skip to main content

Bathrooms Windows Design Dilemma

bathroom windows & privacy front of house

4 years ago

Don’t ask me why I didn’t think about this at all when our architect placed three windows along the front of our house where the new master bathroom is going but I didn’t until outside walls were built and rough plumbing is in. I wanted lots of natural light and from a layout/remodel that was the only place for the bathroom.

Now I’m ordering windows and realize I have no idea how to not one day flash my neighbors. Help!!

Obviously landscaping will help. I’d wanted casement windows for airflow. I didn’t initially think of frosting because I wanted the same windows across the hole new front.

Attaching plans of master bathroom, and front of house so you’ll see what I’m stuck with. Ugh this is so stressful!!!

Featured Answer

pattyl11

4 years ago

Top Down Bottom Up Cellular shades or Roman shades. Blinds or use Plantation Shutters.

https://www.hunterdouglas.com/window-treatments?cmp=PS-B-B_Brand_US&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=Paid&utm_campaign=B_Brand_US&userguid=2c9cf413-3f01-4ba9-98df-e0c46853e4d9

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

NJ Mom
4 years ago
They sell cling-film to frost the windows. Even have pretty stained glass designs if that's your jam.
Related Discussions
Privacy with bathroom windows, overlooking porch
Q
Comments (6)
I have a frosted Anderson window in my upstairs bath and I was planning to use the same kind in my powder room which would face my porch. I think it adds adequate privacy, but its hard to say since its upstairs and no one looks directly at the window. I also have a stained glass window in another part of the house and it would not provide adequate privacy. Pretty though. If you just want light, I hear light tubes are great (but no ventilation). I was also thinking of keeping my window quite small for security reasons (could be easy break in point in the back of the house). So many decisions.... OT- Thanks Lavender_Lass for all your help with my kitchen layout. I think I am making progress. I'll post a revision on Kitchen forum soon.
...See More
What Size Window for this Bathroom? Privacy Glass or Clear?
Q
Comments (14)
Windowswashington: Thank you for your reply. I didn't see it before I posted mine. Are you suggesting that we make the window smaller than it is now to avoid additional framing work? Will it be almost as much work to keep the window the same size as to make it a bit taller? Since you're the second person who has mentioned how much work is involved in reframing, I'm thinking that this must be a really big deal. The person who is going to do the work didn't seem bothered by it. He has built homes for a living so I hope he knows what he's talking about and this doesn't involve tearing half the wall apart. If we keep the window the same size, would the wall still have to be cut on the interior at the lower portion of the window frame? Millworkman: Can you tell me how many inches of damage to the stucco would be involved in replacing the header and approximately how many hours of work? The person doing the job knows how to re-texture the stucco. We do plan to paint the stucco on the entire house soon but I don't want to put our friend through hell to gain a few inches of glass. He's also offered to remove the drop ceiling in our kitchen, a project that my husband was horrified to take on when I suggested it.
...See More
Bathroom at front of house, want windows and privacy
Q
Comments (1)
I'd go with the obscure glass - you still get the light through the full size windows, you get the privacy for the bathroom, and the exterior of the house still looks good.
...See More
Front elevation and bathroom window dilemma
Q
Comments (17)
We have this issue in our current home! The original windows are high and horizontal/long - they make the house look like it's squinting if that makes sense. We're planning to enlarge both windows that flank the front door, including the bathroom window in our master even though it faces our courtyard (so not exactly visible from the street, but still visible from the front of our house). We're planning to install the same style of wooden shutters used throughout the house (bifold white wooden shutters), but a water-friendly version (assume they are PVC). Planning to keep the lower half closed most of the time to obscure the view into the window from outside while allowing light to come in through the top part. The current windows are reeded glass and I actually hate the look. Our windows, however, are not IN the shower - just in the bathroom. So that might make a difference. The windows on your house look really tall/long. Is it worth rearranging the bathroom floor plan so that the windows aren't in the tub/shower itself? We also looked at window films that obscure the view from the outside (make it look like a mirror) - there are several homes in our neighborhood that have this. It might be worth looking into - I have heard that at night, there might be some visibility, though.
...See More
lizziesma
4 years ago
I love our up/down shades for blocking neighbors view but what about that window in the shower?
steviepridenow
4 years ago
Frosted glass on the bottom or the whole is the best option if you want privacy and light in a wet area. Are the windows waterproof in the shower? Sure hope so. You need windows opaque enough not to show silhouettes at night.

Or get windows with internal blinds. If you have the money, there is polarizing glass. Needs electrical power.
pattyl11
4 years ago
http://www.smartglassinternational.com/switchable-glass/privacy-smartglass/
PRO
SOLARIS
4 years ago
Adding an opaque film will still allow light into your home but give complete privacy while being easier to clean than blinds or shades, particularly in a humid bathroom.

Smart glass switchable film/glass options are neat but extremely expensive ($100 + per SF) and corrosion of the electrical connections can be a concern in humid areas if not installed properly and most manufacturer's only offer a 1-year
Decorative Window Film - Indianapolis, IN · More Info

warranty.
remodeling1840
4 years ago
I think the big question is why the architect didn’t design those windows correctly. The window at the vanity is off center. That would grit my teeth every time I walked up to the counter. It is inexcusable that he/she didn’t catch the mistake with a window in the shower. Even film on the window won’t prevent shadowing shapes of people in the shower. I echo the thought of a correctly waterproof window in the shower, at the minimum.
houssaon
4 years ago
I think film and a few strategically placed trees and shrubs will do the job. It's lucky it isn't on the side of your house where you more than likely see a neighbor, people rarely go walking by to get a peep.
PRO
SOLARIS
4 years ago
In my experience, many architects are primarily concerned with the look from the outside, with form winning over function. You cannot count on them getting it right for you. Don't ever think you are stuck with something, you can still change it during the build, it will cost you but much less than doing it 5 years down the road after you can't take it anymore.
pattyl11
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You can try using a vinyl plantation shutter inside on the shower window, and traditional plantation shutters on the other two windows for some kind of uniformity from the exterior. Don't know how a vinyl plantation shutter in the shower would look like from the inside of the bathroom though.
gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
4 years ago
cafe curtains
fuzzy wuzzy
4 years ago
What are false metal Bahamian Shutters on your bathroom windows?

Related Stories

WINDOW TREATMENTS Bathroom Windows That Pull In Light and Add Privacy Too

Enjoy a bright, sunny space in comfort with one of these strategically designed window treatments

BATHROOM DESIGN Windows That Expose Your Bathroom to Light Without Exposing You

By Bagnato Architecture & Interiors

Enjoy the best of both worlds with window tricks that give you privacy along with the views and natural light

BATHROOM DESIGN Private Access: 12 Bathroom Windows That Reveal Only the Views

Be hidden but not hemmed-in with a strategically placed bathroom window that brings an outdoor view but not prying eyes

DECORATING GUIDES Solve Privacy Problems With Window Film

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Let the light in and keep prying eyes out with an inexpensive and decorative window film you can apply yourself

WINDOWS The Art of the Window: 10 Ways to Elevate Your Bathroom

By Jess McBride

These window styles and treatments bring in natural light while creating a restful and rejuvenating ambience

BEFORE AND AFTERS A Seattle Family Bathroom Gains Privacy and Polish

By Becky Harris

Too much togetherness, along with a major leak, leads to a full gut renovation of a 1908 bath

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

By Mink Home Staging

As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best

BATHROOM DESIGN A Window Above the Bathroom Sink: Feature or Flaw?

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See how clever design solutions let you have your vanity mirror and a great view, too

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 6 Front Yards That Balance Privacy With Curb Appeal

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Selective screens, layered plantings and low walls boost privacy but still keep yards welcoming to neighbors

EXTERIORS Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy

By Rebecca Naughtin Architect

Do you want more privacy without losing your view or feeling boxed in? Take a look at these creative building solutions

More Discussions

Does this exist for windows?

5

What do you think of dimensions for proposed window in kitchen update?

11

new window to wall in dark room

2

outdoor shades for clerestory windows

1

Awkward house exterior?

3