Having a window in the shower is as practical as it is beautiful. By opening up the window you ventilate the space and you let in fresh air plus even if the window is non-operable it still lets in natural light and in some cases amazing views.
Of course, the issue of privacy arises when you have to evaluate if a window in the shower or the bathroom is actually a good idea in the first place. The answer is almost always yes and the remaining concern is what type of window and what proportions to choose. Perhaps these shower windows can offer you the answer you’re looking for.
Bathroom Window vs. Regular Window
There aren’t that many differences between a bathroom window and a regular window. The first noticeable difference is the size. Due to privacy concerns, people that opt for having a window in the shower usually go for a smaller-sized window.
The type of window that goes into the bathroom is, most of the time, different compared to what type of window you would choose in a living room, for instance. Chances are you don’t want skylight or textured glass windows in other rooms, but they might work really well in your bathroom setup.
Types of Bathroom Windows
Slider Windows
While these are not the most energy-efficient windows, they make an excellent choice for other reasons. To begin, they are less expensive than crank windows. Additionally, you obtain enough energy efficiency while having the ability to organically ventilate the bathroom anytime you open it.
These rely on weatherstripping to seal the spaces between the sashes. One disadvantage of sliders is that they are prone to freezing in the winter. However, you can make changes to minimize such issues to maximize their effectiveness and prevent ice development when the outside temperature drops too low.
Crank Windows
Crank windows are the most energy-efficient option. Unlike other types of windows, they do not have weatherstripping on the area where the sash and frame meet. Closing the window will create an airtight seal, allowing for almost no heat loss. However, this efficiency comes at a cost as they are frequently 20 percent more costly compared to slider windows.
Skylight Windows
A fixed skylight window is frequently installed above the shower area. You may have all the privacy you want while still taking advantage of natural light. Even better, omit the tile in the shower or bath area entirely and replace it with an earthy substance.
Naturally, this requires cutting into your roof and ceiling, and you are correct in assuming that this level of luxury is not inexpensive. Installing a double-glazed skylight costs between $60 and $100 per square foot.
Textured Glass Windows
If you want both light and privacy but are not a fan of skylights, textured glass windows are an excellent alternative. These are intended to be quite opaque with a dense texture. This obscures the view while maintaining an abundance of natural light. These are ideal for small bathrooms.
These windows are more luxurious, costing between $400 and $600. Alternatively, privacy windows can be covered in a special film that acts as a temporary type of contact paper that has been coated with a frosted design and texture. This option is significantly less expensive and may be a viable alternative, costing roughly $20 per sheet.
Shutter Windows
These are most commonly referred to as shutters. What’s amazing about them is their capacity to instantly adjust to your privacy needs. Additionally, they flawlessly boost the bathroom’s beauty.
The cost of shutters is determined by the size of the window and the material used to construct them. You can purchase faux wood shutters for roughly $60 and high-end material shutters for over $250.
Transom Windows
Transoms are frequently used to emphasize windows located beneath a bigger window, beneath or above a door, or above a window. However, if you value your privacy above all else, you can use them as separate windows.
Additionally, these are cheaper than other solutions. They range in price from $200 to 570 dollars, including installation. Ascertain that the positioning is sufficient to provide the desired level of privacy.
Hopper Windows
While hopper windows are also located high on the wall, they open downward to provide additional ventilation when necessary. If you have an excess of moisture and humidity following a hot shower, you may quickly open these to allow for natural circulation. These windows range in price from $260 to $720, depending on the size and material.
Types of Bathroom Window Glass
In most cases, people opt for privacy glass when they plan on having a window in the shower. Naturally, there are several types of privacy glasses you’ll have to choose from (boy, even buying a shower window requires one to know so much, doesn’t it?).
- Textured Glass -Textured glass incorporates a design or pattern into the pane. It provides a decorative element by concealing pictures while allowing light to pass through. Textured glass is available in a variety of patterns. The glass pane adjacent to this entrance door is designed in a chevron pattern to suit the front gate.
- Translucent Glass -This frosted glass is created by sandblasting or acid-etching transparent sheet glass. The surface will diffuse and scatter light by generating a defined surface on one side of the pane. As a result, images are blurred while still allowing light to travel through.
- Smoked Glass -Smoked glass is transparent and hence does not obscure images, but its darkened color increases the level of privacy.
- Colored Glass – As with smoked glass, colored glass is crystal clear, but the color provides additional seclusion.
- Glass Bricks – Glass block bricks can be used for both ornamental and utilitarian purposes. They allow visual texture and natural light to enter into a home while maintaining an element of privacy. Additionally, their thickness reduces noise, insulates against high and low temperatures, and aids in energy conservation.
Bathroom Designs and Their Windows
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Having a full-height window in the shower is amazing as long as it doesn’t compromises your privacy. Check out this amazing bathroom that we found on Lotosconstruction. Showering in here is like showering outside, in the middle of nature.
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A regular window placed at a safe hight can be an option too. You can basically enjoy a nice warm shower while looking out the window without feeling totally exposed. Also, this window is a really needed source of natural light for this bathroom. {found on Theskyisthelimitdesign}
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Ideally, a large shower window or glass wall would open up the bathroom to a private garden. This way privacy is not an issue and you can also control exactly what you see from in there and you can create a very zen and fresh decor.
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This bathroom has more than just a simple window. There is, of course, the little window in the shower but there’s also a full-height window to the left as well as an opaque glass door which connects the shower (and bathroom) to an outdoor patio. We love the frosted glass door. It’s a perfect compromise. {found on mdarch}
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What if you want natural light in your shower/ bathroom but there’s no way you can make a full-height window work? Perhaps a skylight can be an option or perhaps you could opt for a long, horizontal window just under the ceiling. It’s hight enough to offer total privacy and to let you have solid walls but it still serves as a source of natural light. {found on zigersnead}
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Actually, the idea of a high, horizontal window is pretty awesome and perfect for almost any shower or bathroom no matter the type of style. You can even have more than one such window, as exemplified in this contemporary bathroom featured on Ogawafisher.
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This bathroom has not one but two showers which help to ensure a symmetrical interior design and structure. There’s one tall and narrow window at the far end of the bathroom, right at the center of the wall and it illuminates the entire room, allowing the light to be reflected off the white tiles that cover up the walls and the ceiling. Once again, the source of inspiration is Designplatformllc.
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Another possibility is to illuminate the shower indirectly. Instead of having a window in the shower you can have the window positioned on the opposite wall so the light enters the shower and the rest of the bathroom. Of course, that means a transparent glass enclosure is in order for the shower. {found on Spiveyarchitects}
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What about tiny shower windows? Well, that’s an option too. Check out this intriguing bathroom layout featured on marydewaltdesigngroup. The shower is positioned in the corner, framing the tub which gives the room a pretty symmetrical look. There are four tiny windows in the shower, high enough to maintain privacy.
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When it comes down to choosing an option, the decision should be made in relation to the unique particularities of the bathroom and the shower. That being said, it’s possible to combine two or more of the ideas we just presented, much like in the case of this stylish bathroom which has a direct connection to a garden and a set of clerestory windows. {found on Anthonywilder}
FAQ
What Is the Minimum Size of a Bathroom Window?
Typically, the width of a bathroom window ranges between 36 and 84 inches, while the height measures between 24 and 60 inches. That means that the minimum size for a bathroom window is 36 x 24 inches. Naturally, this depends on the type of window you choose.
Why Are Bathroom Windows so Small?
The bathroom is often the single room in the house where people can actually have some privacy (parents, you know what I’m talking about). With that in mind, you want a bathroom to be designed in such a way as to be both practical and private.
Small bathroom windows are intended to keep visibility to a minimum. They are frequently elevated above the internal walls to ensure maximum privacy. Despite this, they allow natural light to enter the room.
Can You Have a Full Size Window in a Shower?
Having a window in the shower is generally a good idea and, while you can totally opt for a full-sized window if your space allows it, is that always a good decision?
A very large shower window could be detrimental to your privacy, but that’s a situational dilemma. For instance, if your shower window is facing a secluded area of your backyard and you get to see blooming cherry trees while taking a shower, you should totally go for it.