Windows are integral parts of a bathroom’s overall design. They do a good job on enhancing the look of this space. Beyond the aesthetic appeal they lend to the bathroom, they also facilitate the proper exchange of indoor and outdoor air ventilation, helping keep the area free of excessive moisture that could lead to mold growth and damage to some features of the bath.
Given that the bathroom is a space for personal hygiene that requires privacy, its windows should be covered with the right treatment to keep prying eyes out. However, the treatment should also allow natural light to stream through to brighten up the room and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Luckily, treatment choices for bathroom windows are abundant and many of them can accomplish the aforesaid requirements. One good option is none other than blinds, which have long been used by many homeowners to cover up their bathroom windows.
Like any other treatment for windows, blinds are available in mutltiple sizes, shapes, designs and materials. However, not all of the selections you will come across in the market are suitable for bathroom use. As such, when purchasing blinds for your bath, here are some special considerations you need to look carefully at to help you make the right purchasing decision.
Bathroom Features
Know that blinds can make or break the look of your bathroom, so it is important that you pick them wisely. Before you settle with a particular type of blind, assess the overall décor of your bath and look at the features that are prominent within the space.
What you want is to purchase blinds that will reflect the décor in your bath instead of detracting from it. For instance, if you have a bath that features a lot of natural materials, opting for metal blinds will surely look at odds in the space. Instead, to achieve the right balance and proper play of texture and pattern, you would want to opt for blinds made from natural materials like rattan or bamboo so they will fit in well with the existing décor in your bathroom.
Privacy and Light Control
Privacy is often a concern when it comes to bathrooms, especially if they are facing a busy street or the house next door. In such a case, you need to choose blinds that would offer the maximum amount of privacy. However, since natural light is also important in a particularly small space, you also need to find blinds that will somehow allow light in to keep the room bright and prevent reliance on artificial lighting during the day.
Fortunately, there are blinds that could address both needs. Venetian blinds, for instance, could provide optimal privacy when closed and their slats can be adjusted to certain angles to permit natural light through.
Cellular blinds, on the other hand, provide sufficient coverage for windows and also come in a different range of opacities, allowing you to adjust their level of privacy and limit the amount of light that you would like to allow inside the bath.
Materials
As the area inside the home where water and moisture are present, your bathroom should be outfitted with blinds that are made from materials that could withstand such an environment. Some of the best materials for bathroom blinds include vinyl and PVC, which are both proven to endure water, moisture and heat that are commonly present in the bathroom.
Avoid using wood blinds and Roman blinds as the materials they are made of are not suited for the usually wet environment that your bathroom fosters.
Cost
The cost of blinds can vary tremendously. Things such as material, size, construction quality, and energy efficiency are factors that could influence the final cost the blinds. As a rule of thumb, purchase the best window blinds you can afford. While they could cost you more upfront, they are surely going to last for a long time, offer the level of privacy and light control you require and make your bathroom more functional and comfortable.
Conclusion
Blinds are some of the most important additions to your bathroom. They can deck up your windows and improve the appearance of your bath. They can also enhance the privacy inside the space while at the same time offering great control over the amount of light streaming into the room.
However, as not all blinds are created equal, it is crucial that you choose them properly, following the considerations above. It is only by making the right choice that you will be able to get the most from these window treatments.
