Ways To Make Your Glass Shower Doors Less Revealing
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According to Wellness Workdays, taking a shower is a great way to boost your energy, immunity, productivity, and mental health. Even though it's a pretty routine task, showering is a form of self-care. It's also a personal experience because you are in a vulnerable state, so it's only natural to want a bit of privacy. Unfortunately, for many reasons, that's not always easy to accomplish.
Roommates and family members can be somewhat easy to sway when you're seeking your moment of showering solitude. But if you only have one bathroom and a shower enclosure constructed out of crystal clear glass, then you're in trouble. Even a poorly placed ventilation window can ruin an otherwise peaceful cleansing moment. While a full bathroom renovation might not necessarily be in the financial cards for you now, there are other creative ways to make your shower door a bit less revealing to those outside because you deserve to have a secluded shower experience without any possible peepshow anxieties.
Hang a shower curtain
This is probably one of the quickest and most affordable shower door privacy hacks at your disposal. One of the best parts about this option (besides easy installation) is that it only requires two items: a shower curtain rod and a curtain. Shower curtains are made from fabric or plastic textiles like polyester, microfiber, vinyl, or cotton blends, writes Plumbworld. It's important to remember that whatever you choose, you'll need to get in the habit of giving it a good wash, according to cleaning professionals, The Merry Maids. Plastic (PVC or vinyl) curtains should technically be cleaned every month, though they say that quarterly is sufficient. On the other hand, fabric curtains tend to mildew much quicker and should be tossed in the washing machine at least once a month.
Showers come in many shapes, sizes, and angles, sometimes making curtain rod placement difficult. Luckily, there's a decent assortment of permanent and tension-style rods on the web. Always be sure, no matter what shape or angle your shower may be, to measure it accordingly. When in doubt, measure it again. The last thing you want is to purchase a tension rod that's either too big or too small.
Opt for a privacy window film
Window films can be purchased online or at any brick-and-mortar home improvement or hardware store. These adhesive films were specially created to increase the privacy level for your office, dwelling, or in this case, your shower. Window Film World notes that these films come in two different "cling" factors: vinyl and static. Vinyl is a bit more robust and requires an additional adhesive to help it stick. Static film (or static clings) are easier to apply and remove but work best on smooth, non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, or glass.
For this reason, vinyl is more long-lasting than its static counterpart. But if you want to change things up in the shower frequently, static is probably your best bet. Window films are generally sold on a roll and come in various styles. From frosted to etched and even multicolored stained glass, the possibilities for transforming your shower and giving yourself the privacy you desire are endless.
Use a privacy screen
Privacy screens, also called portable room dividers or Japanese folding screens, have been around since the 4th century BC, via Screenflex Portable Partitions. These screens originated in China and were more like heavy yet functional pieces of artwork. The Japanese improved upon these artistic (somewhat) portable walls by constructing them out of lighter materials like fabric or rice paper. They also added hinges so the screens could be easily transported or stored away when not in use.
Folding privacy screens range from simple to ornate and have varying degrees of coverage. If you're planning on using a privacy screen in your shower, it's best to use one that's made with materials that won't be affected as soon as your bathroom begins to get steamed up. If you're looking for a screen that uses metal as its frame, opt for aluminum, brass, bronze, or galvanized steel, writes Industrial Metal Supply. If a lightweight wooden frame is more your style, ensure that it's been treated with a water-resistant sealant so that it won't begin to warp at the first sign of moisture.
Hang some plants
If you consider flowers and foliage part of your family, perhaps adding a few plants to your powder room might be an excellent addition. While they won't give you 100% coverage, plants and greenery will give your personal space a bit more color and life. Sharing your space with a few plant buddies is excellent for mental health. 21Oak says caring for indoor plants can help improve your concentration, increase productivity, and ease stress — but plants also filter out toxins from the air. Even with good ventilation, bathrooms and showers are massive mold manufacturers. Plants can help prevent mold growth because they naturally absorb moisture. So keeping your space filled with green leafy plants can improve your breathing.
It can get tricky when it comes to choosing plants for your shower. You can't just put any plant in your bathroom and expect it to live. If you opt for a plant protection and privacy partition, you must choose foliage that can withstand warm, humid temperatures and low light. According to Gardening Chores, colorful plants like orchids do pretty well in low-light, humid climates. If you're looking for bigger plants or vines, pothos, maidenhair ferns, or monstera are all suitable options.
Upgrade your shower door
When all else fails, it's time to suck it up and invest some of your hard-earned cash into a more formidable and secluded shower experience. According to Modernize, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $3,000, depending on whether you're replacing the door or upgrading the entire enclosure. Keep in mind that pricing will vary from location to location, so always be sure to do your research so that you can find not only the best possible price but also a solid warranty.
Privacy glass — which may or may not include frosted, textured, or tinted glass doors — might also be considered a custom order. "Custom" is usually more expensive. No matter what, renovating a bathroom will cost a pretty penny, and that's why it's called an investment. But on a positive note, Glass Genius says that with proper care, you can expect to get a solid 20 to 30 years out of your new, improved, and, most importantly, private shower. So why not make it something that you enjoy?