Why You Should Consider Installing a Window In Your Shower

Stepping into a shower enclosed by four walls with no natural light can feel restrictive and closed-in. While a standard shower gets the job done, opting for a shower with a window can provide some unexpected benefits that upgrade the experience.

Introducing natural light and an outdoor view turns a regular shower into a spa-like retreat right at home. Read on to learn why you should consider incorporating a window when designing or renovating your shower.

Enjoy the Perks of Natural Light Exposure

Studies show exposure to natural light offers several health advantages. It helps set your circadian rhythm so you feel more energized in the mornings and sleep better at night. Natural light also increases serotonin production, elevating your mood.

By installing a window in your shower, you can reap these rewards first thing in the morning. As sunlight streams in, it triggers your body to wake up and feel more refreshed. Early risers or those who struggle to get moving in the mornings may especially appreciate the gentle boost.

The Benefits of a Sunlit Shower

Specifically, taking a shower by natural light provides several perks:

• The warm, soft glow enhancesthe look and feel of the water for a more soothing experience.
• Seeing sunlight first thing motivates you to start your day.
• Sunlight increases vitamin D absorption for a health boost.
• Natural light saves electricity otherwise used to illuminate an enclosed shower.

While artificial light simply illuminates a space, natural light offers life-giving qualities that can re-energize you. Many people who install shower windows say the difference is like night and day!

Maximize Mood-Enhancing Benefits

To maximize the mood-enhancing benefits of your shower window, consider these tips:

• Face the window east to catch warm morning sunlight.
• Position the shower area closest to the window for direct light exposure.
• Choose a wider window for more sunlight dispersion into the space.
• Install a sunlight-amplifying light tube or skylight above the shower area.
• Use translucent glass block to soften and distribute the natural light.

With smart positioning and design considerations, your shower can offer the ideal way to start the day immersed in rejuvenating natural light.

Take in Tranquil Scenery Views

In addition to letting light in, a shower window also gives you a portal to enjoy soothing vistas. Having visual access to the outdoors when you wash up is an easy way to stay connected to nature.

Imagine looking out over your garden, soaking in greenery and flowers first thing in the morning. Or maybe you'd prefer watching birds at the feeder outside while the water cascades over you. Peaceful views make for a calming, refreshing shower experience.

Ideal Views to Consider

Here are some prime view options to think about when positioning your shower window:

• Woodland garden area
• Large backyard tree
• Established landscaping
• Water feature like a pond or fountain
• Planter boxes outside the window filled with herbs or flowers
• Bird feeders or baths

Avoid any views that may feel intrusive over time, like a driveway or walkway where people pass frequently. Consider sightlines from both inside and outside the shower when determining placement.

Add Interior Greenery for Further Connection

Can't decide on an ideal outdoor vista? Bring nature inside by decorating the shower space with potted plants. Some options to try:

• Snake plant - Thrives in low light and high humidity.
• Chinese evergreen - Tolerates low light and sporadic watering.
• Philodendrons - Do well in steamy bathrooms.
• Ferns - Enjoy the ambient moisture.

Pair these low-maintenance plants with your shower window to surround yourself with lush greenery.

Create an Open, Airy Shower Space

Do you ever wish your utilitarian shower felt more like a blissful spa sanctuary? A window can help transform a tight, enclosed space into an open, airy oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Strategically placed windows draw the eye upwards and outwards, making small bathrooms appear more expansive. The outdoor views and natural light also contribute to the illusion of a larger area.

Maximize Spatial Illusions With These Design Choices

Consider the following design ideas to optimize the spaciousness of your windowed shower:

• A rectangular window adds height and a feeling of openness.
• Position the window higher up on the wall rather than low down.
• White subway tiles reflect light and feels brighter.
• Frameless glass showers blur indoor and outdoor seamlessly.
• Keep the material palette minimalist - avoid visual clutter.

With thoughtful layout and finishing choices, you can enjoy an airy, downright majestic shower bathed in sunlight despite having limited square footage.

Maintain the Illusion Through the Doorway

To further expand the shower's sense of space, consider the doorway's impact. Should the entry have a door or stick with just an opening? Here are some factors to weigh:

• No door preserves the sightlines and airflow, enhancing openness.
• A glass door maintains light and views while offering privacy and moisture control.
• A curtain ensures privacy economically but will impede views and trap moisture.
• Barn style sliding doors tuck away discreetly when open and won't obstruct views.

Depending on your priorities and the way the space is used day-to-day, select the option that best preserves your shower oasis atmosphere.

Considerations for Privacy and Placement

While windows in showers offer many advantages, a challenging aspect is preserving privacy. Clear glass will give passerby an eyeful, while opaque glass blocks the views and light you likely want to enjoy.

Fortunately, several smart solutions can help strike the right balance for your space. But before delving into options, let's cover two other key considerations: ventilation and positioning.

Prioritize Proper Ventilation

To prevent mildew and moisture damage when introducing a shower window, proper ventilation is a must. Ensure the bathroom has an exhaust fan ducted outdoors to effectively remove steam. Also, crack open a nearby window now and then to encourage fresh airflow.

If possible, avoid locating the shower window on the same wall as the showerhead. Having the moisture source right next to the window can lead to condensation issues. Position it on an adjacent wall instead.

Strategically Place for Light and Privacy

Bathroom windows often look into neighboring homes, so ponder sightlines carefully. Think about these factors when determining placement:

• Who can see into the window from outside?
• Will sunlight stream in at an inconvenient time?
• Do trees need trimming to open up the view?
• Will the textured glass pattern look odd from certain angles?

Select a bathroom wall orientated towards your backyard rather than the street or neighbors. Tree cover and window height also come into play.

Privacy Solutions to Consider

Okay, let's look at some ways to balance transparency, light, and privacy in your shower window:

• Textured, obscured, or frosted glass - diffuses views.
• Strategic window placement - avoid straight sightlines.
• Window films or glazes offer adjustable opacity.
• Solar shades give you control over when it's transparent.
• Smart glass turns opaque at the flip of a switch.
• External screens like shutters or lattices block views.
• Window tinting in gradients can disguise shapes.

With the right privacy solution - smart glass is a favorite - you can have the best of both worlds in your shower design.

Style and Design Possibilities to Consider

The design options are endless when specifying a shower window. Glass can serve as either a subtle feature or make a dramatic statement. Consider what decorative role you want the window to play before honing in on materials and styling.

Do you prefer for the window to fade discreetly into the background? Or would you like the glazing to command attention and wow guests? Establish the aesthetic vision for your bathroom before evaluating options.

Types of Glass to Consider

Run through these glazing types to identify the right aesthetic for your needs:

• Clear glass - Provides undistorted views and maximum light.
• Low-iron glass - Extra clarity with a faint blue tint.
• Patterned glass - Obscures views while allowing light.
• Colored tinted glass - A bold accent shade.
• Etched glass - Frosted look softly diffuses light.
• Stained glass - Ornate artwork to showcase.

There are also glass blocks and tiles to consider. Visit showrooms to better visualize the effect each type will have.

Creative Ways to Showcase Shower Windows

You can highlight your glazing selection through clever shower design:

• Extend glass tiles or blocks around the window to accentuate it.
• Opt for frameless glass for a streamlined look.
• Backlight the window with sconces or positioned lights.
• Incorporate a glass block partition for added drama.
• Add a vibrant colored wall or tile behind opaque glass.
• Suspend floating wood shelving under the window.

With strategic design choices as the backdrop, your custom glass encased in the shower wall is sure to impress.

Costs and Budgeting Considerations

What can you expect to invest for a shower window installation? The price depends on the complexity of the project and selections made.

Also factor in subsequent expenses like a general contractor, permits, disposal fees, and repairing surfaces post-installation.

Plan for Added Expenses Around the Window

To complete the full integration of the window, also budget for:

• New waterproof surrounds, wall finishes.
• Updated lighting layouts - sconces, overheads.
• Privacy features - shutters, coverings.
• Glass protection and treatments.
• Reconfigured storage, shelves.

While installing basic glass starts under $1000, be prepared for a higher cost once fully dressed. Expect most windowed showers to run anywhere from $2000 to $4000+. The impact can be worth the investment considering the daily enjoyment and home value boost.

Weigh the Pros Against Standard Shower Costs

To determine if the price tag warrants the upgrade, compare it against a typical full shower remodel. Gutting and installing a new standard unit with basic finishes and no window usually runs $6000 to $12,000.

When balancing the numbers, the windowed shower cost feels less overwhelming. By preserving some existing structures while freshening the space, you secure the benefits of natural light for roughly the same investment as an entire do-over.

If your bathroom layout permits installing a window conveniently, the novelty can justify allocating additional budget towards this specialty detail.

At the start, a windowed shower may seem like an unexpected choice. Yet as discussed here, the perks extend far beyond looks alone.

Natural light and scenic views transform an everyday task into a rejuvenating, almost spiritual retreat. The openness and unique focal point also upgrades overall bathroom aesthetics for a true spa-style space.

For those willing to solve inevitable layout puzzles, the chance to connect your shower to the outdoors and fill it with natural light makes an irresistible design opportunity. You may never want to lather up in a dark, enclosed stall again once you experience the average alternative!

Hopefully the options and ideas covered here provided inspiration. When ready to explore your own shower window possibilities, turn to the contractor photos saved on your Pinterest boards to kickstart the planning and design process.