Windows in the bathroom present a special problem. Natural light is essential, but the bathroom also needs complete confidentiality. Finding something aesthetically pleasing is a must, but the window treatment needs to withstand extreme humidity without a mold problem. Regular curtains simply will not work here, so what should I use instead? Let's look at the bathroom window problem and their solutions!

The humidity, privacy, and mold trilemma

There is no other area in your house that is as wet as a bathroom. However, the bathroom is also the place with the most extreme environment for any fabric. Hot shower steam, splashed water, and minimal air flow all add to making the place where a curtain was just hung a mess. Fabric soaking wet, mold spores flying through the air, and a brand new curtain is all that's needed for the smell of must to appear!

An added problem is privacy. You cannot treat a bathroom like a living room, where sheer coverage is all that is needed. Bathrooms require some cover. No light, no shadow, no shape. This is extremely true when the bathroom is lit up in the evening, making thick fabric window coverings feel transparent.

There is always a fine line to walk and in a bathroom with a window it is light and air flow. You can't seal the window shut, since the bathroom needs to be ventilated. No one wants their bathroom to feel like a cave, so it shouldn't be a problem to let in some light.

What fabric is best for bathroom curtains

When it comes to fabric for your curtains, it is especially important in the bathroom since having to replace curtains every few months is not ideal.

For bathrooms, nothing out performs polyester and synthetic blends. They absorb no moisture, dry quickly, and are resistant to mold. They often come with a water resistant coating that beads water to prevent soaking in, so they work great for outer curtains. In case they need to be replaced every year or two because they go out of style, or they are decorative curtains and get a lot of use, it is good that they are affordable.

When fabric is mold resistant, it is because it has an antimicrobial coating that prevents mildew and mold from forming, and is beneficial in a bathroom with little ventilation or in a humid climate.

For a good look, cotton blends with polyester with moisture resistant backing is a good alternative, since you get moisture resistance while the cotton side presents a softer look.

Lighter fabrics like pure cotton, linen, and velvet are not good for the bathroom. They absorb water quickly and take a long time to dry out, so the fabric essentially turns into a mold sponge in a bathroom. Even the best airflow is not enough, so they should be avoided at all costs.

Use lightweight or medium weight fabrics. Heavier materials trap moisture and take longer to dry between showers.

Curtain styles and lengths that work

Cafe curtains remain the classic bathroom solution for good reason. Cover the bottom half of the window where privacy is needed and leave the top open for light and ventilation. If your window is high enough that the top half doesn't affect privacy, this style provides the best of both worlds. They are also easier to dry since they don't hang into the splash zone.

Moisture resistant roller shades suit modern bathrooms well. They are sleek, take up little space, and are made from bathroom friendly materials. You are able to raise them partially to allow for ventilation while also maintaining privacy at eye level.

Tier curtains paired with window film work if you need total coverage but still want to allow some light in. The film takes care of the top window permanently while the tiers cover the bottom. This combination means the fabric portion doesn't have to be as long which allows it to dry more quickly.

For length, sill-length is the practical choice. The bottom edge should hit the windowsill or stop about half an inch above it. This keeps the fabric away from wet surfaces where it would stay damp and eventually grow mold. Even when your window is far from the shower, bathroom floors get wet. Floor length curtains should be avoided. The fabric pooling on the tile stays damp, collects dirt, and creates a slipping hazard.

Color selection

For that desired clean, spa-like feel, most people opt for light neutrals; however, these hues show every water spot and require consistent washing. Mid-tone soft grey, sage green, or warm taupe hues still keep the feel of brightness and light reflectivity as well as hiding water and dirt marks better. Better yet, small, tight patterns are even more effective in camouflaging stains.

Skip fabric for shower-adjacent windows

Shower-adjacent curtains are a bad idea. No water-resistant fabric can withstand the constant moisture and water from the shower.

Faux wood blinds are an excellent, moisture-resistant, water-proof choice. Unlike real wood, these won't warp. They also provide privacy and light control and are easily wipeable.

For right next to the tub, there are vinyl roller shades that are waterproof. Make sure they are rated for use in a shower, rather than general bathroom use, to be on the safe side.

Window film is a permanent solution that can save a lot of hassle. With frosted or decorative style films, diffused light can come in while still maintaining privacy, and there is no need to ever clean or replace them. Removable versions are also available for renters.

For shower windows, more than any other application, the right curtain is often no curtain at all.

How to maintain cleanliness of bathroom curtains

Curtains in bathrooms require more frequent cleaning than curtains in other rooms. Monthly cleaning is ideal in most bathrooms. If your curtains are by the shower, cleaning them every two weeks is better.

Review the care instructions, but most synthetic bathroom curtains can be put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. If your curtains tend to get a musty smell, wash them with half a cup of white vinegar. Moldy bathroom curtains need to dry completely before rehanging. If some are rehung while damp, the problem is likely to recur.

Keeping bathroom curtains clean is more about prevention than treatment. Mold on bathroom curtains can be averted by keeping curtains open after showers. Keeping the bathroom exhaust fan on helps clean out the air. Mold on bathroom curtains needs to be looked out for, especially along the bottom.

If mold is seen, spraying a solution consisting of a tenth of bleach with water, letting it sit for about 10 minutes, and then washing it is effective. If enough time passes where a lot of mold is present, replacing the curtains will likely be the easiest and most effective option over cleaning them.

Things to consider prior to purchasing

During the daytime and nighttime with bathroom lights on, check to see if any light can be seen coming from the bathroom. If the window seems covered during the daytime, the light at nighttime may make it easier to see inside the room. Make sure to look in the right spots: walkways where people may walk, anywhere where people may look in from.

Ground level windows where neighbors can see require more cover than second story windows where people can not see from yard. If the bathroom gets hot and humid, the most mold-resistant would be better. Plus if the window is in an area in the shower space, it would be better to avoid fabric.

In this room, function is most important, but if you look for the right fabric, style, and length, you can have both the privacy and look you want.