How to Choose Beautiful and Practical Shower Windows

No longer do showers need to be dim, confining and uninviting. Shower windows brighten and enhance the space with natural light and fresh air. For those in need of shower remodel ideas, adding a window transforms a drab bathroom into a luxurious spa-like atmosphere. From window type and material to shape and placement, determining the right window for your shower is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s how to choose a shower window that is both beautiful and practical for your one-of-a-kind bathroom.

The first thing to consider when selecting a shower window is the type of material you want. Shower windows live in one of the most hot, humid and moist rooms in your home. An environment like this has the potential to foster the growth of mold and mildew.

If you still choose to add a shower window, after reading through warranty information about exposure to high-moisture environments, fiberglass windows are best suited for moisture-prone environments. Pella’s fiberglass is designed to provide outstanding resistance to water — in fact, it will never rot or corrode. Fiberglass windows also resist chipping, chalking and fading, ensuring you’ll never need to paint or refinish.

For those who long for fresh breezes and birdsong to start their morning routine, select a shower window that opens. Casement windows are a popular choice since they are easy to open, even in hard-to-reach places. An awning window in the shower opens with the same simple mechanism as a casement window, either a fold-away crank or sliding hardware. The difference is in the direction the window opens. Casements are hinged on one side and swing outward to the left or right. Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing out from the bottom.

When the simple joy of natural sunlight and the glow of the moon are enough to suit your fancy, consider a shower window that does not open. If you don’t need a window that opens, a non-operable picture window can also help save costs. Especially for tall spaces where the glass is out of reach, a picture window is the way to go.

Size is another important consideration when choosing a window for your shower. Windows come in many different sizes and can bring various amounts of light and air into the bathroom. A large window in the shower is a stunning focal point that lets in floods of light. Small shower windows offer more privacy, while still allowing you to enjoy the brightness of natural light.

This is the fun part; let’s talk shapes and style. There are so many shapes to choose from. From rectangles and squares to triangle and circle windows, select a shape that fits your unique shower. You can even dream up a special made-to-order shape not found in our common offering. With endless possibilities, further the style of your bathroom by selecting a shape that matches your aesthetic. For instance, a rectangle window with grilles will complement traditional or farmhouse style, while a triangle window might lend itself to a more contemporary feel.

The placement of your shower window is key to both beauty and practicality. You don’t want the window getting blasted with water every time you use the shower. To keep the window a little drier and cleaner, consider placing the window on a wall adjacent to the shower head. In addition to deciding on a wall, you’ll need to think about the height in which you want your shower window placed. Many opt for clerestory windows in the shower. These are long and skinny, and placed up high to maintain privacy while welcoming natural light. Others go with multiple windows, stacked in series from floor to ceiling.

In intimate spaces such as the bathroom, obscure and frosted glass help maintain privacy. A variety of textures are available to complement the aesthetic of your home. Depending on the placement and size of your shower window, it’s often necessary to select privacy glass. For instance, many homeowners opt for privacy glass when they have a large shower window. Those with smaller windows placed high on the wall can typically use clear energy-efficient glass.

Available in several materials, types, sizes, shapes and styles to suit your bathroom, adding a window in your shower can increase fresh air, natural light and beauty. Get inspired with bathroom window ideas that are just as practical as they are beautiful.