Master bathroom window: frosted, shades, or something else?
Hello, Houzzers! We're building a house that's expected to be completed in mid-November. Our master bathroom has two tall windows in it, and I'm trying to decide whether to frost them, use shades, or something else.
Originally we chose to have them frosted since that seemed like the reasonable choice for privacy in a bathroom. But I started doing some research and I've read that frosted windows are dated (?). Also, we have a moderately nice view out that window from some angles, and I hate to permanently lose it. On the other hand, a friend of mine was complaining about how her master bath window isn't frosted, so she just has to leave the blinds closed all the time and she wishes she could open them to get natural light. But she can't if she wants the privacy, so frosted windows would give us the light and privacy.
Here's the floor plan. The windows in question are on the left wall. We basically never take baths, but we'll probably be walking across the room undressed frequently to get to the closets where our clothes are.
They're also quite tall, as you can see here:
We're moderately close to our neighbors, and they definitely have windows that could see right into the bathroom:
In terms of other options, we could get sheer curtains, but I think we'd still be pretty visible at night. We could get those internal shutter things like this one below, which would at least be very easy to open and close.
I guess another option is those auto-opening Ikea blinds, and then we could just set it on a timer or a light switch (I assume?).
I'm just not sure what to do. I hate to lost the view and I hate to lose the natural light, but also I want to be able to walk into our bathroom undressed and be sure nobody can see me!
What do you guys think? I'm really torn.
Comments (7)
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Would not having a window in the master bathroom a deal breaker f
Comments (24)Certainly not a deal breaker. Keep in mind that you're probably not getting responses that are representative of home buyers in general--the people here are largely enthusiasts, who have spent a lot of time looking and thinking about houses. Ask the people in the kitchen forum if not having an exterior vented hood is a deal breaker, and most would say yes. Ask your average layperson this, and the response would be "what's an exterior vented hood?" So if you're happy with it, some other buyer will be, too. I think the solatube is a great option and I would not be terribly concerned about leaking. My parents have a master bath w/ no windows and installed one, not because they thought they needed one but so they could not turn on the lights during the day (they are funnily frugal folks considering they nearly live in a mansion). They bought a cheap model from a big box store, my dad installed it himself, and haven't had an issue with it--and we will in Nebraska, where we get snow and rain as hard as anybody (last year's drought notwithstanding). One thing my parents did before the solatube was install a dim fluorescent accent light (back in the 80s) which they kept on when we had company over. It provided the same kind of ambient lighting a window usually does and was very pleasant. You might consider having two types of lighting to get a similar effect....See MorePlease help me do something with this UNIQUE bathroom....
Comments (12)Came here via your post in Buying and Selling forum... Picture #2 on the wall with the pink & blue pattern - what is that "blob" thing that looks like either plastic or glass cubes? I've been shopping for flooring & counter top for the last few months, so things you can get at the local Depot / Lowes are still fresh in my mind. If you did replace the floor, would you try to buy locally or would you mail order? The floor is where I would start before picking a paint color. Ok, interesting choice of tiles. It reminds me of hotel colors minus the pink & blue. I like the vanity, I might have gone a little darker, but that was popular back then. Not my choice of counter top as it's too dark, you might be able to sell it and get something more complimentary with the money if you change your mind. I have lots of samples from Depot & Lowes, the colors in the tile are still used as accents in a few. Next time you go shopping, pick up samples so that you have them, who knows it may inspire you. You may have seen me mention the Italia stone we used in the main bathroom on the floor. It's a heavier peel & stick, it would compliment that really well. In the tile there is a blueish grey, which would make the blue tile look like it belonged more. I would start grabbing flooring samples too so that you know what's out there. This will give you an idea of what you should keep (vanity or counter) and what you can work with. I'm almost positive there was another Italia stone that would compliment the colors of the tile & tie the counter in, then you're left with figuring out what to do with the vanity color. With all of these sites like Craiglists, you have the option to make some cash off of what you don't reuse. For accessories, if you will use them, to get an idea of what you're into; do you like florals, solids?...See Moremaster closet in master bathroom yes or no and why?
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Comments (26)Mrs Pete! You little devil! I've been called worse, but not since school ended two weeks ago. Seriously, I was glad to be helpful. After looking at the full-house layout, I have two pieces of advice: - Beware over-improving the bathroom. This is a small house with small bedrooms. It feels like a house in which a simple 3-piece bath would be appropriate in the master. Not what you want to hear, but I think it's solid financial advice. - Second, bummer, but I don't see any better options for the laundry, and everything I drew was predicated on moving the laundry elsewhere /having that bit more space. This pix below is a nice idea ... but do you have the space for it? Someone help me here ... a curb-less shower must slope 1/2" per foot /requires 4' of space. At least it's sloping away from the tub. This type of shower is expensive for a new build ... extremely expensive as an addition to an existing house ... and essentially impossible if you have a slab foundation (do you know what type of foundation you have?). The bathroom, as it exists now, is 6'4" across ... so 4' for the slope leaves 28" for the tub and the entrance to the shower. You could use a shorter piece of shower glass, but that would leave you with trip hazzard in the spot where the floor transitions. You could do this WITH A CURB. It would eliminate the slope problems, and without the clawfoot tub, you're eliminating the problems of cleaning around the tub....See More
Jilly
2 years ago
It’s really just personal preference. Mine would be plantation shutters — they look great with many styles of decor and are very versatile in regards to light and privacy control. A classic look.
Congrats on your new house!Sarah thanked Jilly
BeverlyFLADeziner