I consider glass block a great solution to let in light without sacrificing privacy. I find them to be practical as well as beautiful. We put glass block accents in many areas of our house where we wanted light but didn't need to open a window.

Make sure, though that you use "real" glass block, not the thin sections that emulate it. It is also very good insulation.

HI -- I think the glass block is fine to use providing glass block is also used else where in the house and also if it fits with the style of the house. A vinyl clad window is good and it could also have a textured glass , this might be cheaper than doing the glass block and won't look dated . I have had a vinyl clad window in my bath/shower with no issues at all.

A window in a bathroom should be able to allow in fresh air and ventilation as well as light.
I would not do glass block because it only allows in light but no ventilation.

In our projects we often use casement style windows with obscure glass. Another option that we like to specify is an awning style window with obscure glass. Either one can be strategically located so that the neighbors can't see in when the window is partially open.

If you use a vinyl clad window (a good brand is Milgard) then it will be ok if it gets a little wet.

There is another large window in the bathroom for ventilation and light. I originally ordered an awning in obscure, but then realized the screen would be on the inside which would be bad in a shower. It is a horizontal window, so if we did a window, it would be a slider. The other windows double hung with jalousies above.

Glass block is perfect option for this situation.

I consider glass blocks a trend now outdated;( You can't get much better than this;)

I really like the idea of leaded glass or porthold windows... similar to this

Margo, our window is inside the shower, you'll barely see it from the rest of the bathroom. Also it faces the front of the house, and we have renters there half the year. So it needs to have privacy.

Was also wondering if 6" or 8" made any difference, one more dated than another...

Sorry qofmiwik- I guess I should have known;))

You could either do glass blocks (which has the disadvantages of not providing air flow - unless you use an air vent which takes away from the looks) or use an acrylic block casement or awning window. With this window you get the privacy of the "block look" with the ability of the window to open fully. With that being said there are some fun ways to make glass blocks look very nice (like frosting or adding a pattern or colors to the blocks. I'll include below a link to an acrylic block window page and a glass block window page along with some images for you:

http://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/glass-block/acrylic-block-egress-decorative-windows

http://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/glass-block/basement-bathroom-windows

We used acrylic block windows in our bathroom remodels. We love the extra light, and the acrilic glass does not get as cold as regular glass. The frame is all vinyl, and the caulking seals out cold air.

We used acrylic block windows in our bathroom remodels. We love the extra light, and the acrilic glass does not get as cold as regular glass. The frame is all vinyl, and the caulking seals out cold air.

I had a window in my shower once, and it had been treated so that light came in, but no one could see through. I did enjoy opening that window, but I don't know how that would look on the front of your house.
We also had transom windows over the tub, which let in light, but not air.
I think if YOU like the look of glass blocks, that's a good choice. I'd choose a window that opens.

Lellogirl - you can always put in a standard vinyl framed window with obscure glass as well - although it's not very decorative. Another option is a decorative glass window - although most of them don't open. These windows can be made in different shapes - I'll show a oval one below.

I love glass block and think it is timeless. We have done numerous showers using it. Here is one that has "windows". As to using a regular window in the shower, if you go vinyl and tile around it, you should not have any problem with it at all as long as the water is not directly hitting it all the time.

here are the photos mentioned above

By the way this bath with the glass block is a high end home.

Cool! I like the one on the left. We are using 12x24 tiles and thinking of going vertically with them. The vertical windows would look great with that.

I love glass block window and think they are much maligned. However, the question about ventilation is important. I would (and have) used them. I like that they allow light and are the same thickness as my walls. I also cut 4 niches in the adjacent walls and added frosted glass at the back: two in the shower for soap and shampoo and two in the WC for loo rolls and reading matter https://www.houzz.com/photos/guest-bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-phvw-vp~2822217

ASVInteriors What room is on the other side of your glass block? It's hard to make out from the photo..

Sorry the bathroom is comprised of three blocks:a) loob) the shower (that you get to by walking past the glass block window and then up into the showerc) the bath and sinkTake a look around http://www.houzz.com/projects/166791/Guest-Bathroom

Riddel Construction - nice use of the small glass block panel sections in the shower - stylish!

I've heard the argument that glass blocks are dated - but being in the glass block business I wonder if people are aware of some of cool options in this material - maybe we haven't educated well enough! I've included a link to a blog post on this subject - let me know if this impact your thinking about glass blocks at all. http://blog.innovatebuildingsolutions.com/2014/11/08/5-design-ideas-modernize-glass-block-wall-window/

Can't tell if Margo's picture is a full window or sliding glass door, but I would avoid that solution. I have a sliding glass door. The wheels quickly freeze and the door won't open. The glass gets etched from the hard water. And hot and cold air seeps through easily. I am looking at blocking most of it up and put in glass blocks to let in the light. And a fan in the ceiling for ventilation. But looking at sites like this to see what other ideas are out there. What looks nice on a picture doesn't tell me how it holds up.

That looks wonderful. As far as glass block being dated-I sure hope not! I remodeled a bath just a few years ago that had a 3 sided walk in shower. The entire 5 foot long 6 foot high third wall of the shower was glass block. It lets in the light from the window next to it and the shower is never dark. I love it as does everyone who sees it!

DATED!!!!!

Old post and project is done. Looks good, too.

I don't consider anything dated anymore.... just wait a few years and it comes back around. You do what YOU like.... even if you do something "in" right now, in a few years it will be "dated". It's the nature of the beast, how else do they keep us buying new stuff? We are getting ready to replace a window in what will be our new shower and are definitely considering glass block.

Dianna - thanks for your comments.

I live in Phoenix, AZ and have glass block in my master bathroom. When I first saw it I loved the look and light. Now after living here for almost two years I cannot be in my room too long because its too hot. I did cover the glass block with custom blinds and they just cooked them after a summer. So they are warped. I really need some advice on what I can do. I don't think glass block is practical in hot climates.

I live in Phoenix, AZ and have glass block in my master bathroom. When I first saw it I loved the look and light. Now after living here for almost two years I cannot be in my room too long because its too hot. I did cover the glass block with custom blinds and they just cooked them after a summer. So they are warped. I really need some advice on what I can do. I don't think glass block is practical in hot climates.

One idea Monique can be to use window film over the glass blocks. You may want to try that.

Glass blocks have been around since the early 1900's. I know they were used a lot in the 1980's but depending on how they are installed and featured they don't have to scream 80's.

Agreed!