The right bathroom window improves your space’s look and functionality. It can also increase ventilation, reduces moisture buildup, and boosts the room’s comfort. In addition, high-quality windows can enhance your energy efficiency and help reduce condensation. This guide offers tips on selecting the best bathroom replacement windows based on style, functionality, and privacy options.

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How To Choose Bathroom Window Replacements

Bathroom windows aren’t restricted to a specific window type, allowing homeowners to customize their look. Certain window styles work better than others due to their size, functionality, and privacy options. We’ve listed some key features to consider when shopping for the best replacement windows for bathrooms. 

Available Wall Space

Most bathrooms are small spaces and have limited wall space for new windows. Smaller designs, such as half-baths, especially limit your options compared to primary bathrooms. Installing a window in a small space reduces the available wall space for accessories such as towel racks or cabinets. 

Consider installing windows higher up on small bathroom walls to maximize your space. If you’re installing primary or extended bathroom windows, standard window sizes will work. Larger window designs, such as picture windows, create the feel of a more open space, making the bathroom appear larger. 

Bathroom Privacy

While windows offer additional light and ventilation, they also expose more of your private space to the outside world. It’s important to consider window placement to preserve your privacy without limiting your new windows’ function. If your home has a private yard with fencing, you can install larger windows in your bathroom. You won’t need as many privacy protections and can enjoy the added light without concern. If your property has limited privacy features, add window treatments, such as shades, blinds, or curtains, to protect the room. 

Additional privacy upgrades include frosted or textured glass. These glass options limit interior visibility without dramatically reducing natural light. If protecting your privacy is more important than sunlight, opt for tinted glass or window films. Some window manufacturers also offer privacy glass, which limits interior and exterior visibility. 

Window Frame Material

Bathrooms may receive daily exposure to high moisture and humidity levels and are more prone to mold and mildew. Your new bathroom windows should be durable enough to withstand these conditions. Selecting nonporous window frame materials, such as fiberglass, aluminum, or vinyl, provides the best bathroom protection. Avoid wood bathroom windows since they’re prone to water damage and rot without regular maintenance. 

Different window frame materials will impact your window replacement costs. If you’re looking for cheap replacement windows, choose vinyl or aluminum. Fiberglass windows cost more but are efficient. Vinyl windows provide good energy efficiency but don’t have great visual appeal. Aluminum windows offer sleek lines but limited energy efficiency benefits. 

Window Operation

• Enhanced look: A bathroom window opens up the space and makes the room look larger. It can transform a bathroom’s feel and provide an accent element in the overall design.
• Improved ventilation: Some bathrooms have exhaust fans to help dissipate humidity and moisture, reducing the chance of mold or mildew accumulation. If you don’t have one, consider adding functional windows that open and close. Multipane windows combat condensation because they have insulating gas between the glass panes to reduce the effects of outdoor temperatures. Insulated windows also sweat less in humid temperatures. 
• Increased natural light: If you want to increase sunlight and fresh air, consider operational windows with limited coverings. Maximize incoming sunlight by skipping window grilles, treatments, and other light-reducing enhancements. Select smaller, functional windows for added airflow with controlled sunlight and choose inoperative or fixed windows to increase the room’s natural light.

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Best Window Styles for Bathrooms

Consider your bathroom’s wall space, floor plan, and privacy needs. Each window style offers different benefits and can bring more function and beauty to your home. Below is our list of options for the best replacement bathroom windows. 

Awning Windows

Awning windows offer excellent ventilation and privacy when placed on high walls. These windows open outward from your home using a hinge at the frame’s top. Awning windows come in various sizes, so find one that works with your wall space. If you choose larger windows, consider adding privacy glass to limit visibility. 

Casement Windows

Casement windows offer maximum ventilation. These windows have side hinges like a door and open outward. They’re larger than other options, allowing for beautiful surrounding views. Given their size, you may want to install frosted or textured glass if your home lacks privacy fencing. 

Hopper Windows

Hopper windows are similar to awning windows but open the opposite way. They’re usually set high on a wall and open inward to provide ventilation and natural light. They come in a variety of sizes and open with a thatch or crank, and tilt at either a 45- or 90-degree angle.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows offer optimal airflow thanks to their two movable panels, also called window sashes. These windows open at the top and bottom and sometimes include tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning. Double-hung windows are recommended for higher floors due to their dual openings. Consider adding additional window locks for security. 

These windows also offer insulation to reduce condensation and fogging. Upgrading to double-pane windows increases moisture resistance and energy efficiency. Invest in triple-pane double-hung windows if you want maximum energy efficiency and noise reduction. 

Glass Block Windows

Consider glass block windows for bathrooms that have proper ventilation but need more sunlight. Glass block windows have textured glass, offering optimal privacy without sacrificing sunlight. These inoperative windows work as a bathroom focal point. 

Sliding Windows

Sliding, also called gliding, windows have a movable sash that slides to the right or left. They work in tight spaces and can bring excellent sunlight and ventilation into a room. Gliding windows come in various sizes—even models small enough to add to a shower. If security is a concern, choose models with one fixed side for added protection. We recommend installing fixed models on ground floors and dual-function models for higher floors. 

Transom Windows

Transom windows sit above an entry or doorway as focal points in your home. These windows come in fixed and operable models with bottom hinges for better ventilation. They come in different shapes and often incorporate decorative patterns or specialty glass, such as stained or frosted. Depending on the glass pattern, they can allow some light to enter the bathroom. 

Skylights

Consider a skylight if your bathroom has no external walls or minimal wall space. These windows come in fixed and operative options and don’t require additional privacy coverings. Functioning skylights offer optimal sky views while casting sunlight into your bathroom. Operational skylights come in manual and motorized versions, making it easy to ventilate your bathroom. Skylights also help with energy efficiency, as the added sunlight naturally warms the room.

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Our Conclusion

Bathroom windows help elevate the room’s functionality, style, and comfort. Before choosing replacement windows, consider the features and benefits you need. Opt for smaller, higher up windows or skylights if you have limited wall space. Homeowners with private yards can choose larger windows that offer maximum sunlight and fresh air. Most replacement windows have options for privacy glass or other textured glass to add privacy. You can also add window treatments or film tinting to reduce visibility. 

We recommend hiring a professional window installer for your project. Using a professional ensures a high-quality installation plus added warranties. Request three or more free quotes for the best selection, pricing, and upgrade options.

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FAQ About Bathroom Replacement Windows

What is the best material for a bathroom window?

The best material for bathroom windows are nonporous, durable options such as vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum. These windows resist humidity and moisture while remaining durable for years. Avoid installing wood windows since they’re prone to deterioration and rot when improperly maintained.

How important is a bathroom window?

Bathroom windows are important because they provide improved ventilation to reduce odors, humidity, and moisture accumulation. Without proper ventilation, the added moisture could cause mold or mildew. Bathroom windows can also add natural light to the room, reducing artificial light use and lowering energy bills. 

What windows are best for bathroom ventilation?

The best windows for bathroom ventilation are casement and double-hung windows. These windows offer optimal ventilation and fresh air due to their dual openings.  The best window choice depends on your available wall space, privacy needs, and other preferred features. 

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Our Rating Methodology

We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.