Thank you. the windiw is high enough up over a staircase that there isnt a risk pf a peeping tom. but good point! im mostly concerned with the logistics.

No clue if it's possible, but what about an actual marine porthole for a boat? They're not cheap, but you only need one. And they should be waterproof.

any idea where to buy one?

Just put a light in the shower. It will likely cost less and be way more functional.

would be helpful to understand where the light is coming from, but what about a high transom window into the bathroom to capture the light?

A porthole would be a lot easier to detail than some of the windows in showers I see here.

Mnmamax3 the light comes from the hallway which is bright with windows. A high transom is great idea, not sure we have the height.

I love houzz for these exact questions! sounds charming - hope it works out

Treat the hallway wall as an EXTERIOR wall of the house, 6 inch studs. Buy a good round window meant for the exterior of the house.

Meaning build out the wall, or forget it. Put a light in the shower. You aren't in the shower for an hour.........correct?

I have a bathroom with no window and have had them in the past. It has never even phased me, even being claustrophobic, it doesn't feel tight or lacking in light. Have good lighting in the shower, at the mirrow, and in the ceiling. Use 3000k bulbs and brighter.

I would not go through the effort, nor would I feel comfortable using a shower with a window to the hall, even if there were no chance of someone looking in. It simply creates a perception of lack of privacy. I'm also really claustrophobic and it would make me feel like I'm in a submarine. Yikes. If this is for a guest bath I'd skip it. If this is for your bathroom and you love the idea then to each their own.

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My previous house had a primary bathroom with no windows and it was fine even with the shower and toilet tucked behind walls adjacent to the tub and vanity area. If you even think you won't be staying in this home beyond five-ten years, then I wouldn't do the port-hole for resale purposes since this may have an ick factor for some no doubt.

I have had main baths with no windows many times and honestly not an issue add better lighting and that is all you need.

How would a random porthole look in the hallway?

I've been in bathrooms with no windows, outdoor windows, and indoor windows. Having a transom window higher up can work well if there is a hall on the other side. Windows can be a great way to let in light.

ljw, what is it about portholes in particular that is attracting you? That they are round, the marine detailing of them? The door style? The waterproof nature of a real porthole? It seems from your inspo pics that it's more the aesthetic you are looking for.

There are more bad ideas on the internet than one can count. Most of them are pitfalls leading to disaster. LIGHT THE BATH. Unless it's your home office, lol

Thank you all for your comments. This for a forever home that will be on the water. So we like the asthetics of a porthole. We might look to a transome instead because that sounds easier. The light is located such that the shower would get very bright morning sun which would be nice.

la_la Girl thank you for the kind comment.

Well, there are indeed round windows that can be installed in houses, so there's a place to look. Perhaps a round window that is more more standard and easy to find.

It also might be easier to find the detailing of a porthole with a mirror in the bathroom. A mirror frame in the nautical style does not need to be as waterproof as a shower window.

And I was wrong earlier when I said higher up transom window. Correct term was clerestory window.

Climate? Nothing better than an OUTDOOR shower. Yes you need a permit: ) No it won't eliminate the inside shower.

I say yes. We have an opening above our whirpoool tub into the toilet room. We have a stained glass piece hanging in it. It allows enough light into that room that we rarely use the light.

I am not sure why this is even necessary.

Much of the time there is no sunlight anyway - i.e, .it is night - and so a window is irrelevant.

Most of the bathrooms in my adult life have not had windows. I have loads of light so the room doesn't feel dark or claustrophic - plenty of light for what what needs to be done in there.

I love natural light in my living spaces - i.e. those I actually inhabit where I enjoy the light as well as the views from the windows. But a bathroom window to shed "light" in a bathroom seems completely unnecessary .

Chiming in because I'm one of those people who wants to let in natural light whenever possible. I like it for those times you just need to run in real quick and don't want to turn on the light every single time. Plus even a little natural light makes a space feel nicer.

I think a skylight or a solatube would be a way better idea. Easier, and would let in more light. (note: skylights are way better, if it's possible to install one there.) Is this an interior space where you absolutely cannot add an exterior window?

Any glass inside a shower must be safety glass, either tempered or laminated.

If you decide on a porthole, got to a marine salvage or boating store to find one

If you are consistently in the shower in the early morning, then for sure a window that lets in very bright early morning light is great. As for me, the bright early morning light that comes into my bathroom reflects off the mirror to the point I can’t get hair and makeup done without closing the curtains. For me, a bathroom is utilitarian- get in, get the tasks done, and then get out. The lights for my 5-10 minute shower need to be adequate, and then I don’t care about shower lighting for another day or two. I can’t imagine a porthole window letting in enough light from a hallway to make it worth the money, nor can I imagine it looking good from the hallway.

Is this house already built? Another option could be glass block for the upper portion of the shower wall, depedning on the style of the home. For a more traditional space, the transom window is probably best. Glass block is usually opaque enough to allay any concerns about privacy and I've seen it in the bathroom so I suspect it will be able to be waterproofed. I agree with beesneeds that a mirror with porthole details would be easier and look less awkward from the hall.

Thank you all. I think you have convinced me to let it go :)