Looking to add more light to your bathroom? You are likely worried that you don’t have the space to do it. You’re probably considering adding a window to your shower stall. But is it the right move?
Shower windows can help brighten and enhance the look of your bathroom, adding more natural light and fresh air. When you add a window, it can potentially transform a drab shower into a spa-like space. However, choosing the right window design, shape, material, and placement is not an easy task.
In this guide, we’ll share some bathroom window ideas and tips on how to choose a show window that suits your bathroom, to make sure the window meets your practical and aesthetic needs.
Evaluate Your Needs and Preferences
Before you even get into the features and materials to look for in a bathroom window, you want to first understand how the current design and layout of your bathroom affect the kind of window you can choose.
The following are some aspects to consider:
- Privacy: Consider how close your bathroom is to neighbors and/or public areas, and the potential views (both ways). You want to have comfortable visibility without compromising on privacy by choosing the right window treatment, placement, and type.
- Lighting and Ventilation: Poor ventilation and lighting can make the show feel stuffy. Being able to open the bathroom window can help lower the humidity level and prevent the growth of mildew and mold.
- Design and Style Preferences: You may prefer a window that matches the overall theme of your bathroom or one that disrupts the visual flow. Either way, the right window design will enhance and complement the decor and aesthetics of the room.
Material Options and Considerations
Shower windows essentially serve some of the most humid, hot, and moist rooms in your home. The window materials you choose will make a huge difference in terms of the longevity, durability, and overall performance of the windows.
The things to consider is:
- Type of glass: Go for the glass type that suits the needs of your bathroom. If security is a top priority, tempered glass is a great option. If you need soundproofing, you’ll be better served by laminated glass to help dampen vibrations and lower noise transmissions. For enhanced privacy, choose frosted glass.
- Frame materials: The best materials for the shower window frames should be able to withstand humid conditions, resist moisture, and be corrosion-resistant. Some great options include fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum. These materials will ensure great durability and maintain the structural integrity of your window for a long time.
Ensure Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of your shower window will have a huge impact on your utility bills, overall comfort, and the sustainability of your home.
- Natural lighting: The best way to enhance the energy efficiency of your bathroom is to optimize for natural lighting. Ample natural light will help create a sense of tranquility and spaciousness, and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- Efficient materials: consider using double- or triple-pane windows to enhance the insulation of your bathroom. Frame materials like vinyl can also offer insulating properties that further minimize energy loss, along with preventing drafts and condensation, making sure your bathroom stays at a consistent temperature.
Security and Safety Considerations
Making sure that your bathroom is a safe and secure space is vital for protection against privacy problems, weather, and ventilation issues.
Consider the following ideas to make your shower window more secure:
- Tempered glass: tempered glass essentially lowers the risk of serious injury in case of unwanted entry or severe weather. When shattered, it breaks into small pieces instead of bigger, jagged shards. It’s also strong and durable, which makes it less vulnerable to damage from stress or impact.
- Privacy: You want to have peace of mind while using your bathroom. Depending on its location, consider adding window treatments like shades and blinds. You can adjust these to offer the level of privacy and natural light you want at any time.
- Window placement: The placement of your windows will affect both the security and privacy of your bathroom. Placing the window away from direct sightlines of neighboring properties should let you maintain a sense of privacy and seclusion while still enjoying the benefits of natural light. Moreover, having the window higher up the wall could make it harder for potential intruders to access your bathroom.
Other considerations
Some more considerations to help you make your decision are:
- Cost: The cost of adding a new shower window will depend on several factors, including the type of window you choose, its size, its placement, and the cost of labor in your area.
- Size: Size is an important consideration when choosing a shower window for your bathroom. A large window will let in lots of light and air into the bathroom. Smaller windows offer more privacy, while still letting you enjoy good levels of natural light.
Want to Add a Shower Window to Your Bathroom? Call Us to Schedule an Appointment
Installing the right shower window in your bathroom can make it a more enjoyable space for relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. At Family Windows & Doors, our staff is always ready to help you find the perfect window for your shower that provides privacy and comfort while complementing your bathroom’s decor.
Call us today at 864-982-0957 to get a free estimate.
