Bathrooms windows are always a tricky area because you are always looking to balance both, light and privacy.
Window treatments have been come a long way and there are a host of choices like fabric, acrylic, glass, wood and even window films which are decorative and also provide UV protection.
Let’s have a look at some of the things that you can do to have a well-lit bathroom while keeping in mind privacy issues:
Gain the knowledge to make your home a better living space for your family and yourself, "Do It Yourself Tips" is a by-weekly newsletter loaded with valuable Home Improvement Tips & Tricks. Simply fill the form & click on "Sign Up!".
The simplest thing is blinds, you can choose from a range of different materials available. While frosted glass panels are good, they also cast unnecessary shadows when the light is on. So try plastic molded panels which have a sheer fabric covering or even a sheath that is decorated with a motif/pattern or with a soft color coordinating with your bathroom. A shade or blind with a valance on the top will add a softer touch and can be a decorative element which can also disguise rolled-up blinds.
Traditional wooden blinds or the newer alternative to wood can also be used that are moisture-repellant, mildew-repellent and don’t go out of shape. These are an excellent choice ad if combined with soft pastels on the walls or even a textured wall they give a very picturesque but stylish feeling. Painted wooden blinds can be a beautiful option too that preserve the old-world charm.
During the last couple of years there is an increasing trend of using glass bricks for windows. Well, while they may provide semi-privacy in a shower area using glass bricks as a window treatment for your bathroom is a bad idea because they are not really fully opaque and let in a lot more than light.
Using a shade for it would be a good idea if you have invested in glass bricks. Acrylic glass bricks are also available which are not only much lighter but also much easier to install. However the problem if privacy may remain even if they are textured so it would be appropriate to team them with honeycomb shades that don’t require much space, can be easily rolled up and would provide the privacy.
If you want a colorful and highly classy bathroom window, stained glass windows are just the thing for you. Stained glass windows or even the faux stained glass would make for a really unique window as they are often made of opaque colored glass or highly textured glass that distorts the view but can let in a stream of light in all the hues of the rainbow. Stained glass films/clings are also available for papering your windows if you want to achieve this look in an economical way.
Using privacy films for your windows if they are clear glass is an extremely uncomplicated option. This is not a difficult thing to do yourself and low visibility films are easily available.
These are just a few of the many wonderful options available in the market today to suit every taste and budget. Dressing up your windows is a sure-fire way to give your bathroom a fresh look on the outside and the inside.
by Mani Arquer
