Adding a window to your shower can brighten your space, make your shower feel larger, and ventilate the area to help prevent mold and mildew. Installing this type of window in such a private area can be challenging, though. Read our guide below to learn how to install a window in your shower, how to maximize light, and how to keep your privacy.

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Benefits of Installing a Window in Your Shower

Adding a window to your shower will afford you the benefits below.

• Aesthetic appeal: Windows connect you to the outdoors, and can make your shower experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
• Improved ventilation: A window that you can open and close can help you to reduce humidity, which will keep your bathroom fresher and prevent mold and mildew.
• Natural light: A shower window can significantly brighten your bathroom and reduce the need for artificial light.

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Types of Windows Suitable for Showers

Below are some popular window types that are suited for showers.

Awning Window

This window has a hinge on its top and opens outward from the bottom. It ventilates your space and increases natural light. Its slant can make it difficult to clean, though.

Casement Window

A casement window, also called a crank window, has hinges on its side and opens outward to the left or right. It ventilates the space successfully and is easy to operate. It’s energy efficient, but it can break easily when its hardware ages and rusts. It can also be tough to clean.

Glass Block Window

This type of window is made of multiple blocks of thick glass within a window frame. The partially opaque glass makes your shower more private, but allows less light inside than other window types. It can’t open, so it doesn’t ventilate the bathroom area.

Hopper Window

A hopper window is basically an upside down casement window. It has hinges at the bottom and opens inward from the top. This window lets plenty of fresh air inside, but it can catch debris when it’s open. It also takes up more space than other window types.

Picture Window

A picture window doesn’t open or close, and doesn’t ventilate the bathroom area. It’s made of a single pane of glass that gives you an unobstructed view of the outdoors. This window option allows more light inside than other window types, but makes your space less private.

Skylight

A skylight is a window you can install on the roof. It’s usually made of transparent or translucent glass and provides more light than other windows. It’s hard to clean and can lead to heat loss or gain if you don’t install it in the correct location.

Slider Window

A slider window looks like a double-hung window, but it opens horizontally. Sliding windows successfully ventilate your space, but dirt can build up on their sliding tracks, which can make the windows difficult to open and close.

Transom Window

A transom window is a small window that you can install above a large window or door, or in your shower. This window can be fixed or operable, and can make your shower space brighter and more private. It’s more difficult to clean and maintain than other window types, though.

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Ideas for Maximizing Privacy in Your Shower

Window treatments such as blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery can help you block your window temporarily to give you more privacy. You can also use decorative films or textured glass to cover the window and still allow natural light inside.

Learn more about how to cover your shower window to maximize privacy below.

Decorative Glass Films

Decorative glass films are made of a durable material and can mimic different types of glass, such as frosted glass or etched glass. They allow light inside without sacrificing your privacy, but can wrinkle or bubble if you don’t apply them carefully. Not all glass film is suitable for a high-moisture shower area.

You can install most films with do-it-yourself techniques, and many windows include manufacturer’s instructions. You can also follow the basic steps below to install a decorative glass film in your shower window:

1. Clean the glass window with a solution of 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo and 1 gallon of filtered water.
2. Measure your window‘s height and width.
3. Cut the window film to size with a utility knife and remove the film backing.
4. Apply the window film to the edges and corners, and keep the film level with the window. Start at the top and work the film down the window. Overlap the film with the window frame.
5. Trim any excess film with a utility knife or box cutter.
6. Push any large air bubbles to the edge of the film with your hand. Use a hand squeegee to push any remaining air bubbles to the edge of the film.

Make sure you don’t accidentally void your window’s warranty by applying a film.

Specialized Glass

Choosing patterned, frosted, colored, or textured privacy glass is a more permanent solution than choosing decorative glass film. A highly textured or patterned glass surface is partially opaque, which can make your bathroom private while still allowing natural light to enter the space. Common types of specialized glass that are ideal for showers include frosted glass, patterned glass, rain glass, etched glass, and stained glass.

Consider smart glass technology if you want to switch the glass from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button or voice command. This offers you ultimate control over your privacy and light levels, but is more expensive than other window types.

Window Treatments

A window treatment is a decorative covering that allows you to control the light that can enter a room. Blinds, shades, and shutters offer varying degrees of privacy. Make sure to choose water-resistant treatments in a shower.

Blinds

Blinds are window coverings that are made of slats that you can adjust to change how much light can enter your shower. Blinds are available in various styles, materials, and colors that you can easily remove. Choose a waterproof material, such as faux wood or polyvinyl chloride.

Shades

Roman shades are energy-efficient options that you can pull down or lower to control the light and visibility in your bathroom. Choose waterproof Roman shades or shades that are made of mildew-resistant fabric.

Shutters

Shutters allow you to control the light and visibility in your shower space, and are available in a range of waterproof styles and finishes. Avoid bamboo, wood, or fabric-based options, which the steam in your shower can warp. Steam can also allow mold to grow in this space.

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Shower Window Installation Process and Considerations

You must carefully plan your installation site before you proceed with your project. Follow the steps below.

Window Location

Consider factors such as privacy, natural light, and ventilation when selecting a location for your shower window. A window that you place near the shower head can help you to keep the space brighter, while a higher placement can make your space more private.

Frame Materials

Popular window frame options include wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. We don’t recommend using wood in high-moisture environments, though, and aluminum is a poor insulator. Fiberglass windows can resist chipping and fading, and are more resistant to mold and mildew than other types.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

Experienced DIYers can replace existing shower windows, but we highly recommend hiring professionals if you need to cut through your walls to create a new window. A skilled contractor can help you to waterproof the space correctly, and make sure you abide by building codes.

Building Codes and Permits

Make sure you check local building codes and obtain any necessary permits before installing a shower window. Requirements may vary depending on your location and the scope of the project. A professional window installer will do this for you.

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Proper Window Caulking Techniques

Make sure to occasionally check the caulking on your window and replace it as necessary. This type of sealant can break down even if you install it correctly. Follow the steps below.

1. Assess the current caulk. Inspect your window’s current caulking for damage or mold. If it has signs of either, you’ll have to remove it. If the old caulk isn’t damaged, clean and dry it before you apply new caulk.
2. Choose the correct caulk. Buy an interior caulk that’s waterproof and resistant to mold. Caulk that features acrylic latex or silicone can resist mildew and stick to nonporous surfaces.
3. Clean the space around your window. If the space around your window is dirty, the caulk won’t bond to the surface properly. Make sure the space is dry before you move forward with sealing.
4. Apply the caulk. Cut the tube tip of your caulk and place the tip against the window seam. Slowly fill the seam around the shower window.
5. Smooth the caulk. Smooth the caulk with a wet finger or caulk applicator.
6. Allow the caulk to dry. Let the caulk dry completely before you use your shower. Most caulk will dry within 12–24 hours.

This Old House painting expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor a common mistake DIYers make when caulking in the video below.

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Cost Factors for Shower Windows

A shower window replacement will cost anywhere from $580 to $1,650. If you’re installing a completely new window, you’ll pay up to $3,600 for the framing, siding, finishing, and potential rerouting of plumbing and wiring.

*Cost data in this article sourced from HomeGuide.

Below are additional variables that can influence the cost of your project:

• Frame material: Vinyl and aluminum are typically the least expensive frame materials, and fiberglass and wood are the most expensive.
• Glass type: Regular transparent glass costs less than textured, patterned, or smart glass.
• Labor: Anything that increases the time it takes to install the window, such as a small or difficult-to-access shower, will increase professional installation costs.
• Number of panes: Double- and triple-paned windows are more energy efficient, but they are more expensive than other types.
• Privacy treatments: Films and vinyl blinds are generally the least expensive options. High-end shades and shutters are more expensive.
• Size: Smaller windows are less expensive to install than larger ones.
• Shape: Standard dimensions will cost far less than custom-made designs.

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FAQ About Shower Windows

How do you waterproof an existing window in a shower?

You can waterproof an existing window in a shower by removing the window trim and window sill and replacing them with a waterproof material such as vinyl or fiberglass. You can also install a treatment such as a water-resistant shade over the window to prevent water from spraying onto it.

What is the process for installing a window in a shower?

Find a general installation overview below. You can also check out our guide to window installation for more detailed instructions.

1. Determine where you want the window and cut an opening.
2. Build a frame for the window and secure it to the opening with screws.
3. Insert the new shower window into the frame and position it with a level.
4. Caulk around the perimeter and make sure there’s a tight seal.

What are the benefits of having a window in the shower?

A window in the shower allows more natural light into the room and allows steam and moisture to escape. A shower window can also make a small bathroom feel larger.

What should you consider when installing a window in your shower?

You should consider using waterproof materials to prevent mold and mildew when installing a window in your shower. Properly seal them with acrylic latex or silicone caulk.

What is the best window for a shower?

The best window for a shower depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. Windows made of vinyl or fiberglass are more resistant to moisture and mold. A reputable window replacement company can help you determine the best window for your needs.

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