Windows Privacy

David Brooks asked:


These days, more and more attention is being paid to the previously humble bathroom. Luxurious bathrooms are a trend (and one that is probably here to stay)—incorporating spa-inspired amenities and luxurious materials in your bathroom is becoming de rigueur. Bathrooms are turning into the new refuge, and some busy professionals feel it’s one of their only chances to get some alone time during the day. Built-in TV’s and radios, saunas, coffee makers and Jacuzzis are all being incorporated into bathrooms. Your bathroom window treatments should complement the look of your bathroom decor while also meeting the unique conditions that need to be addressed in a private space.

Consider the environment; bathrooms are humid. Even if you want a bathroom window treatment fit for a queen and your heart is set on drapes or roman shades, explore synthetic options that won’t mildew. Ditto for hardwoods that can warp—go faux wood, composites or vinyl and save a few dollars while you’re at it (i.e. faux wood blinds, faux wood shutters). Ventilation is important in a bathroom, so make sure your window treatment doesn’t interfere with the operation of the window.

Privacy, privacy, privacy. If your bathroom windows face the street or a nearby neighbor, consider light controlling blinds or shades (cloth, aluminum, vinyl, and natural wovens), operative shutters or lined panels. For windows on second or third floors, consider top down/bottom up upgrades that offer both natural light and privacy.

Be style and theme appropriate. For a more crisp, clean look popular in many spa-like home bathrooms, keep things simple and sleek with a simple horizontal blind, shade or drapery panel covering the window. For a more elaborate, layered look, appropriate for traditional, French, Mediterranean, and Country inspired décor, pair attractive top treatments, side panels or swags in colors that complement other accents in the room over your window blinds or shades.

It may seem like an insignificant part of you bathroom remodeling or redecorating plans, but the right window treatment can be the finishing touch for a beautiful bathroom. And, the wrong window treatment (i.e. one that can’t handle the environmental demands) will simply not last and from a design standpoint will detract from the overall beauty and cohesiveness of the design.

These days there are tons of window covering options, colors, textures and various upgrades, it can be a little daunting. If that’s how you feel, you may want to speak to an expert who can help narrow the list. There are also many brand names, such as Hunter Douglas, Levolor, Bali, Kirsch, Comfortex and Graber. I have not noticed that there is a tremendous difference in quality between the various manufacturers, so don’t worry too much about that. If you want to save some money consider some of the retailer’s signature brands. These are generally very equivalent in quality and are usually 10-20% cheaper. Just ask what the warranty is for the signature brands and maybe also inquire about customer reviews. If you are comfortable with the guarantees and reviews, I say save the money. No one is going to be looking at the labels of your blinds.



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