Choosing the best type of windows for your bathroom can be confusing. It can be hard to find that perfect balance between having a good amount of natural light and ample ventilation while still maintaining your privacy in the bathroom. While there are some helpful products, such as window privacy coverings, that can help remedy the problem the key is really choosing the right kind of window when you are designing or remodeling your bathroom.
Smaller bathrooms also pose some challenges, so knowing which types of windows are best suited for tiny spaces can help out a lot. Then, there’s the question of which window to use for interior rooms, such as those attached to master bedrooms, since they don’t have the opportunity to have windows for natural light.
Before you scratch your head and call it quits, take a look at these types of bathroom windows. Who knows? Going through these might just spark some inspiration.
Best Types of Windows for Bathrooms
Crank Windows
Crank windows are your best bet if you want to be energy-efficient. Unlike other windows that have weatherstripping, they use a compression seal on the area where the frame and sash meet. This seal creates an airtight lock when you close the window, which lets you enjoy almost zero heat loss. This efficiency does come at a price, though – at least as an initial investment – as they are often 20% more expensive than slider windows.
Slider Windows
These aren’t the most efficient windows, but they’re a great choice for other reasons. First, they cost less than crank windows. You also get good enough – if not the best – energy efficiency while being able to naturally ventilate the bathroom whenever you open them.
These depend on weatherstripping to fill in the gaps between sashes. One downside of sliders is that they’re prone to freezing during winter months. However, you can install upgrades to avoid such problems – such as adding ETI foams or Low-E coatings to maximize their efficiency and prevent the buildup of ice whenever it gets too cold outside.
Skylight Windows
Ah, the skylight. Now, there might be no other window that looks more luxurious than this one. You can really say “This is the life” while spending time in the bathroom with the sun shining overhead. A fixed skylight window is often placed above the shower area – a nice idea to truly relax and be with nature.
You can enjoy all the privacy in the world and enjoy natural sunlight at the same time. An even better idea is to skip the tile for the shower or bath area, and use an earthy material to complete the bathing in paradise dream.
This, of course, involves cutting into your ceiling and roof – and you are right if you guessed that this type of luxury isn’t cheap. Having a double-glazed skylight ranges from $60-$100 per square foot
There are more affordable options, though, which are also incidentally more suitable for smaller bathrooms. The tubular skylight, like this solar tube (Amazon), is smaller than your typical skylight. It has a diameter of between 10 to 14 inches, is made of sheet metal, and diffuses and reflects sunlight throughout your bathroom. This doesn’t need alterations to framing or new drywall like the conventional skylight, so these can cost somewhere between $500-$1000. This lower cost, however, should have lower expectations as well. Solar tubes can offer light but not the view that you get from typical skylights (see photo below).
Shutter Windows
These are better known as plantation shutters or shutter-style blinds. What’s great about these is their ability to adapt to your privacy requirements in one move. Plus, they elevate the elegance of the bathroom flawlessly. With one flick, you can open them up to let the sunlight in – or take a look at the night sky. Another flick of the wrist and you can conceal them and enjoy privacy.
The costs of shutters depend on how big the window is and what kind of material they’re made of. You can get faux wood for around $60, and over $250 for high-end material shutters.
Textured Glass Windows
If you want to get both privacy and sunlight but aren’t into skylights, then textured glass windows are the next best thing. These are designed to be very opaque with heavy textures. This obscures the view while still offering great natural lighting. If you have small bathrooms, these are perfect.
The luxury of these windows does cost a bit more, between $400-$600 for a 3 by 5-foot double-hung window. Alternatively, there’s privacy window film, which is a temporary type of contact paper treated with a frosted design and texture. This costs much less and can be an alternative solution, priced at around $20 per sheet.
Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows allow enough sunlight to come into the room without giving away your privacy. To brighten up your bathroom, you can go for an entire wall made out of these glass blocks – if you’re up for it.
One block can cost between $5-$15 or slightly more for metalized or specialty colored blocks. Installation costs can run up to $600 for each window. You can also go for pre-formed glass block windows (Home Depot) to save a bit of money, which are made to fit standard window sizes. These can run between $50-$800 based on how big you want them, and what kind of glass you’re using.
Transom Windows
Transoms are often used to accent windows that are placed below a larger window, below a door, above a window, or above a door. However, if privacy is of utmost importance for you, then you can use them as standalone windows. These are also quite affordable than other options. Including installation, you can get them for $200-$570. Make sure the placement is high enough to get the right amount of privacy you want.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are also set up high on the wall, but unlike transoms, they open downward to give you more ventilation as needed. If you are having too much moisture and humidity after a hot shower, you can open these easily to offer natural ventilation. The price of these windows depends on size and material, ranging from $260-$720.
