There are top-down bottom-up shades that you can get - we had one from Hunter Douglas in our old home. That lets you have the shade go all the way down to the bottom but still have the top part of the window exposed so you can see out.

In our current bathroom we have a window over the tub and have faux wood blinds on it. Keep them closed most of the time but can open them when you don't need privacy or if you want to look out once you're in the tub.

Thanks snowyshasta.

So far I'm going with the faux wood blinds. I talked to the local window coverings place about top-down/bottom up shades and their opinion was that the lifespan wouldn't be too long in the kind of conditions I'll have.

If only there was a shower curtain that would descend from a hidden compartment in the ceiling I'd be set.

Are you replacing your window soon? We have the same problem with our remodel, and DH swears that the "contractors special" replacement window can be done with frosted glass. (I told him I need to see it first....the window is right next to the front door, so I really don't want it to look cheesy!) On the Andersen site, it also mentions patterned glass. Or of course, if it's in your budget, you could go for their art glass line. Have you ever considered having a stained glass artist make a simple panel to hang in front of the window? I'm kind of leaning that way right now.

I love the stained glass idea! I am getting a new window, but I "tested" a window film on this old window and I didn't like the way it looked (granted I got the Ace hardware cheapo contac-paper looking kind). But I didn't like the way it blocked the view of the tree outside without adding anything nice in return. But if I had something pretty to look at on the bottom panel, and left the top panel open, that would compensate for the loss of the lower clear window.

Thank you!!! I love that idea!!

You're welcome. That's the great thing about this place.

Post pics when you're done...I think I'm going to try the same thing, with the upper panel open, so I won't miss the view to the holly tree outside!

I'm going to a local stained-glass maker tomorrow. I will post pictures when this idea comes to fruition. Now, onto the next question--what to do about the shower curtain.

You can do it yourself. They sell liquid leading that you sqeeze over the lines of the pattern onto your glass and marbleized film in all colors you can cut to size for your design. The whole thing is sold in kits i think. You can also put your design on the window with the liquid leading and fill in only some areas with clear, textured glass paint, or use clear paints in colors.

Also, what about pretty shutters on the lower half of the window you can open as much as you like.

Blondelle, I don't have any experience with stained glass but you make it sound interesting. What I liked about my local person is that she'll work with me on colors. I'll check her out and if it's not right I may look into the DIY route.

I'd love shutters but there'd be no room to open them--one side is the shower wall and the other is the eave, and the tub is scooched right next to the window--I think the space is too tight.

Blondelle, I used that faux stained glass stuff years ago (made a light panel for the dropped ceiling in the basement....seemed like a good idea at the time; DH hated it, lol). I can't remember...can it be cleaned? Is it okay to use in damp situations? I do remember it was a little hard to get it looking less faux.....

We have had faux wood 2" blinds inside our bath/shower and it has been trouble free, complete privacy,adjustable light control and keeps water away from the window sill. Bought a fabric shower curtain from Amazon.com, I think it's called Wondertex? It is a silky white nylon and dries almost instantly And, it folds back to almost nothing! Can't believe I struggled with vinyl all those years, this light fabric is Perfect! Tip I read, to iron the pleats before hanging to fold back the way you want. As for bath/shower door, we actually had one that was two horizontal panels that dropped down, one overlapping the other. I LOVE it and was sick that it was broken during a remodel. Wish I'd taken more pictures of it, Brilliant and Beautiful!

Bodica, I think we talked about faux-wood blinds before, and that is now my plan B--I just talked to a local stained-glass maker and if she can come up with a design I like (and I think she will) I am going to put a panel in the lower window for privacy. I may also include faux-wood blinds.

Now, could you please explain the two horizontal panels that dropped down? Where do they drop from? Is that what holds the shower curtain or is THAT the curtain? Did someone build it or did you buy it? I am VERY curious!

I will try to find the words to discribe the doors. There was an exterior frame. The side frames had two tracks, one for each panel. Standing in the tub, the furthest track was for the bottom panel, then when the second panel was dropped down, it overlapped the top of the first panel. Each had a drip ledge so no water escaped but into the tub. The frame was alluminium and the panels a very light weight plexiglass. I do not know mechanically how they stayed up, maybe like a window sash, I'll ask hubby.They were light weight and always stayed where placed. When up they looked a bit like a transom window wall to wall above the tub and when down looked like regular sliding shower doors except horizontal rather than vertical. I loved having the tub all open for bathing children and big dogs, lol. We bought them in the early 70's and I have always been curious why they are not available. The patent must be expired. I would buy again in a heart beat! The shower curtain replaced those door. Don't know if this makes any sence at all, so I'll look for a picture.

Bodica, I've just spent way too much time online trying to track down what you are saying, to no avail. It sounds absolutely perfect, but I don't know if such a thing exists any more, but my internet searches were in vain.

If you ever do have more info, or find a picture, I'd love to see it. It sure does sound like a great solution.

Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I too have searched many times and can't imagine why no one still make this design. OH, I just had an idea, let me check to see if it was a credit card charge and if I have a recpt that might give a name. Please forgive me for all your search time. Seems like someone who know how to construct a sash window should be able to re-create this idea. Want to go in business with me, lol?

Funny! At least we know we'd have a couple of customers--you and me!

What about bifold shutters (takes less room) or a fixed shutter on the bottom half of the window where you can open and close the slats. Here's a link to a thread on that with photos. They are very pretty and might work well for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: 1/2 window shutters

Thank you Blondelle! Those really are very pretty. I am so glad to have these creative options up my sleeve.

Our solution was to just take out the window. After listening to all the problems people have had with windows over the tub/shower combo, we decided it wasn't worth worrying about. We put in a solar tube to get natural light and are very pleased with the result.