11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (2023)

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Whether you’re looking for bathroom window ideas because you're redesigning and decorating your space from scratch, or if you simply want to freshen things up, you're in the right place. Choosing new and modern bathroom window treatments is a quick and effortless way to inject style into your bathroom space, all the while preserving the privacy that is key to this area of the house.

Here's our pick of the best window dressing ideas. Find more window treatment ideas in our dedicated hub, and check out more bathroom ideas in our inspiring gallery too.

What can I put on my bathroom window for privacy?

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Most homes will have frosted glazing for privacy so a window treatment tends to be chosen to bring colour or pattern into the room.It also adds a feeling of warmth and gives the perfect finishing touch to your décor.

What window coverings are best for bathrooms?

There are endless options available in a variety of fabrics, designs, patterns, prints and colours as well as the different types of window dressing.

Roller and Venetian blinds are the most popular as they are easy to install and cost effective. They are also hardwearing with clean, simple lines that sit flush against the window. Made to measure will create the perfect fit and many companies offer a free measuring service.

(Video) 20 Gorgeous Ideas for Bathroom Window Curtains

Window shutters are also becoming increasingly popular, as they give full coverage and complete privacy as well as great light control with easily adjustable louvers of varying sizes. Some fabrics are specially designed for bathroom use, withstanding moisture, heat and humidity to prevent the appearance of mould and mildew.

Where extra privacy is needed however, window film that can be applied straight on to the glass and simply removed and swapped for another frosted film design when you fancy a change.

1. Frame an arched window with shutters

Period properties often come with unusual and interesting shaped windows and it can be difficult to know how to dress them. This bathroom has a large arched feature window, which is perfectly finished with two panels of wooden shutters in a Rustic Grey stain. Available from Apollo Blinds (opens in new tab), they have 63mm louvres with nickel hinges and measure W100cm x D150cm. Prices start from £397 per sq m and they can be made to fit almost any size and shape of window.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (1)

(Image credit: Apollo Blinds)

2. Customise privacy and shading

With a top down, bottom up Duoshade Zinc pleated polyester thermal blind (opens in new tab) from Blinds 2 Go, you decide where you want the opened blind to sit. This made to measure design is energy saving too, as the outward facing fabric is white for improved solar protection. The honeycomb fabric is made from cells coated on the inside with reflective aluminium and it’s also a blackout design for complete privacy. Prices start from £84.50 for W95cm x D130cm.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (2)

(Image credit: Blinds2Go)

3. Mix things up with a fabric changer

If you know you like to change your window dressings more regularly than most, then a fabric changer system is for you. Its hook on/hook off design allows you to quickly and easily swap the blind for another pattern, print or colour when you fancy a quick room refresh. This Tranquillity Rust blackout fabric (opens in new tab) from Bloc Blinds is shown on a standard roller blind with built-in fabric changer option for instant fabric updates. It costs from £78 for W101cm x D101cm and also comes with a lifetime guarantee on the barrel system.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (3)

(Video) 3 Designer Hacks for Teensy Tiny Bathrooms!

(Image credit: Bloc Blinds)

4. Add a pop of colour

Give a contemporary or classic scheme a splash of colour with a DIY shutter that features a bold framed design. Available as café style, tier-on-tier or full height, choose from standard paints and finishes or custom colours, with prices from £166 per sq m at California Shutters (opens in new tab). You can also select waterproof vinyl as well as a wood hybrid, smooth or grained hardwood. This full height style shown lets you control the light, warmth and privacy as well as adding soundproofing and security, too.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (4)

(Image credit: California Shutters)

5. Choose Roman blinds for an elegant finish

We may not think of using Roman blinds in the bathroom but so long as there’s plenty of ventilation with an opening window and extractor fan, it can create a classy look. This Mineral Aqua design is from Hillarys’ Romans collection (opens in new tab) and costs from £138 for W65cm x D75cm. Find out more about Roman blinds in our guide.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (5)

(Image credit: Hillarys)

6. Design your own frosted film

Window film is a fantastic way to achieve instant privacy on clear glazing as well as giving the bathroom a focal point with etched frosted designs. The Window Film Company (opens in new tab) offers reflective films to combat heat, specialist UV films to guard against fading, frosted window films and solid vinyls with prices from £30 for W75.8cm x D60cm. Their frosted patterns give the appearance of acid-etched or sand-blasted glass and allow a good level of natural light through. Each order is cut to your exact measurements and you choose where you want the design.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (6)

(Video) BEST Window Coverings for Every Room | Julie Khuu

(Image credit: The Window Film Company )

7. Use Venetian blinds for Velux windows

Ideal for loft conversions where the en suite often comes with the challenge of sloping ceiings, Velux Venetian blinds (opens in new tab) are the perfect choice for Velux Integra® roof windows. Priced from £76, they are moisture resistant so are suitable for humid rooms and offer privacy, light control and cordless operation. There are nine colours to choose from including Midnight Blue, Charcoal and White with 35mm wide lacquered aluminium slats.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (7)

(Image credit: Velux)

8. Go for a minimal style with a roller blind

One of the easiest options is a roller blind and the heat efficiency and moisture resistant properties of Duette® blinds (opens in new tab) make them an ideal choice for the bathroom. Their designs can be cut to suit almost every shape of window with a made-to-measure service that also includes an in-home design consultation, measure and fit. Available in over 300 colour, texture and transparency options, prices start from £150 for W40cm x D60cm.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (8)

(Image credit: Duette)

9. Go halfway with wooden shutters

Many city apartments and period properties have bathrooms on the ground floor or facing the street, which can leave you rather exposed if the window isn’t frosted. For the best of both worlds, offering privacy and plenty of natural light, cover just half the window with shutters. Café designs from Shutterly Fabulous (opens in new tab) are a half-height plantation style, which cost from £299 per sq m. Choose their waterproof polyvinyl for maximum durability.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (9)

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(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous )

10. Cover floor to ceiling windows

Go large with luxury charcoal faux silk textured blackout roller blinds from English Blinds (opens in new tab) when you need coverage for floor-to-ceiling windows. The custom-made Bartlett Basque design is made to measure for the perfect fit and cost from £47.31 for W40cm x D60cm.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (10)

(Image credit: English Blinds)

11. Leave the window undressed in a small bathroom

Assuming you're not overlooked – and this is often the case in a loft bathroom, for example, leaving the window undressed can be very practical and increase the feeling of space in the room.

Find more loft conversion ideas in our design gallery.

11 ideas to help transform your bathroom with a fresh window treatment (11)

(Image credit: The Albion Bath Company)

Looking for more bathroom inspiration?

  • How to pick the right sized tiles for a small bathroom
  • Bathroom storage ideas
  • Bathroom lighting ideas

FAQs

What can I cover my bathroom window with? ›

  • Frosted Window Tinting. One of the best ways to maintain your bathroom privacy is frosted window tinting. ...
  • Roman Shades. ...
  • Wooden Shutters. ...
  • Bathroom Window Curtains. ...
  • Privacy Film. ...
  • Sheer Curtains. ...
  • Double-sided Mirror Window Film. ...
  • Hang A Piece of Art Over Your Window.
Nov 24, 2021

How do you dress a bathroom window for privacy? ›

For privacy without sacrificing brightness, choose bathroom window treatments that filter light rather than blocking it. Look for a light-colored fabric that's thin enough to let natural light shine through. You should also make sure to select a fabric, such as cotton, that will hold up well in humid bath conditions.

What is the best option for bathroom windows? ›

Casement windows are a great choice for the bathroom. They're tall and open outward, making them perfect for narrow walls and small spaces. If you currently have a double-hung window in your bathroom, you might swap it out for a casement window for a new look!

How can I cover my bathroom window without curtains? ›

You can use household objects in front of the window to block the view, or you can create your own covering using film or glass paint. If you're looking for a more permanent option, you can hang blinds, shades, or shutters. Whatever you choose, your home is sure to look incredible once you add your personal touch!

What can I put on my window besides curtains? ›

Valances—and there are plenty of other non-curtain options you can choose from as well, including blinds, shades, shutters, verticals, roman shades, and stained glass film.

What kind of curtains go in a bathroom? ›

In most cases a quick-drying, machine washable material such as linen, cotton or voile will be the best options, though for large bathroom ideas, that have baths rather than showers, heavier materials can be used, so long as the moisture and humidity levels in the room are kept to a minimum.

How do you make a small bathroom window look nice? ›

  1. Choose a sheer panel for a light, breezy look and feel. ...
  2. Let dramatic florals dazzle and 'blind' ...
  3. Remove the need for curtains in a shower area with an obscure window film. ...
  4. Incorporate your window treatment with a two-tone bathroom scheme. ...
  5. Set the scene, temperature and privacy with light filtering shutters.
Jan 1, 2022

Do people put blinds in bathroom windows? ›

We recommend faux wood blinds and shutters for bathroom window coverings, as well as vinyl roller shades and vinyl or aluminum blinds. These options all stand up to the humidity and moisture present in a bathroom while offering plenty of privacy and style.

Is it better to have a window or a fan in bathroom? ›

Unfortunately, if your bathroom doesn't have a window, then a ceiling fan will not do much to help reduce the moisture in the air. Without a window, it is essential that you use a bathroom exhaust fan.

Where is the best place to put a window in a bathroom? ›

At the foot of the bath.

It makes so much sense to place a window at the base of your bathtub, as you can enjoy some lovely sunshine or romantic starlight, as you bathe. Just be sure you choose privacy glass, if you have neighbours!

What is the most efficient window design? ›

Window Style

In terms of operable windows, hinged-sash windows such as casement and awning windows are typically the most energy efficient as they create a firm weathertight seal when closed.

What can I put on my windows so I can see out but no one can see in day and night? ›

Privacy window film is a beautifully useful, versatile, and affordable product for homes. The best privacy window films are frosted window films for your bathroom, your bedroom, your kitchen, or any room, and they are most affective when no one can see inside or outside of a window at any time during the day or night.

What is the cheapest way to dress a window? ›

Window Shutters

Budget shutters are the best cheap window dressing because they're the most versatile, they're easy to install, and they'll fit your windows perfectly no matter what size they are. Also, these shutters can be paired with curtains and blinds for complete flexibility.

Are valances outdated? ›

So, to answer the question above, Yes, valances are still in style when made out of trending fabrics, colors and designs! Plus, classic designs are always in style, they just may need to be updated in a more current fabric pattern or color.

Why does Martha Stewart have no curtains? ›

“Fabric designers and fabric makers may not like me, but I like shades,” she says. “I have shades on all my windows to protect the furniture, the fabrics on my bed, and my rugs from fading. But I really don't care about having a lot of draperies, curtains, or fancy window treatments.”

How do you make curtains look modern? ›

Choose colorful, textured, and/or patterned fabric to make the most impact. They Can Make Your Space Look Larger: Extending the curtain rod beyond the actual window- both in terms of height and width, makes you think the window is larger, and the ceilings taller, than they actually are.

Is it OK to have blinds without curtains? ›

"It all depends on the amount of color and pattern in a room," she explains. "If there's a lot of it, by skipping window treatments you can make everything still feel fresh and not overdone." Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

What color should bathroom curtains be? ›

Crisp White Gives a Clean Look. White shower curtains are the best for small bathrooms. Rather than bogging down a space with heavy accents, white curtains open up a room. They also tend to go with any type of bathroom style.

What blinds are best in a bathroom? ›

For blinds that are likely to get wet regularly or deal with a lot of moisture in the air, the best option is to pick PVC and vinyl blinds (which means PVC roller blinds or PVC vertical blinds), or faux-wood blinds, which are highly water resistant (but might not take an actual dunking on a regular basis).

What kind of curtains are trending? ›

Curtain materials like organic cotton, bamboo and recycled fabrics are becoming increasingly popular choices for window treatments. Not only are these materials better for the environment, but they also offer a natural, organic feel to a space.

How do you make windows look like a fancier? ›

13 Interior Designer Tricks to Make Your Windows Look Bigger
  1. of 13. Extend rods beyond the frame. ...
  2. of 13. Layer curtains and shades. ...
  3. of 13. Use sturdy fabric. ...
  4. of 13. Cover walls with curtains. ...
  5. of 13. Paint a border around your window. ...
  6. of 13. Hang your rod higher. ...
  7. of 13. Avoid white walls. ...
  8. of 13.
Jan 23, 2017

What is the best way to dress a small window? ›

5 tips on how to style your small window
  1. Make curtains the focal point. ...
  2. Add a vertical pattern to add height. ...
  3. Strategic positioning of curtain poles and tracks. ...
  4. Use Voiles to make your space light and airy. ...
  5. Add blinds and luxe fabrics.
Dec 22, 2022

How do I make my window cute? ›

Here are some awesome, easy, and budget friendly ways you can turn your blank window spaces stylish.
  1. Decorate Windows With Zebra Striped Cornices. ...
  2. Create Bamboo Roman Shades. ...
  3. Add Fabric to Drop Cloth Curtains. ...
  4. Use Napkin Rings as Drapery Ties. ...
  5. Make a Curved Cornice Board. ...
  6. Make Seasonal Curtains From Tablecloths.
Sep 2, 2015

How do you make a bathroom feel homely? ›

If you're looking for ideas to make your bathroom a restful nook, here are some that will get you started.
  1. Try a Rain Showerhead. ...
  2. Enclose the Tub. ...
  3. Add Splashes of Color With Textiles. ...
  4. Add Some Furniture. ...
  5. Invest in Shelving. ...
  6. Install a Heated Towel Rack. ...
  7. Decorate With Treats. ...
  8. Towel Racks in All Shapes and Types.
Mar 6, 2019

Is it OK to have a window in a shower? ›

Having a window in the shower provides natural light and offers a way to ventilate the room. A well-placed bathroom window also acts as a key design element and can make a small room feel larger. But, you must choose the right type of window and the correct proportions to maintain privacy.

Should I leave bathroom fan on all night? ›

Most experts suggest that you must not leave your fan on for long periods. You will only waste energy if you leave your fan on for a long time. Instead, it would be better if you used it only during and after your shower. That way, you will not waste a lot of energy and even exhaust out all the humidity.

Where is the best place to vent a bathroom fan? ›

When the fan is in the center of the bathroom, it actually drags the moisture from the shower across the room rather than venting it straight out and away. To prevent this, bath fans should be placed in the shower or just outside of the shower to eliminate moisture at the source.

What is the best way to ventilate a bathroom? ›

The most popular choice for bathroom ventilation is an extractor fan. These small, electronic fans are installed in your wall or ceiling and suck in air before directing it outside.

Where should bathroom door face? ›

The bathroom entrance must be at the Northern or the Eastern wall. According to Vastu, the door should never be in the South-west direction. Since your bathroom is attached to your bedroom, always keep the bathroom door closed when not in use.

Does a window above a tub need to be tempered? ›

According to International Building Code, if you have any fixture with a door (bathtub, shower, sauna, etc.), any window less than 60 inches above the floor must be tempered.

Do frosted windows need blinds? ›

The semi or fully opaque window eliminates the need for blinds, curtains, or other coverings. While a window is a top choice for frosted glass in the bathroom space, it isn't the only option.

What makes a high quality window? ›

Having any type of Low-E is better than none at all. The thickness of the glass itself is also important. You want to look for windows that have double-strength, or 1/8th inch glass. Stronger glass has less ability to flex or droop, and therefore less opportunity to have seal failure.

What style window lets in the most air? ›

With the ability to open out to as much as 95%, Louvre Windows are ideal for encouraging ventilation in your home. Their variable opening angles also allow you to control and direct this ventilation as desired and required.

What is most popular window style? ›

Double-Hung

The most popular window in the U.S., and the most appropriate type for traditional house styles, it has two sashes that slide up and down.

What is Ghost window? ›

The ghost box or ghost window occurs above the taskbar when the search option in Windows 11 gets stuck while finding results. This makes users unable to access anything behind it.

How do you make window treatments look expensive? ›

Hang them high—and wide.

Mount your curtain hardware as close to the ceiling as possible for a high-end look. Longer panels will be able to reach the floor from a high rod, and make your space appear taller.

How do you hang sheets over windows? ›

The most common way to hang sheets or towels is by pushpins or tacking nails. Tacking nails are preferable and used with a hammer to tap the nails vertically downwards on the very top of the external window frame. Pins should be applied the same way as this avoids any visible holes once removed.

How do you dress a window with no view? ›

Here are a few window treatment ideas to help you at hiding a bad window view.
  1. Use indoor plants as an attractive distraction. ...
  2. Hang curtains. ...
  3. Hang an interesting mobile over the window. ...
  4. Use mirrors to distract and reflect. ...
  5. Install glass film. ...
  6. Create an outdoor screen. ...
  7. Cover the ugly window and just create a new one.
Nov 2, 2020

Are drapes going out of style? ›

Short answer: YES! Especially if you're not into super-ultra-stark-modern design…which if you're reading my blog, is likely the case. The draperies of today definitely don't look like the giant balloon swags of the 80's or the lacy country curtains of the 60's.

Are curtains out of style now? ›

Curtains are very much back in vogue! Discover the latest curtain trends, as well as what's hot in blinds, plus as expert advice on how to hang them and tackle tricky projects like bay windows… When it comes to choosing fabric window dressings for your room, there's a lot to think about.

Are apron length curtains out of style? ›

These aren't as popular as they used to be, but apron curtain lengths are still acceptable and undeniably practical. Your curtains won't gather dust and dirt from the floor, and they'll be easy to open and close.

Does window privacy film work in bathroom? ›

Bathrooms are full of water and steam, but you don't have to worry about your window film getting damaged by all that moisture. Window film is extremely durable and will not deteriorate due to humidity, mold, or mildew. Window film is also extremely easy to clean.

Can you use plastic sheeting to cover windows? ›

If you own and you aren't ready to replace old windows or you need an extra barrier of protection around old windows, there is a low-cost option. Single-pane windows and cracked windows need more than just weatherstripping around the frame. Handy do-it-yourselfers cover these draughty windows with plastic sheeting.

What can I put on my windows so I can see out but no one can see in at night? ›

Less expensive than curtains, which only do their job when closed, window film allows you to protect your privacy while still letting filtered light into your home's rooms. Besides privacy, window film reduces glare making it perfect for a home office or to make watching TV easier.

How do I make my windows private without blinds? ›

How to Add Privacy to Any Window Without Curtains or Blinds
  1. Privacy Screen. ...
  2. Hanging Object. ...
  3. Plants. ...
  4. Frosted Glass. ...
  5. Faux Stained Glass. ...
  6. Macrame. ...
  7. Shelving. ...
  8. Outdoor Shutters.
Feb 10, 2020

How do you deal with a window in the shower? ›

Window treatments are the simplest and quickest ways to add privacy. Two top choices are waterproof Roman shades, mounted over the window, or bathroom window shutters, which are vertical stiles and horizontal rails made of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or faux wood and fitted into the window frame.

What is the best glass for bathroom privacy? ›

Also known as translucent glass, frosted glass lets in more light than other forms of obscure glass, but still provides some privacy. ' Frosted glass is among the most commonly used obscure glass types in the bathroom, because its opaque effect offers the highest level of privacy.

Can people see through frosted bathroom windows? ›

Can you see through Frosted Glass? You can't see through frosted glass in the same way you can see through clear glass. It is designed to obscure the view. However, it won't completely block your view either.

Is it better to plastic the inside or outside of windows? ›

Is It Better to Put Plastic on the Inside or Outside of Windows? If you're looking for a temporary solution to keeping the cold air out during the winter, installing plastic on the outside of your windows is a good idea.

Can you put aluminum foil on windows to keep cold out? ›

Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using aluminum foil-covered cardboard that goes between windows and drapes.

How do you make a terrible bathroom look nice? ›

8 Cheap, Easy Ways to Upgrade an Ugly Bathroom
  1. Smart Tiles. Hide A Horrific Tile Backsplash With Tile Decals. What was the last owner thinking with that floral pattern? ...
  2. Decorpad. Spray Paint Old Hardware With A Shiny, New Finish. ...
  3. In My Own Style. Brighten A Medicine Cabinet With Shelf Liner. ...
  4. BHG. Use A Ladder To Stack Towels.
Aug 27, 2015

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