If you're moving into a home without any window coverings, buying blinds for the bathroom is probably at the top of your list.
When choosing bathroom window treatments, it's important to select a material that resists high humidity. We're sharing 6 of the best window treatments that will give your space the wow factor and won't cause your blinds to warp or crack.
Pictured: Blinds.com Premium 2 1/2 Inch Wood Blinds in Black.
Things to Think About Before Buying Bathroom Blinds:
- High humidity and temperature changes can cause wood blinds and shutters to warp, so stick with faux wood blinds, aluminum mini blinds, or vinyl roller shades.
- Make sure you have full window coverage for privacy, especially on the bottom floor. Top-Down/Bottom-Up treatments are a great option for the bathroom because they provide coverage at eye level but let in natural light from above. However, be aware that neighbors may be able to peer into your room from the floor above. We typically only recommend top-down/bottom-up shades for bathrooms on the top level.
- Prevent mildew by wiping down faux wood blinds, vinyl roller shades and faux wood shutters every few months with a vinegar water solution. See more detailed instructions for cleaning real wood and fabric treatments.
- Your bathroom windows may have permanently frosted glass. Even if you have this handy feature, you may want to add treatments on top for additional privacy or more light control.
Pictured: Blinds.com 1 Inch Mini Blinds in Black.
The Worst Window Treatments for Bathrooms
- Solar Shades - Think these see-through shades give privacy because you can see out during the day but outsiders can't see in? Think again. At night the one-way effect is reversed and passers-by will be able to see right in. (See above.) Instead, try roller shades which have the same minimalist look, but are completely opaque.
- Wood Blinds and Wood Shutters - As mentioned above, real wood treatments can warp or crack in high-humidity spaces. Try Faux Wood versions instead.
What Blinds are Best for Bathrooms?
Faux Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Shutters and Vinyl Roller Shades are our top picks for bathrooms. They're resistant to moisture damage and are easy to clean in case of mildew build-up. Read on to hear about more top bathroom blind styles.
Faux Wood Blinds
While real wood blinds and shutters can warp or crack in humid conditions, Faux Wood Blinds are fitted with moisture-proof slats that stay straight as long as you own them. They can also be wiped down with soapy water at any time to keep mildew at bay.
Faux Wood Blinds are available in a range of solid neutrals (white is the most popular!) or realistic wood grain finishes if you need to match stained wood trim.
Pictured: Premium Cordless 2 1/2 Inch Faux Wood Blinds in English Chestnut.
2" Premium Faux Wood Blinds in Embossed White.
2" Faux Wood Blinds in Realgrain Dark Walnut with Cloth Tapes in Night.
2" Faux Wood Blinds in Smooth White. Via Little White Haus.
2" Premium Faux Wood Blinds in White. Via Lilies and Life.
Faux Wood Shutters
Like Faux Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Shutters give windows classic style, they're moisture-resistant and easy to clean. The advantage of shutters is that windows get a high-end built-in look. They're even said to add to the resale value of homes.
Pictured: Composite Shutters. Photo via: @lemonleafhomeinteriors.
Blinds.com Shutters - Call 800-505-1905 for custom shape orders.
Woven Wood Shades
Although susceptible to moisture damage - Woven Wood Shades are one of the most popular window treatment styles for bathrooms today. They add texture and rustic charm to spaces that are often neutral.
Woven wood shades are especially great for bathrooms because they can be left fully lowered, but still let natural light into the room. Just be sure to add a privacy liner when you place your order as some weaves are see-through at night.
To avoid moisture damage and mildew, be sure to use the exhaust fan after every shower to help your shades fully dry.
Pictured: Cordless Woven Wood Shade in Aruba Raffia. Photo via: @kims.cozy.casita.
Levolor Natural Woven Wood Shades in Sisal Twist Banana Leaf. Via Fox Hollow Cottage.
Cordless Woven Wood Shades in Winthrop Tortoise.
Bali Natural Woven Wood Shades in Faroe Twine. Via houseahomenapa.
Blinds.com Woven Wood Shades in Terra Oak. Via Shelly Hadfield.
Bali Natural Woven Wood Shades in Caracas Drift. Via Cohesively Curated.
Designer Woven Wood Shades in Caribbean Straw. Via takethecannoli.
Levolor Natural Woven Wood Shades in Banana Sisal Twist. Via Peace in the Valley.
Roller Shades
Roller Shades have clean lines that are a great fit for modern or contemporary homes. They give windows complete coverage for privacy and are available in light filtering or blackout fabrics. Just be sure you don't choose sheer solar fabrics as they become translucent at night.
Vinyl roller shades are an especially great choice for bathrooms and other high-humidity spaces because you can wipe them down with soapy water to prevent mildew.
Be aware that fabric roller shades may be more susceptible to mildew when used in bathrooms. Be sure to use the exhaust fan after showers to remove moisture and allow fabrics to fully dry.
Premium Natural Blackout Roller Shades in Lakeshore Blackout Haze.
Blinds.com Light Filtering Roller Shades in Splendor White. Via MidMaude.
Roman Shades
Roman Shades are another style that's trending for traditional, mid-century and farmhouse-inspired homes. These timeless shades will give windows softness and are available with blackout or light-filtering liners so you can choose the light level that's right for you.
With 100s of fabric options, Roman Shades are a great choice if you want to add some visual interest to your space. Order free fabric samples to find the pattern or solid that matches your space.
If you plan to keep your shades lowered all the time for privacy, consider a hobbled fold. This will create loops in the fabric so it won't look flat when lowered.
Be aware that fabric window treatments may be more susceptible to mildew when used in bathrooms. Be sure to use the exhaust fan after showers to remove moisture and allow fabrics to fully dry.
Premium Roman Shades in Wilmington Ebony. Via Mary Ellen Arnold.
Premium Roman Shades in Rio Winter White with Edge Banding in Pebble. Via Susie Harris.
Premier Roman Shades in Flora Moss.
Casual Classic Roman Shades in Dunes Stone.
Premium Roman Shades - similar fabric Lattice Sunsplash.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are a great choice for bathrooms. They provide complete privacy while letting in natural light (or keeping it out if you choose a blackout shade) and they provide extra insulation so those winter mornings aren't quite so brisk.
Be aware that fabric window treatments may be more susceptible to mildew when used in bathrooms. Be sure to use the exhaust fan after showers to remove moisture and allow fabrics to fully dry.
Light Filtering Cellular Shades in Glacier.
Levolor Light Filtering Cellular Shades in Designer Textures Aqua.
Want More Design Inspiration?
- Best Water Resistant Window Treatments for Windows Over Tubs and Sinks
- 10 Incredible Window Before + After Transformations
- 5 Fresh Ideas for Kitchen Window Treatments
- 4 Influencer Outdoor Patios to Inspire Your Backyard Makeover
Still Shopping?
If you still haven't found the right fit, try Roller Shades, Aluminum Blinds, or Roman Shades in the bathroom. They all provide great privacy and light control - just take the necessary steps to prevent mildew as with any other window covering.
