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Letting natural light into your bathroom can enhance its appearance, make it easier to get ready in the morning, and can even help reduce mold growth. Of course, enjoying all of the natural light’s benefits goes hand-in-hand with having a window in your bathroom, which can pose privacy concerns. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to address these bathroom window privacy concerns, from simple DIY solutions to permanent home improvements.
Before making any changes to your bathroom, though, remember that it’s a humid space. Choosing products and materials that are designed for moisture should make your bathroom window privacy solution long-lasting and prevent unwanted mold or mildew, while options that aren’t waterproof should be avoided.
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1. Decorative Window Film
Bathroom window privacy film, such as Coavas Window Privacy Film or Rabbitgoo Rainbow Window Film, offers an easy-yet-effective way to keep your lavatory business personal. Bathroom window privacy decals are easy to apply and come in a variety of designs to match the your bathroom decor.
You won’t be able to see out of privacy window film—beyond basic shapes and colors—but it will still allow natural light to filter through windows. However, privacy film won’t be as effective at night when the bathroom light is on. You may want to pair window film with some shades or blinds to maintain privacy after dark.
2. Shades
Hanging roller shades is an easy way to improve your shower window’s privacy without curtains. Roller shades are easily adjustable, so you can simply open them anytime you want more natural light or want to be able to look outside. You can also pair shades with window film for enhanced bathroom window privacy at night.
When choosing bathroom roller shades, remember to pick a waterproof option. Even if your bathroom window isn’t inside of the shower, bathrooms still get very humid. Waterproof shades, like Luckup Blackout Waterproof Roller Shades, will remain in better condition and minimize bathroom mold and mildew concerns.
3. Blinds
If you’re looking for bathroom window coverings for privacy, another simple option worth consideration is installing blinds. Compared to shades, privacy blinds like these Chicology Mini Blinds provide greater light control. Simply twist the tilt bar to adjust the angle of each slat to let some light in while still blocking others from being able to look in the room. Depending on your bathroom’s needs, sometimes the simplest solutions are also the best ones.
4. Window Tint
Hiring a professional to tint your windows can also increase the privacy in your space. The cost of window tinting can vary, but if you only plan on tinting a bathroom window or two, it shouldn’t be exorbitant. A benefit of tinted windows compared to some other solutions is that they allow you to enjoy an unobstructed view of the outdoors while keeping unwanted eyes out of your bathroom. As an alternative to hiring a professional, you can also install tinted window film like Xiawei Window Tint on your own.
5. Frosted Glass Spray Paint
As far as bathroom privacy ideas go, frosting your windows with spray paint is one that you can DIY with relative ease. After cleaning the bathroom window and taping around the frame with painter’s tape, simply spray the glass with a thin coat of Rust-Oleum Speciality Frost Glass Effect Spray or a similar product. Let the paint dry and apply more coats if needed to increase the window’s opacity and prevent people outside from being able to see through, even at night.
Spray-painting your windows isn’t a permanent solution, but it is easy enough to repeat or touch up as needed. It also allows you to see if you like the look and feel of frosted glass before springing for a more permanent fix.
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6. Glass Etching Cream
Glass etching permanently removes a thin layer from the glass, resulting in a frosted bathroom window for added privacy. Before applying a glass etching cream, such as Armour Etch Glass Etching Cream, apply painter’s tape around the window frame or individual panes of glass. Then, use a bristle brush to apply the cream to the glass as directed by the manufacturer. The end result should significantly obfuscate visibility in and out of the window while also adding a nice abstract touch to the glass.
7. Frosted Glass Blocks
Replacing your window with frosted glass blocks is another alternative to consider, but it’s a pricier one. While you will likely need to hire a contractor for this job, this privacy solution is far more permanent. Choose from different glass blocks styles, colors, and patterns to customize your new window and enhance your bathroom decor.
8. Semi-Opaque Window Glass
If you’re already in the middle of planning a bathroom renovation or intend to replace your windows, a semi-opaque bathroom window glass may be the solution you’re looking for. With semi-opaque glass, plenty of natural light will still be able to filter into your space, but those on the outside won’t be able to see in.
9. Outdoor Window Privacy Screen
Building a bathroom window privacy screen can block individuals from looking in. Use 4-inch slats to construct the screen, and be sure to make it a little taller than the window itself. When assembling the privacy screen, leave about ½ inch of space between each slat. This will still prevent others from being able to see in while still allowing some natural light to make it into the bathroom.
10. Houseplants
It’s no secret that plants make for excellent bathroom decor. When strategically laid out, they can also make a natural and effective privacy barrier. Choose tall plants that thrive in humid environments—such as spider plants, bamboo, Boston ferns, or snake plants. Use narrow pots and place your houseplants close to one another along the bathroom window sill. For increased privacy, you can also hang English ivy, golden pothos, or other humidity-loving trailing plants above the window.
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