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Bathrooms Windows Design Dilemma

bathroom windows & privacy front of house

5 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

5 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

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Comments (12)

NJ Mom
5 years ago
They sell cling-film to frost the windows. Even have pretty stained glass designs if that's your jam.
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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.
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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.
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Not sure if one needs to disrobe in front of the window to see if its effective or not, lol, however I do agree with having a spouse or friend moving about on the interior in a fashion that you normally would to see what privacy it offers. Keep in mind that the closer you are to the glass, its effectiveness at obscuring the occupant(s) is diminished. In short, if the window is in the shower, you may have a legit worry. If its 4 ft away however, not likely that much will be seen.
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I did a 3-pane glass door on my laundry room to allow natural light in, but unfortunately our neighbors built their house further back than anticipated, exposing our glass door to their driveway. I used frosted film on the 2 lower panes for privacy and it has worked very well. I found a company online that will pre-cut the film to any dimensions, for a small extra fee. Well worth it as the hardest part is cutting the film. Going with a film gives you the option of only doing certain parts and being able to remove it completely down the road.
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lizziesma
5 years ago
I love our up/down shades for blocking neighbors view but what about that window in the shower?
steviepridenow
5 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
5 years ago
http://www.smartglassinternational.com/switchable-glass/privacy-smartglass/
PRO
SOLARIS
5 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
5 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
5 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
5 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
5 years ago
last modified: 5 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
5 years ago
cafe curtains
User
5 years ago
What are false metal Bahamian Shutters on your bathroom windows?

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