To address the privacy issue; there are window films specifically designed for bathrooms and privacy during the day or night. Decorativefilm.com has many options for you.

We added block windows to our shower areas. Love it but my neighbor who neglected to make a change in the window has regular E-glass and now is disappointed by not making the change. I will happily pass this on to her . She moves in her new house in several weeks. This is a very nice window but windows over the bath tub or shower area doesn't sit good in my mind but then again thats JMO.

Thanks Diann. Glass block isn't really an option because the window is on the front of the house and matches four other windows. I was hoping there were some vinyl or aluminum windows that were well suited for a shower application.

I think in answering this question you've got to look at a couple of factors (including how much you're willing to spend, if you need a window that opens and what looks good to you).

Yes - glass blocks would be an option - it is very cost effective but it does not open and some people may not like how it looks in the front of the home (if you have a contemporay home it may look great - if it's traditional it may not be the best bet).

Another option might be acrylic block windows or a decorative glass window http://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/glass-block/acrylic-block-egress-decorative-windows . The advantage of the acrylic blocks over the glass blocks is that they are available in casements and awnings (although they look much like the glass blocks). The decorative glass windows can be a cool look (but again you've got to have a home that fits the style offered in these windows). These 2 options will cost more than glass blocks.

The last option (which can be quite pricey) are windows that have motorized shades in them - with these you'll obviously put the shades down when you need privacy and move them up when you want a more consistent look of the home.

I've included a picture of the one of the acrylic block window and one style of decorative glass window below for you to check out.

What did you decide to do? I have the same situation in my bathroom, and we are re-tiling soon. We would like to address the issue of having an old double hung wood window with wood sill that will be, essentially, in the shower. Are there any real solutions that you have found other than replacing the window?

Have you considered moving the shower?

Jut keep in mind that at night time when the lights are on and you are taking a shower ,the silhouette can be seen from the street , good thing that its not a full view window :))

There is also a frosted film on the bottom half of the exterior window for that reason. With two layers of frosted glass, the exterior screen and the steam from the shower, you can only see a silhouette if someone is pressed right up against the glass.

I have the same problem and cannot move the shower, this looks like a good solution, thx for sharing and the photo helps.

Excellent solution-thanks for posting the picture!

Vinyl with Tempered glass..IMO

I just had an inspectior pre- approve A window in a shower on our current project ....(grey area)

You can flash exterior and tie waterproofing into the flange and tile the interior jamb ...... STILL A lot of grey area in regards to windows in showers. verify w/your local inspector in advance.

Heres a tempered privacy glass/vinyl window in a steam shower we did few years back, its working well....!

Any concerns about mildew over time? I'm considering adding window to shower in new master addition. Thoughts? Think budget-conscious but light-filled. Thx!

Mildew in wet areas like a shower = a lifetime of concern. ! The window must be flashed and waterproofed /detailed properly ( not to mention headered/framed etc... ) I think the most important factors in addition to choice and placement.

I would first Verify with your building inspector the code compliance as to installing a window in your shower period................Grey area...

Will do. Thx!

The main code issue would be making sure the window has tempered glass. I would suggest a window that is make out of a composite material rather than wood. Try looking at the Anderson 100 or the all Ultrex Integrity by Marvin. Both those windows have a fiberglass composite sash as well as the window frame itself is also the composite. An all vinyl window will also work.

I like to order the windows without any jamb extension so that we can return the backerboard into window to act like a jamb extension. Then we tile right up the window frame. The key is not to use any wood or MDF around the window.

I know it might sound slightly odd but I'd actually just recommend using some frosted window film in cases like this. It's so much cheaper than other options and it still provides privacy (which I value a lot with kids and a husband constantly running in and out while I'm trying to shower). I get mine from Guardian Window Film as they're good quality and good value from what I've experienced but I think there's probably lots of companies that offer this service, so you can definitely find one that will completely fit in with your bathroom design! Hope this helps answer your query!

pvc windows with translucent glazing are available from almost all window manufactures. The shower surface will need to return to frame at jamb , sill and head of window. So your choices are unlimited, if possible use pressure treated framing material when window is installed and use an acrylic paint-able caulk at perimeter of window. Hope this was helpful,