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Bathrooms Design Dilemma DIY

How to design a bathroom with no windows?

obentfirsthouse

3 years ago

I'm looking for suggestions - we're designing a remodel/addition and because of a variety of factors,, we will have a full bathroom in the middle of the house with no windows. solatube likely, skylight unfortunately probably out of our budget range. Obviously, this isn't ideal but since we're still in the design phase, I'd like to make the most of it and think of creative ways to lighten and spruce it up. Size is 5 x 8, finishes not yet finalized but we've been talking a relatively neutral, slate grey tile floor, light grey cabinet, white and ocean blue tile/walls. I thought of possibly a really beautiful piece of art/landscape/seascape with dedicated lighting, or (I'm not sure this is possible) but some type of led strip light effect under glass tile or... something. Looking for creative, more economical ideas! Got any?

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Comments (10)

PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
The answer is electricity and as your picture. This is most common a size, and very often has no window, Keep it clean and bright...........with plenty of consideration to electricity : ) surface mount and recessed.
shirlpp
3 years ago
It's not as bad as you might think. I had a condo for 10 years and neither bathroom had a window. The glass shower doors and vanity lights were enough to make me not think about a window.
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Love your house! I would move both the vanity and the toilet to the inside garage wall. First of all, the plumbing will be more protected against freezing. Make sure that your tub plumbing is also on an inside wall. Secondly, you can then put a more size appropriate windows (long to match the other lower windows) on the garage wall. One in the bath (put blinds up if you need privacy for the back yard.) and an additional window in the garage for symmetry. :)
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Adding a pocket door would be a good solution and you would be able to center your vanity and I would look for a lighter wood tone style and you might be able to go with a longer version and keep the counter to a minimum so it doesn't hang off too much - see below. Consider a pivot mirror and sconces (or a new light fixture). A patterned roman blind and if you didn't want to keep down all the time, add privacy film on the window. You could also add shelves above the toilet, as you don't need the rack.. guests use a small guest towel on the counter and add a hook on back of door for yourselves. Since you were talking about lots of money to move things, I would spend the money instead on the pocket door, vanity and accessories. It would be really pretty. Good luck.
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Make it smaller and above the spray would be a start. That’s in the danger zone for everything, not to mention a slip and trip straight through it. Safety glass would help with that, but you’d still get cut. You also need to learn about waterproofing membranes and decide which type you will be using. And the window will need to be vinyl, with the membrane properly integrated into it.
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PRO
CDR Design, LLC
3 years ago
Ample lighting, simple design and mirrors. Many bathrooms have no windows.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
3 years ago
I have that exact set up. I'd use a fan-light in tub/shower area, recessed outside of that, and lighting over the mirror. Use white tile and fixtures. Sliding glass door/enclosure for tub.
catbuilder
3 years ago
Even bathrooms that have windows usually have coverings over the windows that are never opened up.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
Lots of good lighting and you will never miss the window
obentfirsthouse
Original Author
3 years ago
thanks all, I appreciate the encouragement!
Newideas
3 years ago
We have solartubes in our master bath and our laundry room. They are fantastic!
Kathleen Cordes
3 years ago
Bright led lighting and keeping the finishes in the bathroom light make it feel bright.
felizlady
3 years ago
Good lighting on walls and ceiling are imperative so that someone standing in front of the mirror will have h/h face illuminated from several angles without shadows. The other major need will be a quality/powerful exhaust vent to take excess moisture and smells outside through the roof. Solatubes can be used if the house is one level.

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