Windows in a shower elevate the overall atmosphere of a bathroom. But having the window too close to the shower might become a headache, as it makes your privacy vulnerable. So you might ask- “how to cover a window in a shower?”
There are several ways to create a coating above the window like static clings, paint spray, etching cream, curtains, or blocks to cover the window. There are other methods available as well that act as an enclosure.
Read on to know in detail about the ways to cover a window in a shower, whether the shower window can have an enclosure or not, and some considerations while building a window in a bathroom.
5 Ways To Cover A Window In A Shower
The majority of windows can be made private by installing a suitable window treatment. However, standard curtains and shades don’t work well in the shower because of the humidity and the water.
Also, it’s not as easy to attach things to tile shower surrounds as it is to conventional walls. The positive news is that there is a wide variety of window privacy choices available to you that are not expensive, can be hung in a short amount of time, and perform well in moist settings.
Let’s look at some of the ways you can cover a window in a shower.
Glass static clings
Sticking to window glass without the need for adhesive, static cling glass covers are made of thin, flexible, translucent vinyl. Static cling covers cost $5 to $15 per roll (enough for two windows) and come in many designs, materials, and shades.
Before applying glass covers, the window must be cleaned and the covers must fit precisely. Lightly spraying the glass helps the coverings stick. Using a squeegee removes bubbles by making a few passes.
Static cling coverings can be readily reapplied. Over time, mold and mildew can grow between the coverings and the glass.
However, shower window privacy isn’t permanently solved with cling covers. They’re cheap and easy to use, so they’re perfect for temporary privacy.
Frosted Paint Spray
A spray paint called “frosted glass” uses an oil-based concealing covering to mimic the look of etched glass. Semi-transparent covering lets light in while maintaining shower privacy.
It just takes around 10 minutes to spray one window with frosted glass paint, and one can cover the entire window. The price ranges from about $15 to $20 per unit, depending on the manufacturer.
One warning is that frosted glass spray paint isn’t meant to be in close proximity to water all the time. A few water drops are good, but too many can erode the covering.
Glass Etching Cream
Both glass clings and frosted spray paint are simple but short-lived. When you are certain that you want frosted glass permanently, you can use glass etching cream to manually etch the surface.
A 2.8-ounce container of glass etching cream costs $17 to $25 for 6 square feet. The product doesn’t require scrubbing. The cream is removed with soapy water and mineral spirits.
As a result, the glass is truly etched and frosted for shower privacy. It will never degrade. Use any regular glass cleaner to get the surface spotless.
Waterproof Curtains
In the shower, you can use any type of material that is completely waterproof for window coverings. You can choose from Plastic curtains, vinyl shades, cellular honeycomb shades, and plastic mini-blinds.
Drilling into the tile is required for every shower window treatment. Caulking each screw hole completely is necessary to keep water out of the wall.
Glass Blocks
Glass blocks provide natural light into the shower and increase privacy. In addition to that, it solves any and all waterproofing issues permanently.
Because of the combined weight of the mortar, steel, and glass blocks that make up the wall, it is quite possible that the entire wall will require additional structural support, and it may even have to be rebuilt.
Glass block window replacement costs $600 to $1,200 depending on size, materials, and installation.
In addition to permanently fixing the lack of seclusion, this approach also provides an opportunity to deal with issues like damp, deteriorating walls and moldy insulation.
Can You Put A Shower Enclosure Over A Window?
Yes, you can put a shower enclosure over a window. And if you want to cover the shower windows with an enclosure, then the previous solutions aren’t adequate. Try these further suggestions for enhancing privacy by putting a shower enclosure.
Frosted Acrylic Obscure Panel
To increase privacy in a shower, an opaque acrylic screen can be fitted on the exterior of the window instead of a solid cover. You can get by with just a polycarbonate cutting tool and a few dollars for a little frosted acrylic panel.
The acrylic panel can be attached to the outside of the window frame by drilling holes in the panel’s corners and edges.
The use of plastic gaskets of a thickness of only 1/4 inch between the panel and the trim can assist prevent condensation from building up under the panel and improve air circulation.
Window Coverings That Won’t Leak
Any kind of window covering that is watertight will work in the bathroom, including the shower. Some examples of window coverings are plastic mini-blinds, cellular honeycomb shades, vinyl roller blinds, and PVC shutters.
Every shower curtain or blind must be drilled into the tiled wall for stability. All of the screw holes need to be thoroughly caulked so that water won’t be able to penetrate the wall through them.
5 Things to Consider When Placing A Window In A Shower
A bathroom window will face different conditions than a living room window in your living area. Before installing one, consider a few things.
1. Using Tempered Glass is A Must
Perhaps you’re adding a bathroom to an older home that has a window. Tempered glass must be used for all shower window panes.
Tempered glass is safer since it breaks into smaller pieces in the event of a fall. All building rules demand tempered glass for bathroom enclosures.
2. Follow a Privacy-Conscious Design
As you’ll be standing near the window in your birthday suit, consider a smaller, above-shoulder-height double-hung window.
Follow the above-discussed solutions to make
3. Waterproof an Old Window Frame
A wooden window frame is a hallmark of a property constructed in the past century or earlier. Sealing the window frame will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and rotting.
Choose windows with vinyl or aluminum frames to withstand the wetness.
4. Get the Right Size and Height
Do you want a large shower window overlooking your garden? If the window is operable, the sill cannot be any lower than 800 millimeters above the ground. If you want the window to open to the floor, it cannot have movable panes lower than 800mm.
A small window near the ceiling improves a modest bathroom. Pick the one and position that works best.
5. Bathroom Ventilation
To prevent mildew, all bathrooms should have an air vent or an open window. Structures can be damaged by water if they are always wet. If you’re replacing a crank-open casement window with a plate window, add an extractor fan.
FAQ
Does a shower room need a window?
Yes, showers require windows. Whether you shower or flush, you add moisture to the atmosphere. Without a proper drainage system, the moisture builds up and eventually starts to corrode the surfaces in your bathroom. This is because mold flourishes in humid places.
Why do bathroom windows require to be tempered?
Water and steam in the bathroom can lead to rotting and discoloration. Tempered glass installations offer the best defense against any climate. You won’t have to worry about drafts, heat loss, air leaks, moisture, or anything else compromising the cleanliness of your bathroom.
How effective are plastic window coverings?
Covering your windows with plastic film can keep the cold out and the heat in during the winter. They are a low-cost method of reducing moisture buildup and energy costs.
Wrapping a window in plastic can also prevent air leaks from forming around the frame if the damage goes all the way to the wood.
Conclusion
Thanks to this article, you now know different ways to cover your window in a shower to protect your privacy. Removing windows to protect your privacy is not a solution as you would want to keep proper ventilation in your bathroom.
Follow the above-mentioned methods to elevate your showering experience.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.