45 Bathroom Window Treatments for Every Style and Space

Add the finishing touch for privacy and design to make your bathroom a comfortable and beautiful chamber.

White bathroom with wood vanity and woven roman shade
Photo:

Paul Costello

Bathroom window treatments are the finishing touch for a functional space, adding privacy, softness, and a design element that coordinates with all of the features of the room, from wall color to flooring. Privacy is the priority in bathrooms, but that doesn't mean your windows can't look beautiful. We have examples of simple shades, easy-to-use roller blinds, sturdy shutters, and decorative curtains for every decor style.

01 of 45

Bathroom Window Treatments with Tension Rod

Mediterranean inspired coastal bathroom

Jessica Bratter

Whether you’re a renter or you’re looking for a way to hang cafe curtains without having to drill holes into the window frames, use a tension rod to mount your window treatments. Tension rods are available in multiple lengths and colors, and they are lightweight and have rubber ends to prevent them from slipping and falling. They work best for cafe curtains such as these, which typically cover the bottom half or two thirds of the window and leave the top portion open to allow light to filter in.

02 of 45

Traditional Bathroom with White Cafe Curtains

Farmhouse style bathroom

Julie Soefer

A pair of simple white cafe curtains are a charming pick for this traditional bathroom. Keep the overall style of the bathroom in mind when selecting window treatments; Here, the white curtains help maintain the light and bright aesthetic created by the white walls, beadboard, and trim. Additionally, cafe curtains are a great option for renters, since you can hang them on an inexpensive and non-permanent tension rod which doesn’t require any drilling or leave holes behind.

03 of 45

Fabric Valance and Woven Shade

White bathroom with wood vanity and woven roman shade

Paul Costello

Create a layered look and pair a fabric valance with woven wood shades in your bathroom. The combination of two contrasting materials adds visual interest, dresses up the windows, and draws the eyes up to visually extend the ceiling height. Here, the brown valance and wood shade echo the traditional wood vanity and inject warmth into the otherwise white bathroom.

04 of 45

Bathroom Window Treatment for French Doors

white bathroom with wood vanity and white bathtub

Adam Albright

A woven wood shade mounted on the inside of the door frame makes for a clean and modern look in this bathroom. Instead of the set of French doors being visually cluttered with curtain panels, the inside-mounted shade provides privacy in a minimalist way, allowing the surrounding wall paneling to stand out. The warmth of the shade material also brings in a lovely textural element and complements the floating natural wood vanity.

05 of 45

Roman Shades with a Ribbon Border

Bathroom black vanity

Stacey Brandford 

Roman shades don’t get more classic than featuring a dark ribbon border. In this transitional bathroom, a patterned shade fabric replaces the traditional white, while a traditional dark ribbon border ties in the black vanities, wall mirrors, and sconces. A detail as small as a patterned fabric instead of a solid has the power to completely transform not just the window shade but the whole space, putting a modern twist on a classic design element.

06 of 45

Bathroom with Cordless Bamboo Blinds

bathroom with white shower curtain

Dane Tashima

A cordless bamboo blind mounted inside the window frame warms up this light gray bathroom. If you choose bamboo blinds, keep in mind that they are light-filtering and not fully opaque, meaning they don’t provide complete privacy. For this reason, they may be a better fit for a powder room or a bathroom window that’s in a more discreet spot. You can also layer bamboo blinds with curtain panels that can be shut to provide the needed privacy.

07 of 45

Patterned Bathroom Curtains

white bathroom cabinets and shelves

Christina Schmidhofer Photography

Blue and white curtain panels featuring a pretty paisley print incorporate this bathroom’s blue and white color scheme while breaking up the solid colored surfaces. The classic pattern draws attention to the window and helps frame the freestanding bathtub. It pairs beautifully with the other classic elements, such as the navy blue grasscloth wallpaper and polished nickel picture light that tops the built-ins.

08 of 45

Bathroom Window with White Linen Shade

Black and white bathroom with roman shades

Karyn Millet

For classic and elegant window treatments, install white linen roman shades in your bathroom. They add an effortlessly chic layer to the space, maintain a fresh and clean aesthetic, and provide privacy. Here, the white fabric color echoes the crisp white on the window frames and sink, and contrasts the deep charcoal gray wall color.

09 of 45

Bathroom with Striped Roman Shades

Bathroom blue roman shade

Nathan Schroder

Go classic with a fabric roman shade featuring a light blue ticking stripe in your bathroom. It looks especially elegant and timeless when complemented with crisp white paint on the walls and trim, marble countertops, and antique brass wall sconces. The delicate stripe brings in just enough pattern without being too bold, and is a charming addition to any primary or guest bathroom.

10 of 45

Light-Filtering Window Shades

Powder room with black vanity and marble countertop

Keyanna Bowen

While style is important when picking out bathroom window treatments, so is the level of how much light they allow to filter in, as this affects how much privacy they provide. In a powder room or bathroom whose windows are located in a discreet spot, you may be able to get away with light-filtering window shades such as these. However, if the window is located in a full bathroom, on the main level of your home, and near a busy street, privacy will be a key factor and lining window shades with opaque lining is something you’ll want to consider.

11 of 45

Natural Bamboo Bathroom Shades

Bathroom wood vanity

Julie Soefer

If you like the look of woven wood shades but are going for a lighter, more modern aesthetic in your bathroom, opt for a sandy-colored natural bamboo shade. The lighter tone has a modern feel and looks great against white walls and a natural wood vanity. You still get the textural feel and natural element, but in a cooler tone and lighter shade.

12 of 45

Linen Bathroom Window Treatment

Bathroom with apron curtain

Hector Sanchez

Linen is an organic material that exudes relaxed luxury and is a lovely choice for bathroom curtains. In this eclectic bathroom, the beige linen curtains dress up the space and make a simple yet chic statement. They lean toward dressy instead of utilitarian, a look that pairs well with the midcentury modern desk-style vanity here.

13 of 45

Apron-Length Bathroom Curtains

Blue and white bathroom

Emily Followill

Apron-length curtains hang just below the bottom of a window frame. They provide a practical solution for a bathroom where the window has a built-in fixture under it, whether that’s a countertop, cabinet, or a window seat such as this one. The curtains dress up the window and provide privacy while leaving the surface below them clear.

14 of 45

Plaid Roller Shades

Grey and white bathroom

John Bessler

A plaid roller shade is a charming addition to this eclectic bathroom. The warm colors in the classic plaid print tie in the wood console table and hanging oil painting, both of which add a touch of warmth to the cool gray wall color. If your bathroom window has a highly decorative frame such as this one, mount the shade inside the frame so as not to conceal it.

15 of 45

Floor-Length Curtain Panels

Bathroom with multi-tile floor design

Ryann Ford

This stunning arched bathroom window requires window treatments that match its statement-making elegance. A pair of floor-length pinch pleat curtain panels in a light beige tone echoes the softness of the curved window, while the curtains’ tall and linear design juxtaposes the window’s arch. Antique brass hanging hardware complements the bathroom’s traditional features such as the chandelier and freestanding soaking bathtub, and brings out the warmth of the beige fabric.

16 of 45

Inside-Mounted Bamboo Blinds

white bathroom with picture ledge

Adam Albright

Install inside-mounted bamboo blinds if you’re working with a small bathroom and don’t want the window treatments to overwhelm the already tight room. Mounting the shades inside the frame means they don’t take up any extra wall space, leaving it open for artwork or to be left blank if the bathroom could use a spot for the eyes to simply rest.

17 of 45

Outside-Mounted Roman Shade

Modern bathroom vanity

Victoria Pearson

Dress up a simple window frame with an outside-mounted roman shade. It’s a clever design trick for visually enlarging the window and an excellent mounting option for modern interiors with thin window frames that don’t have any ornate frills and details. In this eclectic space, a dark charcoal roman shade elevates the narrow window, draws the eyes up, and provides practical privacy.

18 of 45

Oversized Roman Shades

Modern bathroom tub and gold cabinet

John Bessler

If you have a double or three-part window in your bathroom, instead of installing individual blinds on each, go with one oversized roman shade that extends the length of the entire window. It makes for a more streamlined and less cluttered appearance while providing full coverage for the window. If the frame features decorative details, mount the shade inside so as not to cover up the ornate trimwork and diminish its character.

19 of 45

Bathroom with Linen Roman Shade

Modern farmhouse bathroom with linen shade

Draper White

In this striking powder room, a beige linen roman shade seamlessly blends in with the wallpapered walls. It allows some light to filter in, which is a smart design choice given the darker elements in the room. The organic texture of the linen is juxtaposed with the glossy finish on the deep black subway tile for visual balance that reads as relaxed luxury.

20 of 45

Bathroom Shades with a Graphic Print

kids bathroom

Julie Soefer

A roman shade is a great way to bring a graphic print into the bathroom without the large commitment that wall or floor tile requires. Here, the bold, small-scale pattern on the shade fabric contrasts the larger and more subtle patterns of the shiplap ceiling and white subway tile walls. The shade’s dark colors tie in the black light fixture on the ceiling and the modern window frame. And because the rest of the space doesn’t feature any busy patterns, the roman shade becomes an instant focal point.

21 of 45

Bathroom Cafe Curtains

Farmhouse style bathroom

Emily Followill

Cafe curtains are making a big comeback and are a great option for bathroom window treatments. This style of curtain covers the bottom half of the windows, leaving the top open. This means you gain privacy while letting lots of natural light in. Cafe curtains add instant charm and if you want to give them an updated look, opt for solid fabric and clean-lined matte black rods and hanging hardware.

22 of 45

Nautical Bathroom Window Treatment

Striped valance in nautical bathroom

Werner Straube

A blue and white nautical stripe valance is the perfect choice for this modern coastal bathroom. A wide horizontal stripe always looks fresh yet classic, and here it continues the linear theme set by the white shiplap walls. The white stripe ties in all the white elements in the bathroom such as the walls, freestanding tub, and even accessories such as the plush white towels. The dark stripe creates contrast and is a nod to the dark flooring and double vanity.

23 of 45

Pinch Pleat Bathroom Window Treatments

Traditional bathroom with green drapes

Emily Followill

A trio of light green pinch pleat curtains make an elegant statement in this gorgeous bathroom. The floor-length curtain panels elongate the ceiling height, while the pinch pleat detail along the top hem adds a sophisticated touch. The soft green tone adds just enough color without disturbing the serene atmosphere and beautifully complements the polished chrome hardware, white tub, and marble floors.

24 of 45

Bathroom Window Shutters

Bathroom plantation shutters and curtain

Edmund Barr

White shutters like these are a practical and charming option for bathroom window treatments. They can withstand the humid environment of a bathroom, are easy to wipe down, and you can easily shut them for complete privacy or open them to allow natural light in. Visually, they add a decorative layer to windows while seamlessly blending in with the frame for a built-in look.

25 of 45

Bathroom Window Treatments for a Statement Tub

Blue and white bathroom

Christina Schmidhofer

Highlight a statement bathtub in front of a window by framing it with a pair of floor-length curtain panels. In this blue and white bathroom, the paisley curtains add a much-needed layer of pattern to solid surfaces such as the navy blue grasscloth wallpaper and the white tub. They emphasize the bathtub as the room’s focal point and help elongate the ceiling height to visually expand the room.

26 of 45

Choose Easy-to-Maintain Shutters

bathroom with white walls and black shutters
Jessica Glynn

Practical as well as handsome, shutters are often used for bathroom window treatments because of their low maintenance and durability. Operable shutters let bathers regulate the light that enters the room, closing things off when needed. In this airy primary bath, painted black shutters contrast with fresh white trim for a pleasing color-blocked effect. In rooms with oddly sized bathroom windows, shutters might need to be custom-ordered to fit.

27 of 45

Make Simple Spectacular

bathroom with blue cabinets and white shelving
Emily Followill

Simple, cream-colored draperies cover a generous block of windows in this elegant space. This bathroom window treatment softens an area otherwise dominated by smooth, hard surfaces and provides a sophisticated backdrop for the room's periwinkle vanity and soft-gray tiled floors and walls. The neutral color makes an impact due to the sophisticated pinch pleats and emphasizes the height of the ceilings.

28 of 45

Let the Sun Shine In

bathroom with rustic table and ladder towl rack
Laurie Black

Choose bathroom window treatments that filter light rather than block it for privacy without sacrificing brightness. Look for a light-colored fabric that's thin enough to let natural light shine through. You should also select a fabric, such as cotton, that will hold up well in humid bath conditions. The casual look of these curtains complements the country cottage decor, including the distressed mirror, reclaimed ladder, and vintage chandelier.

29 of 45

Prioritize Privacy

glass walk-in shower in bathroom
Michael Partenio Productions

To maintain a sleek, minimalistic look in the bathroom, forego elaborate curtains or draperies. Instead, install blinds or shutters that can close completely for privacy. Choose shades that perfectly match the color of your trim for a seamless effect. Oversized banana leaves add a bit of color and echo the view outdoors.

30 of 45

Go Halfway for Full Coverage

green yellow blue accent bathroom
Greg Scheidemann

A popular bathroom window treatment is curtains or mini blinds halfway up, leaving the top part of the window exposed. In this bath, bright yellow café curtains hung on simple rings from a skinny rod pick up other sunny accents around the room. This simple bathroom window treatment provides privacy while letting in plenty of natural light.

31 of 45

Add Architectural Details

built-in cabinets bathroom dramatic architectural details
Michael Luppino

To give a basic bathroom window a more exciting look, cover part with custom-ordered shutters that fold open and are mounted over the window opening. The shutters add architectural interest and a hint of privacy. Here, white Shaker-style shutters repeat the design on the cabinets and add a subtle statement above an old-fashioned freestanding bathtub.

32 of 45

Drape Windows in Elegance

oval blue room master bath tub in front of window
Alise O'Brien

In this primary bathroom, a set of windows frames a stand-alone tub in a timeless style. To create the feeling of a comfortable, furnished room, soft gray curtain panels fall in graceful columns from ceiling to floor. Pleated detailing at the top creates crisp folds along the length of the curtains, which will look classic and sophisticated, open or closed.

33 of 45

Use Textured Glass

blue-gray bathroom with red flowers
Anthony Masterson

A second-story bath might not need window treatments at all. In that case, consider installing a stained-glass window or frosted-glass window for added interest. This idea works especially well in bathrooms where the only window is in the shower area, which rules out most fabric curtains and shades. Here, natural light flows from the frosted-glass window inside the shower, adding brightness to the space without sacrificing privacy.

34 of 45

Dress Windows with Roman Shades

bathroom with white tile and shower corner
Jim Franco

Relaxed Roman shades pull up in soft folds to admit light and views. The shades drape in a single swag for narrow bathroom window treatments, whereas wider windows typically have two or more swags. Choose a printed fabric to give the Roman blinds a fun flourish. A lining protects the fabric from the deteriorating effects of the sun but doesn't block light entirely, so the shades filter light gently. The subtle striping on the fabric allows the blue-painted vanity to be the room's focal point.

35 of 45

Add Casual Vintage Style

bathroom with tiled corner shower
John Merkl

A roller shade fits perfectly on the window frame in this space. An elongated twine cord speaks to the primary bathroom's vintage appeal while also making it easy to lower the shades. Because they're made from thick linen fabric, the roller shades insulate against the cold when closed, and their taupe color matches the walls, emphasizing the calm atmosphere of this relaxing retreat.

36 of 45

Incorporate Dramatic Details

vanity with large curtain
Emily Followill

These luxuriously heavy bathroom window treatments in pale pink separate this graceful space into distinct zones. Attached with rings, one curtain creates a vanity niche. Another curtain partitions dry spaces from the tub and shower areas. The oversized curtain panels add privacy to the massive primary bathroom and create a luxurious, spa-like experience.

37 of 45

Balance Heavy and Airy Textures

bathroom with patterned tile and rich wood accents
Laura Moss

Roman shades, fabricated from sheer embroidered linen, are an elegant addition to this primary bath. Their simple construction and patterned motif provide a beautiful balance to the bathroom's heavy wood cabinetry and ornate tile. The sheer shades let in light while still providing privacy.

38 of 45

Frame the View Outdoors

large bathroom bathtub nook with windows
Laura Moss

These classic beige curtains, when closed, block the window but add a touch of elegance and softness in a room dominated by hard surfaces. When open, the curtains frame breathtaking views. If seclusion is not a concern, bathroom window treatments can be as sheer as you like. For complete coverage, consider installing blackout blinds or curtains. Keep in mind, however, that when closed, no natural light will filter in through them.

39 of 45

Double Up On Style

bathroom with freestanding tub and open windows
Edmund Barr

In this bath, a freestanding tub fits under the square window. Louvered shutters provide privacy for bathers but don't restrict light. A light-blocking curtain can be drawn across the window when privacy is needed. Choose an all-weather fabric designed for outdoor use for a spot like this, in which the window treatment might be exposed to water. Water-resistant and treated with a mildewcide, they're designed to withstand rain outdoors and will keep their good looks in your bathroom, too.

40 of 45

Commit to Pattern in a Big Way

bathroom with floral white and blue details
Emily Followill

Framing this giant window with a lavish swath of sheer drapery gives the space visual power. Behind the sheers are Venetian blinds that can be lowered for privacy. Matching the curtains to the wallpaper and the ottoman fabric gives the room a cohesive look. A vaulted ceiling and neutral tile floor, along with the classic pairing of navy and white, prevent the space from being overwhelming,

41 of 45

Combine Fashion and Function

Bathroom vanity with clover back chair
Emily Followill

Moisture, tight space, and practicality make bathroom window treatments particularly challenging. This stylish vanity area with marble accents features one window that serves as a focal point. To play up its design aspects, the window treatment pairs shades with a valance. Shutters mounted inside the window frame can be closed at will, while a loose valance matches the gray veins of the marble and embellishes the window glass.

42 of 45

Bring the Farmhouse Look

white bathroom with freestanding tub
Emily Followill

In this tub alcove, multiple windows are treated as one unit. Pleated bathroom window curtains stretch from one end to the other, accenting the window grids. The simple, semi-sheer curtains add an element of privacy, while iron rings add farmhouse style to the look.

43 of 45

Think Outside the Box

bathroom with room divider around tub
Jean Allsopp

For a unique bathroom window treatment, look for architectural salvage that can be repurposed to serve as shutters. This antique divider fits perfectly behind the tub, providing ample privacy from the large bay windows and infusing the space with a cozy, romantic feel. An overarching window shade can be lowered as needed to block out light.

44 of 45

Step Up the Texture

bathroom with wooden floors and windows
David Tsay

Woven shades fit snugly into these small windows for a custom look. With a showstopping tiled tub as the bathroom's focal point, the bamboo blinds add complementary natural texture but don't compete for attention. A pale wood color allows the shades to match other bathroom features, such as cabinetry and the floor.

45 of 45

Indulge in Dramatic Details

white bathroom with large windows
Werner Straube

The soft, weighty folds of these overscale London shades provide a beautiful counterpoint to striking windows. This bathroom window treatment enhances the romantic vintage style of the pedestal tub, marble floor, and pale blue walls. Mounted just below the ceiling, the shade is flat across the top with inverted pleats that gather into gentle folds and a tail or wing at each side. Lining is essential for protecting the fabric from the sun, and interlining can give the window treatment body and improve the treatment's insulating ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of curtains are best for a bathroom?

    When choosing a window treatment for your bathroom, consider function first. If you want to add privacy, select fabrics that are just heavy enough to obscure views while still being soft enough to let in some natural light. Lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and some poly blends are great for bathroom curtains because they dry quickly and can be machine-washed when necessary.

  • Should I put curtains in a bathroom?

    Absolutely. Hanging curtains in a bathroom can add privacy and bring the kind of softness that turns a functional space into a relaxing sanctuary. With the right fabric choice and proper ventilation, bathroom window treatments can be both gorgeous and practical. 

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles