In no room are window treatments more necessary than in the bathroom. But adding window treatments is an easy task to check off your list. A set of white blinds and you’re good to go, right? Uh-uh, not so fast. If you want to fill your bathroom with style and functionality, choosing bathroom window treatments can be a decision fraught with confusion. This is because you have many different options, each with its own pros and cons.
To clear the air, we’ve rounded up the 6 best bathroom window treatments that provide both privacy and style. So, let’s get started!
Roman Shades
If you’re looking for something elegant, Roman shades are great for a soft and tailored look. When you lower them, they provide full coverage for privacy. And, when raised, Roman shades fold neatly into horizontal pleats. They come in a variety of fabrics (linen or cotton blends and vinyl-coated fabric work well in high-humidity settings). For the bathroom, we recommend neutral tones and slightly textured materials, so your shades can offer style, too.
A special mention for linen Roman shades that can bring a relaxed and elegant feel to powder baths. Nothing says relaxation quite like linen. Another perk? The breezy fabric is super lightweight and often a bit sheer, so it will not weigh down your design scheme. Plus, this fabric allows sunlight to illuminate the room—even when the shade is lowered. This is a savvy trick in bold-hued bathrooms, where the subtle light can keep the dark shades from feeling too heavy.
Privacy Window Film
Think of this as an alternative to traditional curtains—just without their bulky presence in small bathrooms. Privacy window film is an adhesive film that you can directly apply to the glass. This creates a frosted or decorative effect, which obscures the view from outside while still allowing natural light to enter the space. The latter sure is one of its benefits over opaque curtains, where the price for privacy is blocking all natural light entering the space. Plus, privacy won’t be taking up any physical space with window films.
What we love about privacy window films is the versatility they offer. From simple frosted designs to intricate floral patterns, you can find it in many different styles. Additionally, many privacy window films are peel-and-stick, so you can do it all by yourself without damaging the window. This also makes it a suitable option for renters who want to update their bathroom style without a long-term commitment.
Full Drapes
Full drapes in a bathroom? With the right mood and window placement, absolutely. Full drapes work especially well in bathrooms with high ceilings or freestanding tubs. Here, the floor-to-ceiling length of the fabric adds to the overall sophistication of the design. Pair them with a freestanding tub, and you’ll create a spa-like ambiance.
However, you want to keep in mind that full drapes work best in spaces that don’t experience a lot of direct water exposure. For example, windows far from the shower or tub. In such cases, they can frame the window beautifully and add a sense of grandeur. Consider a set of sheer curtains in a soft gray tone, elevating the space to living room-quality elegance!
Plantation Shutters
These are a more permanent window treatment for bathrooms. Plantation shutters feature wide, adjustable louvers that allow you to control both privacy and light. With just a tilt, you can block the view from outside while still letting in natural light. Unlike opaque options like curtains, plantation shutters give you privacy without sacrificing brightness.
Plus, these shutters are a long-lasting solution for humid environments. This is because they’re often crafted from moisture-resistant materials (think vinyl or composite). They’re also easy to maintain; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth will keep them pristine. In terms of style, their clean and classic look can complement many different interior design styles. Plus, because plantation shutters are custom-fitted to your window, they create a polished look that enhances the overall bathroom design.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are a fantastic alternative to traditional wood blinds—offering the same classic look minus the worry of moisture damage. These blinds may mimic the look of real wood, but are made from moisture-resistant materials, like PVC. (So they won’t easily warp or crack).
By simply tilting their slats, you can control how much light enters the bathroom. The best part is that they let you maintain privacy, even while letting light filter through. Faux wood blinds are more affordable than their real wood counterparts, too. And cleaning them is as simple as wiping them down with a damp cloth.
Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades
These aren’t your regular shades; they’re a more innovative option. Top-down bottom-up shades can be adjusted from the top, the bottom, or both. The ideal setting for bathroom spaces? Cover the lower portion of your window for privacy while leaving the top open to let natural light flood in.
What makes top-down bottom-up shades ideal for bathrooms is their flexibility. Say, your bathroom window faces a neighbor or the street. You can pull the bottom portion of the shade up while leaving the top part open. This maintains a well-lit space without compromising your seclusion. (Especially useful for bathrooms with large windows).
You typically operate these shades with cords or cordless mechanisms—which adds to their convenience in high-traffic areas like the bathroom.
How to Choose Window Treatments for Your Bathroom
Now that you’re familiar with the top 6 types of bathroom window treatments let’s have a quick overview of choosing the right one for your bathroom.
Privacy. It’s important to shelter your bathroom from prying eyes, so always keep privacy at the forefront when choosing bathroom window treatments.
Natural light. Bathrooms are usually small—and can feel more open if you let natural light to enter the space. So, if you’re hoping for your bathroom to feel larger than it actually is, consider window treatments that filter in natural light (while providing privacy). Bonus points if you pair this with a light color palette for the bathroom.
Design. You want to think about the existing style of your bathroom when choosing window treatments. For example, a Scandi-style interior will pair well with faux wood blinds, while linen Roman shades will complement a luxurious setting.
Materials. For a true return on your investment, you want to choose window treatment materials that will hold up against humid environments. Remember that cheap options will most likely warp over time. So, investing in high-quality treatments (such as faux wood) will go a long way!
Final Words
Bathroom window treatments shouldn’t be an afterthought in design; they provide your bathroom with some (much-needed) privacy and set the mood for the space! So, you should know your options—you already know our top 6 picks—and the requirements of your particular bathroom. Only then will you be able to make a decision that stands the test of time, all while enhancing your bathroom’s decor 🤍