Pros and Cons of Having a Window

Having a window in the bathroom has its advantages and disadvantages:

Additional light source. Even a small window in the bathroom will make this room brighter and more spacious.
Natural ventilation. Open sashes not only fill the bathroom with fresh air, but also prevent mold.
The ability to grow plants. Even the most unpretentious flowers will not take root in a dark, damp room, but natural light from the window is another matter.
Beautiful view. Not all private houses and apartments have these advantages, but if you are lucky, you will be able to admire the sunset and the landscape during water procedures.
Electricity savings. The electricity bill will be lower due to the lack of need to turn on the light during the day.
Relaxation. The human psyche is designed in such a way that even a small window helps relieve stress.

Visual access. If you have a bathroom with a large window, you will need to decorate the glass or hang curtains to hide from prying eyes.
Need for additional ventilation. Keeping the transom open in winter or autumn is at least uncomfortable.
Probability of drafts. A poor-quality or poorly installed double-glazed window can be blown through and will cause constant colds.
Inconvenience of use. If there is an opening under the ceiling and above the bathtub, it will not be easy to open it for ventilation.

curtains on the window in the bathroom bathroom on a podium with a window roller blind

What sizes and shapes of windows are there?

It is possible to choose the size of the window opening only in one case: you design and build the house yourself. Finished houses and apartments already have windows, so you will have to put up with their dimensions:

Small. Most often located at a height of 2 meters or more, the main task is the prevention of fungus and mold on the ceiling.
Medium. The window in the bathroom is about the same as in the kitchen or bedroom. Its main advantage is the presence of a windowsill, on which plants are placed or used as an additional shelf.
Large. Floor-to-ceiling windows look impressive, especially if there is a bathtub opposite them and you can lie in it and admire the nature with a glass of wine. However, on the lower floors and in close proximity to neighbors, panoramic windows will have to be covered with curtains.

plants in the bathroom

The photo shows a modern bathroom with a window

narrow window in the bathroom floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom

As for the shapes, they can be square or rectangular, as well as unusual arched, pointed, oval, round. The latter look great both in classical and modern styles, where they act as a porthole.

attic bathroom round window in the bathroom

Layout recommendations

We will separately touch on the topic of furniture and plumbing arrangement in a bathroom with a window. The most popular layouts:

Bath opposite the window. There are two possible options: a transom above the bowl itself (this was the case in Khrushchev-era buildings) or a freestanding bathtub in the immediate vicinity of the opening. The second option is recommended if you have a beautiful view – then you can organize a home SPA and enjoy water procedures in the evenings.
A window in the shower. Most often, this is a small opening under the ceiling to remove excess moisture, but an option with a standard frame is possible. Then you will need the decorating techniques that we will discuss below.
A sink by the window. The main disadvantage of such a washbasin is the lack of a mirror. It is best to move the sink to the side or make 2 sinks on the edges.

large window opening in the bathroom shower with window mosaic on the wall in the shower

A window opening above the toilet. One of the universal solutions. The window sill is used as a decor – put aromatic candles and other decorations on it.
Free layout. Leave a free approach to the frame – this will make it convenient for you to open it and wash the glass.

roller blinds in the bathroom

The photo shows the arrangement of a bathroom in the attic

How can you decorate the glass?

Not everyone is ready to leave the windows in the bathroom open and transparent. But curtains are not the only option to hide what is happening inside. You can always resort to decorating the glass itself:

Tinting. Colored or mirrored will hide the interior from prying eyes, but will also block access to sunlight.
Matte coating. There will be a little less light, but it will still be able to penetrate inside.
Stained glass. This design is a bright accent that will not suit every style. Another disadvantage is that it prevents sunlight from getting in.
Corrugation. The texture distorts the image both from the outside and from the inside. Stickers. An inexpensive but short-lived way to imitate stained glass.

frosted windows in the bathroom

The photo shows small windows with frosted glass

colored glass on the window wooden sashes on the windows

The most versatile glass is classic transparent. If you want to hide from the eyes of passers-by and neighbors, use window opening decor.

embossed glass in the window

The photo shows a bathroom with a window design in white

How to decorate a window?

There is no single correct answer to the question “How to properly decorate a window in a bathroom.” It all depends on its shape, size and location. The main methods:

Curtains. Long curtains for large open windows, cafe curtains for openings near the sink.
Tulle. Pros: lets in light, cons: doesn’t hide anything. Use separately to add coziness or together with other options that will help you hide.
Roman blinds. Due to their compactness, they can even be hung over the bathtub. They look stylish, and a wide range of colors will allow you to choose the right ones for any interior.
Roller blinds. They are used in the same way as Roman blinds. They are often made of waterproof materials, which is ideal for the bathroom.
Blinds. They are absolutely not afraid of water. Open ones let in light, closed ones hide what is happening. The only drawback is that it is difficult to clean from dust.

For curtains, choose fabrics that are not afraid of high humidity and are easy to wash.

Nuances of decorating windows with a view of the street

We have already listed all the advantages and disadvantages of an outdoor window in the bathroom. In most cases, it requires decoration with curtains or films; in cottages, you can make decorative shutters.

You should not block the window sill if you often open the sash or window. However, a flower or aroma lamp placed on it will help to create an atmosphere of relaxation.

Roman blind in the bathroom

The photo shows an example of using Roman blinds on a window

tulle over the bathtub wooden blinds

To make the room even brighter, install a mirror opposite the window – it will reflect the penetrating light and diffuse it.

attic bathroom with a window pigeon tiles to the ceiling white bathroom

Features of decorating a window in the kitchen or toilet

In an apartment, a window in the bathroom often faces other rooms. This design has one role – natural lighting, because it is impossible to open the transom.

bathroom in a Khrushchevka window between the bathroom and the kitchen bathroom with transom

Try to design the interior so that the window opening does not have to be sealed tightly. Use it not only as a light source, but also as a decoration: replace regular glass with stained glass or install glass blocks.

bathroom with a window in the kitchen how to decorate a window in the bathroom

What does the bathroom interior look like in different styles?

Any shape and size of window opening in the bathroom can easily be played up in the desired style with the help of decor:

Scandinavian. Give up curtains in favor of matte film, put a flower on the windowsill.
Modern. Use laconic Roman blinds or thick curtains.
High-tech. Buy automatic blinds that can be opened and closed at the touch of a button.

black radiator in the interior