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connor_bodie

large window in bathroom

6 months ago

Turned a spare bedroom into our en suite. What should we do with this window (93” wide total). Someone suggested frosting spray or privacy film - both sound like eye sores. Any suggestions besides replacing or getting rid of the window?

Comments (42)

  • 6 months ago

    I remembered this post from a blogger. They used cellular shades that pretty much disappear when open.

    https://www.thelilypadcottage.com/white-and-blue-lake-house-master-bathroom/

  • 6 months ago

    Lace curtains. It keeps the light, allows you to open them, but gives you privacy when you need it.

  • 6 months ago

    I would use a cafe curtain on rings for very easy opening and closing..

  • 6 months ago

    Cafe curtains or top down cellulars.

  • PRO
    6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    Cafe curtains shirred on tension rods
    This way you keep the light.

    Note the tension rod on Amazon. No tools needed. But you have to have the shirred fabric with the rod pockets fabricated to accommodate the width of this rod.






    Cellular shades that go up and down


    Zebra Blinds


  • PRO
    6 months ago

    If you got it flaunt it.

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    I love the window but who is gloing to see you in there ? You do know trying to see in a window up above you is virtually impossible so what was the plan? The tub is poorly placed in the space and I need info about the whole space . For me I see no issue with leaving it as it is , if the tub was placed right you could have done curtains there nice billowy sheers but the tub looks to be very close to that window wall

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    With the tub’s design, I’d add modern blinds. Given it’s only rooftops, are you planning on closing the entire time? If so, suggest a bottom up blind so at least room gets some natural light (looks like your window is not too wide to accommodate).


    If ok with other blind designs, choose based on how you want bathroom to feel and secure to wall as per 2nd pic.



  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    How would any sort of window treatment be hung? How would the rod or brackets be hung or installed? It’s surrounded by tile and the frame doesn’t look to be wood. The window is too wide for doing the type of tension rod that would fit on the sides.

    It’s definitely a challenge for any sort of WT. And maybe the OP feels different, but I‘d sure want privacy at night, especially with a window that large. And besides privacy, a window like that would be a huge dark hole at night, which to me is not attractive in looks or feel.

    The only thing I can think of is using a decorative screen of some sort on the right hand side, if there’s room for it. It would add form and function.







    I think I see a shower on that side, so this may not an option.

    If the window frame IS wood, then things others have suggested would work. It would help to see the entire room and get more info.

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    You have plenty of space for inside mount Hunter Douglas Duette shades with bottom-up/top-down option.

    Here are mine ... this is a main floor suite with bathroom windows facing the neighbors side yard, so they need to be kept in this position for privacy. In my previous house I had a second floor suite that faced the street, but due to being on the second floor I could have that top rail much lower and no one could see in.



  • 6 months ago

    I would definitely do the top down bottom up shades in that room. I would probably leave them in the half way down position most of the time. I think you have enough space to fit them if you do inside mount.

  • 6 months ago

    Are you all saying they should drill into the tile to mount shades?

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    I admit I'm a little OCD, but who made the decision to put the tub spout in the wall intead of doing a floor-mounted version? Then you could have centered the tub on the window.


    But that's not what you asked. You could also do half-shutters in addition to the other good suggestions you received:



    Palmetto Bluff - Private Residence · More Info




  • 6 months ago

    If you can't replace the window, I think treating it with frosting sounds like a good option, or doing a narrow shade that fits inside the window frame.

    Please don't drill into the tile wall, I think it will break your heart.

  • 6 months ago

    They recommend 3 inches for a flush inside mount. My daughter had slightly less, so the shade sticks out a little, but it is not noticeable.

  • 6 months ago

    Sheers, not lace!😆. The more panels you put on the rod, the more opaque it will be.

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    Yes, drilling into that top edge to mount shades would not be a problem. Hunter Douglas will make a shade that long and you would only need 3 attachment brackets, so you would only have to drill one small hole for each bracket to fit the screws (assuming you have wood framing behind the tile to anchor the screw).

  • 6 months ago

    Thanks, chispa, I appreciate that someone finally answered me. I’ve never had those types of shades, so wasn’t sure how they were installed.

    PS: Your bathroom is beautiful! Love your light choices.

  • 6 months ago



    After you decide on privacy issue, fill in the open space with a chair or a plant, anything to balance the tub on that wall.

  • 6 months ago

    Thank you all! I need to dive into the suggestions and see what will work. No, we don’t want to drill into the tile. So, the inside mount options are probably best. My husband says you can see in from the street, especially at night. I’m taking his word for it. Haha. In case you can’t tell from the pic, it is part of a wet room. We took over a bedroom for the en suite and the wet room was the best option for the space, especially due to the big window taking up that wall. I’m not home now, but here are a few pics of the initial design that we changed slightly to tile all 3 walls.

  • 6 months ago

    I’ll post more pics, real ones, when I go back over there. We haven’t moved in yet.

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    I suggest a roman shade.



  • PRO
    6 months ago

    Why would you block the light from the top of the window, yet expose the occupants with nothing on the bottom? Makes no sense to me.

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    So to be clear, Connor — the tub is enclosed as part of the shower area? If so, then no, I wouldn’t want any WTs in wood or fabric there.

    Your pic in the op didn’t show how close the window is to the shower:



    Is the inside of the window tile?

    I understand not wanting a frosted window, or privacy film, but I’m not sure what else could be done.

    I think it looks nicer leaving part of the top clear:


    This window has built-in blinds … cool idea, but would be very pricey!






    A teak screen is still an idea, if there’s room.

    Ideally, the window would be higher:



    If you haven’t already, search ‘windows in wet room’, ‘windows in shower’, etc for possible ideas and inspiration.

    It’s going to be nice, I’ll bet you’re excited. :)

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner: The reason I suggested that type of shade is because personally I don't really like the ones that go bottom-up. The type of shade I suggested can easily be pulled down when necessary.

  • 6 months ago

    Bottom up top down shade .... love mine, have had for 8 years now and still love them.

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    for a wet space, I would recommend aluminum venetian blinds.

    They protect privacy while not significantly affecting the lifespan of the blinds. I would choose S-shaped slats, as they provide excellent light blocking.

  • 6 months ago

    I think frosting the bottom part of the window is the best solution. Anything else would be nightmare to clean.

  • 6 months ago

    I think frosting the lower part of the window would be the best solution. It doesn't have to look tacky. My only hesitation would be if I wanted to soak in the tub and be able to look out the lower part of the window...get into the tub and raise a shade so I couldn't be seen but could enjoy the view out the window. Lower the shade when I want to get out of the tub. But if that's not something important to you. then something like this could look really nice:

    I like the extra detail in this:




  • PRO
    6 months ago

    The window film works if the windows are going to get wet.

  • 5 months ago

    Motorized shades. Mine are battery operated and work flawlessly. Let’s in tons of light even when closed (they’re translucent), and I can open them with the touch of a button whenever I choose.

  • 5 months ago
    last modified: 5 months ago

    Really @Fenstermann LLC? Reread my posts.

  • 5 months ago

    Assuming you can find a sturdy tension rod in the needed length, simple white linen cafe curtains would be simple and lovely.



  • 5 months ago

    I’ve just read the details about the tub being in a wet room. If the window area receives too much water then fabric won’t work, but I think it could handle a little moisture and dry out just fine.

  • 5 months ago
    last modified: 5 months ago

    Have you gone outside to see if someone can see in ? Reason I ask is that the view from the tub inside the house may be different than from the outside. So maybe a shelf along the window with some pretty candles or plants may provide adequate cover . I do wish the spigot was on the opposite side or a floor spigot as the bather has to sit and look at the wall vs outside

  • PRO
    5 months ago

    I added a drapery on a traverse rod....that way during the day I get the full outdoor view and at night we shut it down.


  • PRO
    5 months ago

    👍

  • 5 months ago
    last modified: 5 months ago

    Where in the world are you? If you are where there's winter I would be thinking COLD coming through that glass. This is one of those things that look sooo upscale in PICTURES but as far a function it's a HUGE fail. I wish you well with your fix. Home Interiors--how much time do you hang in the bathroom gazing at the view?

  • 5 months ago

    Oh arch_gw….you are so wrong. Not a fail at all if you have decent windows. And I absolutely LOVE my large bathroom window and open the shades daily for a beautiful view. Not everyone thinks the way you do. How about leaving a little room for differing opinions and preferences.

  • 5 months ago

    @arcy_gw I've lived in three countries with winter, and in all three I have had a big window over the bathtub and it actually hasn't been cold near the window. I just ordered a nice solid window with proper construction for the position. Maybe you're somewhere like Manitoba or Alaska where things are quite harsh, in which case you have a very valid point for that situation.

    In the house we are building now, I have a very large window over the tub because it looks out over more than half an acre of garden with a forest beyond. I guess Home Interiors has a view that's worth admiring.


  • PRO
    5 months ago
    last modified: 5 months ago

    Arcy..every morning the first thing I do is open the drapes and let in the sunlight! I enjoy it with my morning face cleansing ritual and a cup of joe…It makes me happy🤗 by the way the temp is 11* in Michigan today…..and my good windows keep the room warm!