Every bathroom is different, special and unique to the homeowner. Because of this there are a variety of features that will directly influence what specific types of bathroom window treatments you may choose. Some decide to leave the windows bare while others will go the extra mile to produce quite elaborate decorative touches. Bottom line is that whatever you decide for your window treatment will also directly reflect on the final visual appeal of your bathroom.

If you happen to be one who lives out in the country and your bathroom window overlooks a picturesque view instead of a nosy neighbor that could be peeking in on you, you might be just as well leaving it alone and not interrupting a picture perfect view you could enjoy while taking a nice long bath. However, if you live in a subdivision or have "back-door" neighbors who's windows peer right into your bathroom, privacy could become a very important issue for you. Maybe not something so elaborate, just something nice a clean that does the job.

Maybe you're the type that's looking for that escape, and just be able to drown yourself out from the outside world completely. Or just looking for something nice to really enhance the surroundings and bring it's own element into the room. Whichever it is, hopefully this little bathroom windows treatments guide will frame out what's possible in your room.

1. Environmental: Ok, let's be realistic here. Most people don't take cold showers everyday. They like to kick back, relax and unwind in either a hot bath or shower. Problem is this tends to make your bathroom the most humid place in your home. Due to this, you kind of have to be careful with the types of materials you use as your window treatment. You need something that's durable and won't mildew too bad. If you have dreams of using wood blinds just keep in mind that they could warp due to the humidity and might not be a very good choice. Plus, some fabrics will mildew with the moisture collection. A good alternative is to use some faux products like synthetic wood shutters and blinds.
   
2. Situational: Adding to the operational woes, bathroom windows are mostly situated directly over the bathtub for it's elegance perspective. This does limit you some while selecting an appropriate treatment. Not only do you want it to look good but keep in mind that this is probably your only natural lighting source for your bathroom. Make sure that whatever you choose is functional and easy to work. Some good draw blinds or pull curtains might be a solution.
3. Style: Just because you might have some environmental and situational issues to deal with, you don't necessarily have to skimp on your style. Be creative, add a mid-window sheer or top it off with a good valance. You could even use mildew-resistant curtains or sheers and drape them over a curtain rod you install above the window so they flow down. Add an extra touch of style and class with the ability to tie them back so they are visually appealing. Use a different complementing color as your ties. Don't get stuck on one color or use the generic white mini-blinds. Dress it up, let them really complement each other.
4. Privacy: Privacy is important, but not to the point that it drowns out all the natural light flowing thru the window. Of course nobody wants a peeper glaring at you in your birthday suit when you simply are trying to get clean and unwind after a long day. Maybe you don't want all the bells and whistles with blinds, shades and curtains. Maybe you just want to keep it simple. You could get a privacy glass window installed, it'll still let in all that nice sunshine. You might even opt for an excellent stained glass window. These will shine in all those nice colors and can really set a mood at times. Whatever it is, just make sure that you would be comfortable getting undressed and hopping in the tub.

Your bathroom should be unique, just like you and this includes your bathroom window treatments. They should address the 4 issues laid out above and definitely complement the whole decor of your special place where you might finally get some much needed alone time.

Well, that is the question that most homeowners face when looking at a bathroom window. Should I put curtains up or not. You all see them, those nice pictures in the perfect bathrooms displayed in most all home improvement magazines. Huge glass windows draped with flowing curtains that seem to fall to the flower. Perfect touches of complementing color that makes you say, "I want that!". Well, not every bathroom is suited for curtains. Here are a few tidbits that you can use as a general rule of thumb to see if bathroom curtains are right for your window.

For the most part, people that have curtains in their bathrooms generally have larger than average bathrooms and typically have additional furnishings like a sitting/changing area. Adequate space is required to really pull off this look. You need this space, especially wall space, to really let the curtains flow. Not only that, you have to keep in mind that curtains don't work like other bathroom window treatments in that they are not really retractable. Blinds you can pull up and out of the way. Roller shades can retract into there nice little round shape. Curtains will always be there. Sure they can be secured back to open up the window, but you'll need the wall space to make that happen.

There are some advantages of using curtains though. For one, they are pretty easy to install and just about anyone can do it. Simply mounting the curtain rod just above the window and threading the curtain through it and you're basically done. Two, you can make your own to have the decor of your dreams. It's not hard to go and get the right fabric color and patterns that you absolutely want for your bathroom.

I know, shocker, but it's true. I'm a real sucker for the hardwood look and a big fan of faux. I think it adds a distinguishing factor and elegant form to just about any room. And if you have hardwood flooring or some other form of natural wood throughout your home you may want your bathroom window blinds to match perfectly and might be thinking about using wood blinds in there. Well, unfortunately, wood in a humid bathroom can sometimes spell disaster as they have a tendency to warp. That's why I'm a big fan of faux wood window blinds for this little area of your home.

The Advantages of Faux Wood Blinds

With faux blinds, you not only get the beauty of a real wood look but the appeal and durability of vinyl or plastic blinds. They are just as easy to maintain and clean as well. Not only that, they won't warp like a natural wood blind will due to the moisture and humidity that a bathroom can produce and are much more resilient to the impact from exposure to the sun than typical natural wood blinds. They don't cost anywhere near the amount that wood blinds do and it's very hard if not impossible to tell them apart. They come in a multitude of colors, the same hardware as most blinds, and can be custom-built to exact window specifications. These blinds are not only perfect for your bathroom, but virtually every room in your home.