Despite the starring role the bathroom now plays in our daily lives, one aspect of its design that often gets overlooked is privacy or, more specifically, how to choose windows and window treatments that preserve modesty at the same time as allowing natural light in, all while withstanding high levels of moisture.
Over the years, the bathroom's status within the home has gradually morphed, taking it from a purely functional space into one of the upmost importance. It is now the room in which we look forward to retreating, either to unwind and relax after a long day, or to revive ourselves ready for whatever the day ahead might bring.
Making sure we can do all that while enjoying a sense of privacy is paramount when designing a bathroom. To help you achieve a secluded space, we've rounded up a collection of expert-approved ideas that promise privacy, lots of daylight and durability.
1. Make privacy a priority during the planning stages
If you are lucky enough to be in the process of planning a new bathroom from scratch or are renovating a bathroom, you are in a stronger position than many when it comes to ensuring the privacy of the space.
One of the biggest bathroom layout mistakes is to fail to take into consideration the placement of windows in relation to your shower and bath, leaving whoever is using them feeling uncomfortably exposed. Additionally, water spray can damage timber windows.
Locating your basin in front of the window, as in the example above, affords you views out, while the bathing and showering areas are kept away from potentially prying eyes.
2. Add wooden window shutters for a fresh, timeless look
Not only do window shutters add a beautiful timeless look to any room they grace, they are also perfect where privacy is the order of the day. They offer huge flexibility too, letting as much or as little natural light as you want through – some can even be opened up completely when privacy is not required.
Be on the lookout for window shutters that are specifically designed to withstand the humid climate of a bathroom as some wooden designs have the tendency to warp or split when constantly exposed to moisture.
If you are concerned about this, take time to research the best bathroom extractor fans – they can take the pressure off all your bathroom finishes and help reduce the risk of mould too.
3. Fit high-level windows for privacy and great ventilation
High-level windows, such as clerestory windows, are the ideal solution for anyone keen to introduce natural light in a way that doesn't leave you feeling too on show.
Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs, agrees that high-level glazing is a great way to negate the need for shielding methods altogether. "Window height makes a big difference. If the opening sits above eye level, you already have a degree of natural privacy, so you often don’t need a heavy blind or shutter covering the whole thing. In that situation, textured or frosted glazing can be enough on its own."
If you can fit an opening high-level window this will also aid with bathroom ventilation, allowing the hot, steamy air that naturally rises a quick means of escape.
Keeley Sutcliffe is Brand Manager for award-winning British bathroom designers, BC Designs. Since 1999 the award-winning company has been leading the way with its thoughtful, innovative and considered bathroom designs.
4. Go for window film for the lower section of windows
Window film is such an easy and affordable way to add a level of privacy to your bathroom window ideas and comes in a whole host of stylish designs that will actively upgrade the design of your bathroom.
Micky Calcott, founder of The Window Film Company, explains why now is a particularly good time to consider fitting it. “Privacy often becomes much more noticeable as we move into autumn. During the day you might not think twice about an overlooked window, but once it gets darker outside and the lights are on indoors, it can feel completely different.
"Frosted or decorative window film is a simple way to create privacy without blocking the window altogether," continues Micky. "You can also apply film to just the lower section of the glass, which is useful for street-facing rooms where you want to obscure the direct sightline while keeping the top of the window clear."
Micky Calcott is the founder of The Window Film Company, which he established in 1998 after working as a window film installer. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a business with more than 20 team members based at its head office. Almost 30 years on, the company supplies specialist window film and graphics solutions across a wide range of sectors, while its online shop serves hundreds of customers every week. Micky continues to focus on delivering quality products, excellent service, and building long-term relationships with customers
Shop decorative window film
This simple frosted window film offers 96% opacity and is a static cling product meaning no adhesive is needed. It comes in a good range of sizes and is moisture resistant – perfect for bathrooms.
Add a little colour and a botanical theme to your bathroom with this window film, which requires no adhesive and is simple to remove again should you change your mind.
Offering the elegant appearance of reeded glass without the price tag, this self-adhesive film is easy to cut to size and comes with a reassuring seven-year guarantee too.
5. Consider fitting switchable privacy glass
The world of glazing innovations has come so far in recent years meaning there are now types of glass for all kinds of requirements, from those that prevent overheating, to acoustic glass that makes life near a busy road a little more peaceful.
Switchable privacy glass is a brilliant solution for bathroom windows. Also known as 'smart glass', on a very simple level, when an electrical current is passed through two integrated films, the glass turns from translucent to transparent.
Keeley Sutcliffe is a big fan of anything that means additional window treatments will not be required, citing frosted glass as a good example. "The simplest privacy solutions are often built into the glass itself rather than layering something over it. An obscured or softly frosted pane gives you privacy exactly where you need it, but still allows the window to behave as a source of daylight, which is especially important in a smaller bathroom."
6. Bring in light from above with a bathroom rooflight
Rooflights come in so useful for all kinds of situations, from loft conversions to side-return extensions which need to take overlooking into account.
In a bathroom, a rooflight not only provides a way of bringing in light without compromising privacy, but will also carry out the job of whisking steamy or stale air away quickly.
Camilla Masi, interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design, further highlights the benefits of these types of windows. "Many of the projects we work on, especially here in the UK, involve bathrooms in loft conversions or ground floor extensions, where there’s an opportunity to introduce a skylight. Bringing daylight in from above can give you privacy without needing to cover a conventional window, provided the skylight isn’t overlooked by taller neighbouring buildings, of course."
Camilla is an Interior Designer at Otto Tiles & Design, where she works closely with clients to create characterful spaces built around beautiful tile and surface choices. With a strong eye for colour, pattern and proportion, she blends timeless design with modern detail, offering practical yet style-led guidance for kitchens, bathrooms and beyond.
7. Inject some cosy vibes with wooden Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are a brilliant solution for all kinds of needs, whether you are looking for a way of shading your kitchen windows or want a flexible solution for your home office, shading your screen at certain times of day but still allowing you to fully open them up once the sun has moved.
When choosing Venetian blinds for your bathroom, do be sure to look for those made from moisture-resistant materials. While timber is perfect for bringing in a sense of warmth, you need to select blinds that are going to stand the test of time.
Be on the lookout for composites that are labelled as suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
Thanks to the fact that these blinds are made from PVC they are suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms. They are designed to be cut to size to fit a range of window sizes.
8. Don't shun fabric blinds and curtains altogether
The softer look of fabric blinds – and even curtains – can often be a really welcome thing in the bathroom, where you need to avoid things feeling too cold or sterile.
The good news is that this option doesn't have to be off the table completely, as Camilla Masi explains. "For windows in rooms that are more humid or exposed to moisture, I’d look for a blind in a fabric specifically made for those conditions. There are lots of options, including waterproof fabrics, coatings or backings. It’s also worth considering outdoor fabrics which, because of their nature, have specialist water and mildew resistance.
"My preference is for natural fabrics, such as linen, which bring softness and texture into a bathroom. A linen Roman blind can work beautifully where there’s good ventilation and the window is away from direct splashes," continues Camilla. "A café curtain is another lovely option, covering the lower part of the window while leaving the upper section open to daylight. With sheer fabrics, it’s worth checking privacy after dark with the bathroom lighting on, as well as during the day."
Perfect for busy family bathrooms, this roller blind is both stain and moisture resistant and comes complete with all the fittings needed for DIY installation.
9. Set your window just above your bath for extra privacy
If you love the idea of taking a bath while enjoying views of the great outdoors, you don't have to resign yourself to leaving yourself on show to your neighbours while doing so – it all comes down to window placement.
A window set a little higher than your bathtub will do the job of bringing in light as well as affording you glimpses of outside but should still hide you from the sight of anyone who might happen to have a direct view into your bathroom.
If repositioning a window isn't a viable option for you, perhaps you could consider some different types of baths such as a deep Japanese-style tub which could sit out of eyeline in a corner but sill allow for garden views.
10. Turn your privacy window treatments into a focal point
While the primary function of your windows is to let light in and, in some cases, provide a ventilation role, with the right treatment they can actually become one of your bathroom's strongest focal points.
Using your window coverings or treatments to inject a little personality is a great idea for those focused on modern bathroom ideas where things can get a little too stark or clinical at times.
The choice of window films is huge these days and you can even personalise your designs in some cases. If you prefer the idea of a blind or shutters, though, how about selecting something in a bold colour to add an individual touch?
11. Shield only the lower section with window shutters
It is worth bearing in mind that it is often only the lower section of a bathroom window that will need covering in order to ensure the space feels private.
You can do this in a number of ways – shutters that extend only halfway up the window are a great example, but adding window film to the bottom panes or even hanging sheer blinds from the centre point down to the sill are all options.
This solution comes with numerous benefits – it protects the bathroom from view, as well as allowing views out and natural light in. And, if that wasn't enough, it also happens to look super stylish and is a less visually heavy method than full shutters or blinds making it ideal for small bathrooms.
FAQs
Do you have to have a window in a bathroom?
Many people naturally assume that the Building Regulations would require bathrooms to have a window but this is not actually the case.
Providing you have some form of mechanical ventilation, such as an extractor fan, you don't have to install a window. That said, natural light does come with many benefits.
In the world of biophilic design, the wellness benefits of plenty of natural light are constantly highlighted and there is no denying the positive effect it has on mental health so, if at all possible, it is still wise to aim to incorporate some form of glazing if you want your bathroom to feel like a mood-boosting space to spend time.
Privacy is more important to some people than others. If you are not so much on the shy side, why not consider an open-plan bathroom, perhaps as part of a main bedroom suite? It's a great way to maximise space and, with the right design treatment, a degree of modesty can still be maintained.
