How to Cover a Window in the Shower

Co-authored by Art Fricke

Last Updated: February 15, 2022 References

If you have a window in your shower, it's natural to want to cover it up for additional privacy. Luckily, there are lots of options that will allow you to cover up the window while still letting in light. Opt for a simple solution like covering the window with a vinyl film or installing a curtain, or go with a longer-lasting option like replacing the entire window with obscured glass. Any of these options will leave you enjoying your showers with added privacy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding Simple Solutions

1
Spray frosted spray paint on the window as an easy fix. Use painter's tape to cover up parts of the window you don't want to be sprayed, as well as anything near the window like walls or window sills. Follow the directions on the can of spray paint, applying the paint in an even layer to the glass, to give the glass an opaque, frosted look.^{[1]
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- Look for glass frosting spray paint in a home improvement store or online.
2
Cover the window with a vinyl film to obscure the view. These films come in different patterns and obscurity levels, letting you decide how much light you want to pass through as well as how easy it is to see through the film. The film is applied to the window using its adhesive backing and can be easily removed if desired.^{[2]
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- For example, purchase a window film that looks like stained glass, or opt for a simple etched leaf design to let in more light. You can purchase window film that even has protection against UV rays.
- To install the window covering, just cut the film to size, peel off the backing, and press it to your window.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Art Fricke
  Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
  Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.}
- Look for vinyl film at a home improvement store or online.
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3
Install inexpensive window curtains to leave the window untouched. Look for a short curtain rod that you can adjust, making it easy to place it in the shower window. Purchase an inexpensive shower curtain and make it into a window curtain yourself, or look for window curtains specifically designed to go in showers.^{[4]
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- Attach the curtain to the rod before installing it in the window.
- If you're using a shower curtain, measure the window and then cut and sew the shower curtain so it fits in it.
- Look for shower window curtains that won't be ruined by excessive water.
4
Use shower-grade plantation shutters to block out the window. This is a more expensive option, but it allows you to easily adjust when the windows are open or closed. You can install the plantation shutters yourself by following the directions that come with them, or you can ask a professional to do it for you.^{[5]
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- Shower-grade plantation shutters are a great option if you can see the window in the shower when you walk into the bathroom.
- Installing the plantation shutters will likely require tools such as a drill, screws, and measuring tape.
- Make sure the plantation shutters aren't made out of wood since they'll be around lots of moisture.
5
Install water-resistant blinds to easily adjust the light. Purchase blinds for your shower window from a home improvement store or online. Make sure you measure your window before purchasing the blinds to be sure to select the right size for your shower window.^{[6]
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- Follow the instructions that come with the water-resistant blinds to install them correctly.
- You'll need tools like a tape measure, drill, and screws.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Altering the Structure

1
Replace the window with obscured glass to add privacy. This requires you to completely replace your bathroom window with a window that has glass you can't easily see out of. If you're able to replace the window yourself, great! If not, research a good contractor in your area to see if they can help.^{[7]
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- Ask your local home improvement store for ideas about which obscured glass option to choose.
- Pebbled privacy glass is a great option, as is textured translucent glass.
- Be sure to choose a window with a vinyl casing, and waterproof the seam between the window casing and the wall. That will help protect your window and walls from moisture.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Art Fricke
  Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
  Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.}
2
Use glass blocks to create an obscured window. Glass blocks are a unique option that are often used in showers. You can purchase the glass blocks individually, and they let plenty of light in while obscuring the view. Installing several glass blocks will require you to use glass mortar to fill the spaces in between them.^{[9]
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- If your window has a deep sill, you may be able to install glass blocks without even replacing the original window.
- Purchase glass blocks from a home improvement store or online.
- Measure the window beforehand so that you know how many glass blocks you need to buy.
3
Leave the top half of the window transparent to let light into the room. If you're worried about losing valuable natural light by replacing the window, consider looking for a window that's both transparent and translucent. These windows let light in through the top half through clear glass, while the bottom half of the window is made of obscured glass.
- You can also achieve this effect by using a vinyl film on half of the window, though it won't be as sturdy.
- This works especially well if you have multiple panes of glass in the window.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What's the best window covering for a bathroom?

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.

Art Fricke

Home Renovation & Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

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If you have a window in your bathroom and it's not already frosted, the easiest thing to do is get frosted privacy glass film. You just cut it to size, peel off the backing, and put it on the window.