Bathroom windows have the power to completely transform your space. Nothing beats the feeling of warm sunlight soaking into your skin as you brush your teeth on summer mornings, or looking out at nature’s views through this perfect picture frame.
That’s why this important element should never be an afterthought in your bathroom design – many people even build their entire scheme around it, making it the focal point of the room.
With ideas ranging from large feature windows to rooflights, privacy films to decorative dressings, this gallery includes all the inspiration you need to find the right bathroom window.
1. Frame stunning scenic views with a picture window
While it may seem a counterintuitive choice for privacy, a picture window is an impactful style in the right property – especially if you're lucky enough to have a gorgeous view.
"In rural properties, if you're brave enough or secluded enough, go for clear glass so you can make the most of the views whilst soaking in the tub. A large picture window might be an option," says David Clarke, Marketing Manager at ID Systems.
In urban areas, picture windows might still be a viable choice if positioned correctly or combined with an appropriate window treatment.
2. Protect your privacy with bathroom rooflights
Assuming the bathroom isn't overlooked from above, rooflights offer the benefit of privacy for those using the space, while still keeping it feeling bright and breezy.
Using rooflights to complement other sources of natural light helps flood the room with flattering daylight, meaning you (hopefully) won’t need window treatments to keep your bathroom hidden from the sight of neighbours.
They help to create a sense of openness, space and a connection to the outdoors – something that you just don't get in a bathroom that requires you to have your blinds drawn every time it's in use.
3. Create a design with clerestory windows
Clerestory windows are another example of a window style which boosts natural light while preserving a bathroom's modesty.
"Clerestory windows are generally placed high up, usually just below the roof line. So for neighbours or passersby, it’s very unlikely that they’d be able to see through, as it's well above eye level," explains Andrew Taylor, director and glass expert at Specialist Glass Products.
"As the windows are so high up, sunlight will hit the higher levels of the room they’re in; therefore, this light will drape the whole room as a result. If you are still worried about privacy, consider using privacy glass, such as sandblasted, satin glass options, or laminated glass with diffused interlayers."
Andrew co-founded SGP with his brother, Jonathan, in 2003. As Joint Managing Director, Andrew oversees the running of the business, manages the company finances and supports the team with crucial decisions and planning. Andrew spends much of his time discussing the requirements of glass with customers to ensure the success of their projects.
4. Complement a narrow bathroom with vertical fixed glazing
In contrast to clerestory windows' modesty-preserving characteristics, you might think vertical glazing is not a solution to be used in this space. However, it's both a useful and popular solution for narrow bathrooms.
These slim vertical windows allow you to make use of the awkward spaces between your bathroom fixtures and increase the overall area of glazing and natural light. They also make it relatively difficult to see inside your home.
Again, thoughtful placement of windows will pay dividends in how comfortable you are using the space with clear glass.
5. Flood your vanity station with natural light
In bathroom layouts, windows don't tend to be positioned behind vanity units for a few good reasons.
1. You'll be on full display of the window when using the bathroom.
2. That's where you ideally want a mirror.
However, this small ensuite idea from design studio Day True uses a bespoke mirror to the side of the window to make this clever layout work. Brushing your teeth with a view sounds like a lovely way to start the day, and the result offers perfect lighting for doing your makeup.
This bathroom mirror features an extendable swivel arm and can be tucked neatly into the corner when not in use.
6. Feel at one with nature with a wraparound bathroom window
Another way to tackle a layout which uses a window above the vanity is to consider a wraparound window using fixed glazing.
This clever design, created by Design Squared Architects, allows for both an over-vanity mirror and a good view when using the basin. It was originally created for this loft conversion to remedy neighbours' concerns about being overlooked from the new space.
Andrew Taylor says, "Wraparound windows are great for letting light in and can provide great views, but the biggest consideration is their structural integrity in a bathroom with high moisture levels – especially as these windows don’t usually include window posts and can sometimes connect from wall to wall. Strong and secure double or triple glazing should therefore be installed, as this will take part of the load."
7. Get creative with loft bathroom windows
There are all kinds of windows that work in a loft conversion bathroom, but what you choose will largely depend on the type of conversion you've undertaken and how the space has been laid out.
Rooflights, lanterns, picture windows, casements windows, and even gable-end windows can work, but it's a case of what will fit and flatter the layout at hand.
Don't be afraid to make a bold decision and opt for an unusual window to add interest, as shown in the photo above. Round and triangular windows make a real focal point in a loft space.
8. Create extra headroom with a dormer bathroom window
Placing a bath under the eaves of a loft conversion is a clever and popular layout idea to make use of the space as much as you can.
For more luxurious bathing with a greater sense of space, building a dormer window can provide extra headroom in your bathroom and create a room with a view that turns it into an escape.
Andrew Taylors says, "If you want to maximise space, a dormer often makes more sense. However, depending on the structure and design of your home, it may be necessary to choose a dormer over a rooflight."
9. Highlight the roof pitch with a bathroom window
In bathrooms with vaulted ceilings, using glazing that mirrors the pitch of a roof will highlight the ceiling and make a real feature of your bathroom's architecture.
However, this shape of window will be difficult to dress using traditional window treatments, and may require more creative thinking or custom-made solutions which can be more expensive.
"Dormer windows are a really effective way to use this space and will often make unused spaces, like attics, more functional and livable," says Andrew Taylor. "Gable-ended windows are an option if maximising light is the goal; these windows are designed to fit the triangular section of the pitched roof. Something like this would require strong bespoke glazing, too."
10. Put a natural spotlight on your shower enclosure
There are lots of reasons why placing a window above your shower enclosure is a good idea – from allowing super-effective natural ventilation direct from the source to offering better layout options.
As well as being a practical choice, this idea adds unique visual interest to the space by highlighting curved architecture and creating a spa-like feel with maximum privacy. Plus, how amazing would your shower experience be when the rain hits that glass?
Of course, the material of the window in your bathroom is important here. While uPVC and aluminium windows won't mind the moisture and spray of a shower, timber windows are likely to suffer much more, and will require constant maintenance to avoid issues like rot.
11. Install frosted glass on your bathroom window for ultimate privacy
How your bathroom window is dressed will make all the difference to how much light is let in and how much privacy it offers.
Frosted glass is more popular in modern bathroom designs than patterned glasses (though styles like reeded glass have made a comeback of late). One drawback, however, is that you will sacrifice your view from the window.
The compromise? "Frosting to lower parts of the window are great to offer privacy whilst still letting in light above," says Emma Scott, Director of Design at CP Hart. "This also avoids the need for blinds which can be problematic in shower areas."
If you don’t have the budget to replace your existing windows, this self-adhesive frosting film is an affordable solution.
12. Use switchable glass for your bathroom window
For the best of both worlds, consider switchable privacy glass, which is translucent in its natural state but becomes transparent when turned on.
"This type of glass utilises a thin layer of liquid crystals within the laminated glazing and when and electrical current is passed through, it causes the crystals to align which is what turns the glass transparent," explains Shannon Normoyle from IQ Glass.
"For those who want the glass clear most of the time but worry about constantly having it turned on, the glass uses very little electricity and so wouldn’t impact the bills anymore than turning on a socket."
13. Research bottom-up blinds for floor-to-ceiling windows
Roller blinds are a simple and unobtrusive option for a bathroom window, but they have one major flaw when it comes to using them in a bathroom in that they have to be fully down in order to afford privacy where it's required. This means natural light is blocked and there's no view afforded while using the bathroom.
So called bottom-up blinds are a great solution here, especially with large floor-to-ceiling glazing in a bathroom. These can be pulled up to the height required to preserve the bathroom's privacy, leaving some of the window unobscured as desired.
“Bottom‑up blinds work brilliantly in bathrooms because they give you privacy exactly where you need it. Instead of covering the whole window, you can lift the blind from the bottom to shield the lower half while keeping the top open to let in plenty of natural light," says Yvonne Keal, product expert at Hillarys.
Shop these bottom-up blinds
These bottom-up blinds have a light-filtering design and are fully made to measure.
Made from honeycomb fabric for extra solar protection, these blinds provide shade, warmth and privacy.
These light-filtering blinds feature thermal pockets to keep your bathroom nice and toasty.
Yvonne is a product management specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the interiors industry. Since joining Hillarys in 2003, Yvonne has successfully launched many window dressing collections, including roller blinds, vertical blinds, Roman blinds, curtains and voiles. She is passionate about improving the sustainability of products, by continually improving materials. Yvonne provides practical advice to help customers better understand which styles are best for their windows.
14. Consider textile window treatments in a bathroom
In small bathrooms, and those prone to excess condensation, traditional textiles probably aren't a good fit. However, there are plenty of circumstances where curtains and roman blinds are suitable to use.
Steam and damp can of course be a problem when using fabrics in a bathroom, but as long as your ventilation is specified correctly for your space, you shouldn't have a problem.
Curtains and roman blinds offer a different feel to a bathroom than many other choices, lending elegance and comfort in quantities that other window treatments just can't.
15. Keep window dressings simple with Venetian blinds
There's a reason Venetian blinds have been such a popular window treatment for so long. They're inexpensive, versatile, and easy to control – all things that make them a good choice for the bathroom.
"Venetian blinds are one of my favourite choices for bathrooms because they offer the ideal mix of privacy and light control. The adjustable slats allow you to welcome in natural daylight without feeling exposed, which is especially helpful in rooms that are overlooked," says Yvonne Keal.
"I also really rate faux wood Venetians for bathrooms because they’re naturally moisture‑resistant, meaning they won’t warp, peel or discolour in a steamy environment. And because they’re so easy to wipe clean, they stay looking pristine with very little effort."
There's two main considerations when it comes to bathroom window ideas – natural light and privacy. These two elements are often opposing, but a good bathroom design can prioritise one without sacrificing the other.
By choosing the right window style, positioning it in the right place and applying the right window treatment, contemporary bathrooms can be both bright spaces and secluded sanctuaries. For more inspiration, browse through these large window ideas.
