Want To Add A Window In Your Shower? Here's How To Choose The Best Placement

Adding a window to your shower is a great way to breathe some fresh air into one of your house's busiest rooms. A shower window is also a desirable upgrade for many homeowners because it's one of the best ways to improve natural light in your home. However, finding the perfect location for it can feel overwhelming. While there are things to consider, like your personal preferences and your home's unique architecture, the sky's the limit here. Generally speaking, though, there are two good options: going higher on the wall for maximum light and privacy, or installing it around shoulder height for accessible airflow.

High windows are perfect for creating a bright, sunny space without needing blinds or other privacy options. Because high windows sit above eye level, they offer a sense of seclusion while still keeping you connected to the outdoors. By putting the glass in the upper third of the wall, you'll get plenty of natural light streaming in. This'll create a soft, ambient glow that makes a small shower feel more like an open-air spa.

High placement is also a practical choice, as it keeps the frame out of the showerhead's splash zone, which reduces the chance of unwanted moisture getting trapped in the area and potentially leading to mold growth. And while you can horizontally center your window with the shower, you aren't required to. Feel free to consider a few different placements and sizes to see what stands out to your eye. This intentional placement ensures the window looks like an original, built-in feature and not a random afterthought. A high-placed window provides a beautiful and low-maintenance way to brighten your morning routine.

If your main concern is keeping your bathroom dry and aired out, a lower and more accessible window may be better for that. This location allows for easier and better ventilation, which is the best way to combat steam and prevent issues like mold. When a window is installed around shoulder height, it's easy to reach and open whenever you need airflow. Of course, because these windows are at eye level, you'll likely want a good bathroom window treatment. Choosing pre-textured glass (like a frosted finish) or adding an opaque window film afterward is an easy option that still lets in plenty of sunshine.

You'll need to be more strategic with a lower placement, as it's more within range of water spray. Don't even consider a window on the same wall as your plumbing; instead, it should go on an adjacent wall where it can vent the room without being directly hit by the water. We recommend going with a crankless casement window. Why? They don't have parts that can rust (like crank-style windows), they offer smooth operation, and they're incredibly easy to clean. Awning windows are another solid choice, as they also offer easy use and can stay open even during a rainstorm to vent. And naturally, it's best to choose water-resistant framing materials like vinyl or fiberglass that are less vulnerable to warping over time; while wood is a common window material, it's not ideal for showers. By matching your window's height to your specific needs for light or airflow, you'll end up with a better-looking shower that'll make you happy and add lasting value to your home.