. With the sill in position, cover the area with tiles as you would with the shower.
• Add Silicone Caulk: After tiling the surface and sealing the grout, look for a point between any two planes and add some silicone caulk. You can start from the spot where the window touches the freshly tiled jamb.

Since the window stays on an exterior wall, heat or cold can weaken any of the materials. With this in mind, perform annual checks for defective joints, grout, or caulk.

2. Hang Shower Curtains with Rods from the Shower Ceiling

A set of ceiling hung shower curtains comes as an ideal way on how to protect window in shower. Apart from keeping the shower spray out, this solution ensures your privacy by preventing any outside view. If you can’t find one, a ceiling rod track for bay window curtains should help.

If you can’t carry out a remodeling project on your window, these solutions serve as ideal ways to protect window in shower enclosure. Besides, you will use for a long time until you renovate the tub or shower itself. Furthermore, they do a great job of allowing air or light into the building.

3. Choose Waterproof Window Treatment

When it comes to using regular window treatments to protect your shower window, you need to consider items that boast of waterproof materials. Try using vinyl window blinds as they require minimum maintenance and cleaning. But you should choose one that can cover the whole window completely. With this size, the shower spray will not touch the curtain.

To install the blinds, fix the curtain on the tiled wall by using the grout lines. You can also mount it on the wall directly, but you will need a diamond drill bit.

4. Place a Waterproof Curtain on Your Window

Do you need another way on how to protect window shower from water spray? Well, placing a shower window waterproof curtain directly over your window should go a long way.

For this task, plastic or nylon products will do a great job as they can withstand damp and require minimal care. Most people love well-lit bathtimes, so purchase a see-through shower curtain made from the materials mentioned earlier.

Using a transparent one will also allow you to see amazing outdoor scenery from your shower window. However, this idea does not offer much privacy due to its transparency.

5. Use Glass Blocks Instead

Instead of using a waterproof window sill fitting, replacing the window for glass block is a good approach for shower spaces. Asides preventing any damage, glass blocks can help bring natural light to the bathroom. To install this material, you will need to fill the spaces with glass mortar.

Most home improvement or online stores have glass blocks for sale. But before purchase, determine the number of blocks required by measuring the window.

How to Get the Right Protection for Your Shower Window

Before learning how to protect the window in shower spaces, your choice must define the overall look of the room. With the ideal method, you should get a proper mix of cover and light to space. Since you have access to many options, the following tips will help you pick the perfect choice.

1. Consider the Room Space and Window Size

Check out the dimensions of your room, particularly before applying waterproof shutters for shower window or any other methods. As expected, the size depends on your particular needs or requirements.

Let’s say you don’t want your shower times to become public, choose a two and a half-inch real dark colored blinds – with vinyl- for a perfect mix of light control and privacy. If you want something unique, these blinds should measure between two and a half-inch while using no holes for routing.

Also, the measurement of your window will guide you in choosing a suitable treatment plan. For instance, you might prefer a remodeling project that features tiny openings or massive shower windows. To protect windows with shallow features like sills or frames, think about an inch thick real vinyl blinds or the slim metal ones.

Overall, the way you use your space plays a significant role in finding a good idea of how to protect window in shower rooms. For this purpose, use enough time to study the room.

2. Determine Your Lighting Needs

Next, find out the amount of light that you would love to have in your space. Then, try out roman or cellular shades that control brightness via up and down movements.

Wrap Up

Windows come as ideal fixtures to have in a shower or bathroom. When it comes down to it, they provide ventilation and light to these spaces. Sadly, water from your bathtimes can lead to the window in shower rotting if you neglect to protect it.

However, you can avoid this issue by using various methods. For instance, using a vinyl casing for your window and the jamb should do the trick. You can also hang some shower curtains from your ceiling while glass blocks and vinyl blinds also help.

But before using any of the ideas, try to know the measurement of your shower window. Also, know the right amount of light and privacy that you need for the shower space.