20 Small Bathroom Window Ideas for Limited Spaces

Are you stuck in a bathroom where your elbows hit the shower curtain, or you can’t dry your hair without knocking over the shampoo? But you still dream of natural light! Well, you can have it all.

In this article, we will discover the most creative yet functional small bathroom window ideas that utilize every inch of your cramped bathroom.

20 Small Bathroom Window Ideas to Enhance Space

Here are 15 detailed ideas to help you reimagine your small bathroom window with benefits, personality, and style.

1. Frosted Glass Windows

Frosted glass windows provide privacy while still letting in soft, diffused light. Any window size or style in your bathroom can be integrated with frosted glass, so you don’t need to make any significant changes for the effect.

Frosted glass comes in several types, like frosted or acid-etched glass, which gives different looks. Or, if you’re looking for a shortcut, you can add an adhesive film that will blur the glass. All the methods work pretty well and would be perfect for saving you from prying eyes.

2. Skylight Windows

Skylights can be an ingenious method to add a window in a small bathroom. But, and it’s a big but, you need the right kind of roof! With no construction on top. Plus, the installation will be a bit trickier than the usual wall windows.

Though, if you can manage it, a skylight will create a dramatic touch and immediately change the mood of the room. Your shower might just feel like a private retreat under the sky.

3. Tiny Awning Windows

Awing windows, when opened, form an awning outside the window. Basically, the window pane is hinged at the top and opens when pushed from the bottom, usually with a glider. Once open, it stays in the awning shape, which is why they’re very popular in rainy areas.

But what makes them suitable in this scenario is their easy function, as you need minimal space inside. Plus, they also provide very good privacy, especially if the window opening is made at a lower height. The awning acts like a curtain, so no one can see inside even when the window is opened. So you can even put them right above the shower or just next to the vanity, and they’ll do what they’re meant to do.

4. Mirrored Windows

If you want a window that doesn’t have to be high on the wall or blurred for privacy and isn’t on the tiny side, a mirrored glass window is your answer. These are windows with glass that look like a mirror from the outside but are transparent from the inside. You can make them as big as you can accommodate and enjoy a full view outside right in front of your eyes without anyone being able to see inside. They also sort of make the room look spacious and refreshing, especially if you have greenery outside.

However, that’s for the daytime. They don’t work so well at night when the lights inside are on, so you might need some extra curtains for privacy at night.

5. High-Positioned Windows

These are lifesavers in small spaces, especially if you have higher ceilings in your bathroom. But even if you don’t, you can still place windows higher than usual to avoid prying eyes, without sacrificing light and ventilation.

Just make sure the operation is easy, like you’re able to open and close the window while standing on the floor. Perhaps add a string-operated curtain for extra privacy. Add a small shelf underneath for plants or fancy bath salts, and you’ll have a new focal point in the bathroom.

6. Integrated Shelving Windows

Saving space is the number one consideration when thinking of small bathroom window ideas, and what could be a better space saver than a window with shelving? You’ll not only get a place to stack your bottles but also sunlight and ventilation—with appropriate operation styles that open outward, like awning windows.

With appropriate stickers or privacy glass, you can even put them inside the shower, where you need the shelves the most. However, even if your bathing bottles are sorted, the little shelves can house a small planter or decorative items to make the most of your space.

7. Fixed Picture Windows

These are windows that do not open but rather are placed for bringing in sunlight only. If you already have an exhaust opening in the bath or don’t need ventilation through windows, a picture window makes the most sense.

You just need enough space to put a frame and glass anywhere in the room, and you’ll have the window ready. Since you don’t need to open it inside or outside, you also don’t have to worry about anything obstructing the operation and can even place it close to shelves, on the door, or high up on the wall, where you usually can’t reach standing on the floor.

8. Transom Windows

These are non-operational, slim windows typically installed above the doors or other windows. Transom windows are a smart idea, especially if the bathroom door opens to a well-lit area, like bedrooms or hallways with outdoor windows. They’re also a great idea if none of the bathroom walls open directly to the outside.

They’re high, so there’s no concern for privacy. Plus, you likely already have unused space above the door, so you won’t be using any additional space you might want for other purposes like putting a mirror or shelving.

9. Narrow Vertical Windows

These skinny windows are perfect for saving wall space for more features like mirrors or shelving. Even if you’re very constrained on space, they can easily fit in any corner, above the toilet, or flanking the shower. Just put frosted glass in the frame, and you’ll have a nice window in your small bathroom.

Mostly, you can also get operable narrow windows, which are good for ventilation, with the surprising amount of light this tiny slit can bring.

10. Smart Windows

Smart windows automatically tint or clear depending on sunlight intensity, temperature fluctuations, or even on a button press whenever you desire. Some of the high-end models also integrate into home automation systems, so you can operate them with voice commands using assistants such as Alexa or Google Home. The self-tinting technology is because of special electrochromic glass, which is created by sandwiching two sheets of glass with liquid in between. It also offers great protection against heat and UV, lowering cooling bills during hot summer months.

Smart windows add a sleek, futuristic look to your bathroom with minimal effort. However, this technology comes at a premium – expect to pay 3-5 times more than traditional windows. Installation and repair can also be more complex, as many models require electrical wiring by specialized technicians rather than your local window installer.

11. Decorative Window Films

If you already have a window and don’t want to spend more on replacing it for a more appropriate one for bathrooms, an easy solution is window films. They’re basically stickers, which can be stained in color, give an etched glass appearance, or even have colorful patterns, whatever you fancy.

Just buy one close to the size of your window glass, cut it to size, and apply it on the outside. You can also apply it from the inside, but avoid this if your bath gets humid, which will make the sticker peel or bubble. They are cheap and readily available, so you can also just peel them off when bored and put on a new one.

12. Café Curtains

If you don’t know what these are, think of gathered curtains that only cover the lower half of the window, which you might have seen in old movie scenes. They were widely used in cafes to give privacy to people dining along the windows, without blocking the sunlight in the area.

The same principle applies in bathrooms where you need windows but can’t or don’t want to use privacy glass. Just put the half curtains on a string in the middle of the window, and you can enjoy both light and privacy. Just make sure the curtain fabric can withstand the humidity of the room or is at least treated to prevent mold.

13. Plantation Shutters

These are wooden blinds fixed inside a window frame, commonly called louvers. These curtains originated in humid agricultural lands to let in light and air but keep insects out, hence the name. But they’ll also go great in your bathroom because of the privacy and the little space they need for operation. And, of course, they also look super classy.

The only drawback is that it’s unlikely you can find plantation shutter windows for a small bathroom size off the rack. You’ll most likely need them custom-made and fitted on your window, which can add to the cost. Also, make sure to use moisture-resistant vinyl or treated wood for the shutters.

14. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds have the slats installed in the form of a blind rather than in a frame like the plantation shutters. Although their operation is pretty similar. The horizontal slats can be tilted to let in air and light, closed completely for privacy, and pulled up entirely if you want an unobstructed view. You can even find cordless and motorized options that eliminate hazards for children and pets while adding convenience. 

They are available in materials like faux wood, bamboo, and even moisture-resistant PVC for bathrooms. High-end models feature noise-reducing designs and UV-protective coatings. The main drawback remains maintenance; they can accumulate dust between slats, requiring regular cleaning, and cheaper models can develop operational issues over time. However, they’re they’re fairly affordable and simple to install, which makes them the go-to choice for renters or budget-conscious homeowners.

15. Bamboo Shades

Though not technically a window, bamboo shades also made it to the list because of how practical they are in small bathrooms with large windows. When you don’t want to change the size of the window but also don’t want them covered with curtains all the time, bamboo blinds are your answer. You can quickly roll them up for a full view outside; however, even when closed, they don’t block all the light, and you get filtered sun.

Plus, the natural earthy tone will give your bathroom the aesthetics of a spa in the tropics. Just make sure you get good quality shades, treated for water resistance, or they’ll fall apart in weeks.

16. Roman Shades

Roman shades are an alternative if you can’t find bamboo shades. These are fabric blinds that fold up into pleats. The operation is similar to bamboo shades, and they’re also useful when you have larger clear windows. 

However, they can blackout the sun when fully closed, so if that’s your preference, they’re a better option. Roman shades would also be easier to find and fit in your window size. And you also get lots of color and style customization options, like putting motifs or prints on them.

17. Honeycomb/Cellular Shades

These shades are crafted from fabric structured into hexagonal cell structures like a honeycomb, which trap air. These small air pockets then act as insulation, reducing heat transfer by up to 60% compared to conventional blinds. You can find them in single, double, or triple-cell designs offering varying levels of insulation to suit different climates.

The shades also offer excellent light control and privacy, and come in a wide array of colors and opacities from sheer to room-darkening blackout options. Modern versions also feature cordless designs and integration with smart home systems. On the downside, the fabric can sag over time in humid environments, and deep cells may reduce visible window area slightly. Still, the sleek appearance and functionality more than make up for it.

18. Frosted Accent Windows

Instead of a fully frosted glass pane, you can use clear glass decorated with frosted patterns etched on it. The mix of techniques creates shadows on the panes, so they’re not fully transparent but also not completely opaque.

So, you’d need to either use blinds with them or strategically place the window somewhere it won’t breach your privacy. However, if you decide to choose these windows, the creative touch can really add a vintage appeal to your bathroom windows and the space overall.

19. Frameless Window

Popular in luxury modern homes and high-rise apartments, these windows use thick tempered glass (often 10-12mm) with structural silicone joints instead of traditional frames. They’re great in small spaces like a bathroom, where the maximum space goes to glass for light. However, most frameless windows are not operable, so they may not be a great option if that’s your requirement. You can even make the glass scratch and weather resistant using some specialized coatings.

Clean lines of frameless windows create an effortless transition from the interior to exterior spaces, working particularly well with panoramic exposures or in rooms of glass walls. However, the lack of framing means they can be fragile, and you have to have them installed with precision, as even minor alignment issues become glaringly obvious. But if you love minimalist designs, these windows make the most dramatic statement in mild climates where extreme weather isn’t a concern.

20. Clerestory Window

Clerestory windows are long horizontal windows installed high up on walls close to the roofline. You may have noticed them in mid-century modern houses or churches, but they also look lovely in modern designs. Since they are installed so high, they let sunlight flood in without exposing the room to prying eyes. Which makes them ideal for rooms where privacy is a concern, such as bathrooms. 

Clerestory windows also help with passive solar heating if positioned correctly. Which means you let in winter sun penetrate while blocking harsh summer rays. The main drawbacks include limited ventilation options, and they only work best in spaces with high ceilings where their light-diffusing qualities can be fully appreciated. You’ll likely also need specialized installation service to position them properly.

Takeaway

So, these were small bathroom window ideas. From the quirky porthole to the charming glass block windows, you have a selection of options to choose from for your bathroom. Just balance natural light, privacy, and your preferred look, and you’ll soon find the best window for your small bathroom.

If you have something different in mind for your small bathroom, give us a call at Mannlee. Explore our wide selection of doors and windows and get expert solutions for your bathroom windows and more.

FAQs

1. How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Small Bathroom?

A basic bathroom refresh, like new paint, a new faucet, and some updated accessories, will cost you around $500 to $2000. If you’re also replacing toilets, tiles, or a sink, for example, it can go up to $5,000. But if you’re going for high-end fixtures and luxury upgrades like heated floors or custom vanities, the price can be pushed up to $20000.

2. What is the Best Paint Color for a Small Bathroom?

You’d predominantly want light, neutral shades like whites, soft grays, pale blues, and beiges that reflect more light, making the room feel larger and brighter. But don’t be afraid to add dark on accent wall or bright funky shades for style, it’s good to add personality to the ambiance. Just keep the palette mainly towards lighter shades for maximum impact.

3. How to Decorate a Small Bathroom?

Maximize the vertical space with wall-mounted cabinets or shelves when decorating small bathrooms. Place mirrors to give the impression of a larger area. Opt for small fixtures, and keep the color scheme minimal. Go for utilitarian decorative accessories such as chic towel rails or dispensers, and incorporate moisture-loving plants like ferns for a touch of freshness.

4. How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger?

To make a small bathroom look big, utilize big tiles with a low grout line and keep it consistent all around. Have a glass shower door, not obscure, and definitely not a curtain. Opt for wall-mounted hardware to keep the floor unobstructed. Install plenty of bright, layered lighting to brighten up every corner.  Finally, declutter ruthlessly! Keeping surfaces clear and organized will instantly make the bathroom feel more spacious and airy.