motorized shades in bathroom

3 years ago

We have 3 large windows in the new master bath, one of them in a not-so-accessible spot behind the bathtub. Most days, we will likely use the separate shower stall. I’d like to install motorized blinds as this is a townhome community with close neighbors.

I was interested in the IKEA Fyrtur motorized blackout shades, but the description says not appropriate for bathrooms. Does anyone have experience with motorized window treatment in bathrooms? Is it too humid?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

jandsmom

3 years ago

We have Hunter Douglas behind our tub. I couldn't imagine not having a remote blind there. This past weekend was the first time my husband had to change them since we've had them and it's been two years. They do take a lot of batteries. 12-AA's. He just climbed onto the surround.

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Comments (9)

Apple
Original Author
3 years ago
Additional note that the SO really prefers no window treatment at all, which is unrealistic. So I figured the motorized shades would be a good compromise because most of the day, the windows can be completely unobstructed but I can also easily get privacy if I want
beesneeds
3 years ago
I've heard advice around here often enough with electrical stuff is that if it isn't built or approved for bathroom use, don't use it. Especially around the tub, there's clearances for stuff like lights, so might be for motorized stuff too.

Maybe use some manual shades that go from the bottom up to keep the lower panels of the windows covered over the tub?
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chispa
3 years ago
I would use bottom-up/top-down shades so you can obstruct the view in the lower half of the window, but still keep the view out the top half. Hunter Douglas makes good quality ones.

I would also not have an issue with a battery powered blind over the tub as it isn't getting wet and as long as you regularly use a fan when showering there should be no adverse effects from some low level humidity. You can use standard cords on the other 2 windows.
Apple thanked chispa
User
3 years ago
Can you reach the head rail to keep changing out batteries? Because if you can’t, hardwiring is your only option. And that gets expensive for damp area use.
T eresa
3 years ago
Do you want to have the ability to see out/let light in at all? If not, consider film. It comes in some decent designs and goes on and removes easily. Plus nobody sees your naked butt ever!
Apple
Original Author
3 years ago
@chispa thanks for your input on the battery issue! to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the bottom-up/top-down shade look.

@User yes, I can reach it. I just have to stand on the bathtub to do so, but it wouldn't be a huge deal if I only have to do it every several months.

@T eresa definitely worth considering the film route. I'd prefer to just do it on the bottom portions of the windows, but I don't really like the look of a half-filmed window... I definitely need to think about this
Nancy in Mich
3 years ago
Shades now come rechargeable. You just have to plug them in (possibly USB) every few months.
Apple
Original Author
3 years ago
@jandsmom glad to hear your experience! I'm waiting on a quote from Hunter Douglas. I like that they have a 5-year warranty on the motor, but still trying to decide if I'm ready to shell out that kind of money...