Actually, it's not really about the peep show.

January 18, 2011 8:23 AM

What can I do with the windows in our showers, other than giving our neighbors a show?

We have fairly large (roughly 24"w x 36"h) windows in both of our tub/showers. We are about to do a little work around the showers (replacing moisture damaged drywall and installing better, quieter exhaust fans) and I'd like to address the window coverings while we're at it. Right now each of the windows is covered with a vinyl mesh roller shade. The shades drive me nuts since they are difficult to keep clean, snap shut unexpectedly or completely unroll, allow some water to hit the window, and don't let much light through. Ideally I'd like to cover the window glass with a frosted film and be done with it. I'm worried however about the windows not being waterproof from the inside or pooling between the window and frame. They are pretty new (>5 years) vinyl replacement casement windows. I've tried contacting the manufacturer, but they won't give me a straight answer.

A little more info: the tub surround is tiled and the tile/window junction is properly caulked. We rarely open the window and only in the summer. The window is located on the long wall of the shower about 40" above the tub floor, so it doesn't get hit directly by the spray, but get significant splashing. I know I could install a mini shower curtain over the window, but would prefer not to for aesthetic reasons. Since the window is so new and it's the only window in the bathroom, I'm not interested in eliminating it or replacing it with another window or glass block.

So, would leaving it uncovered (except for frosting film) be advisable? If not, any ideas for covering the window?

posted by rebeccabeagle to home & garden (8 answers total)

I have the same issue in my bathroom except the window is wood. I went with a combo of the frosted film and a full-length clear shower curtain liner. I used a tension rod placed above the window and as tight to the wall as possible. It doesn't get in the way at all and, because it's clear and full-length, it totally disappears.
posted by missjenny at 8:25 AM on January 18, 2011

I used the film, and it works fine. You could also try the spray stuff.
posted by jgirl at 8:29 AM on January 18, 2011

I used the frosted film. It's as easy to apply as contact paper, and if you're careful about trimming the edges it looks quite nice.
posted by browse at 8:35 AM on January 18, 2011

How about a nice big hanging plant or two?
posted by Morpeth at 8:44 AM on January 18, 2011

We do something similar to missjenny. The frosted film is always an awesome option, and we have a tension rod placed in the windowframe with a simple curtain about half way up the window. This is high enough to cover the person in the shower but still lets in tons of light.
posted by royalsong at 9:22 AM on January 18, 2011

We hung a resin panel on the inside of the window from two hooks. You can get the panels from Ikea. It's cleanable and they come in different colors and patterns.
posted by SpecialK at 9:57 AM on January 18, 2011

The reason you won't get an answer from the manufacturer is that any film/coating wtc... could potentially cause issues with the thermal unit.

On a commercial loft project i worked on, the glaziers installed full wall thermal units on the perimeter of the building. A guy bought a southern facing corner unit and had a company come in and put window film on all of the units windows.

Each unit exploded due to heat being trapped in the thermal unit in a way it wasn't designed to handle. Thermal units can be purchased with factory tint in the glass. It might be to your advantage to possibly replace the window units if aesthetics are a concern for you. The frame would stay in place, just replace the sliding parts.

I'm not saying this will happen to you but it is probably the reason your manufacturer is being skittish about cut and dry answers. I've had luck frosting the glass with a few coats. Now they weren't in the shower though and I know water will eventually degrade the frost coating.

You could get a vinyl shade that runs on vertical rails to stop the shade from magically popping up. Also you can clean the vinyl shades with soap and water if they start getting dingy.

GL with your porject.
posted by Gravitus at 10:56 AM on January 18, 2011

SpecialK- that is a great idea! Do you by any chance have a photo of your setup?

Gravitus- I actually asked the manufacturer about the watertightness of the interior of the window, not about the film. I'm worried that if I don't keep the water off the window, I'll end up with water seeping into the wall, pooling between the window and frame, or dripping down the siding outside. I just don't know if the frame is water tight on the inside.

Thanks everyone!
posted by rebeccabeagle at 1:42 PM on January 18, 2011