What kind of curtains are best for a bathroom?

When choosing a window treatment for your bathroom, consider function first. If you want to add privacy, select fabrics that are just heavy enough to obscure views while still being soft enough to let in some natural light. Lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and some poly blends are great for bathroom curtains because they dry quickly and can be machine-washed when necessary.

Should I put curtains in a bathroom?

Absolutely. Hanging curtains in a bathroom can add privacy and bring the kind of softness that turns a functional space into a relaxing sanctuary. With the right fabric choice and proper ventilation, bathroom window treatments can be both gorgeous and practical.

20 Bathroom Window Treatments to Suit Every Style and Space

bathroom with white tile and shower corner — Photo: Jim Franco

Bathroom window treatments are the finishing touch for a functional space, adding privacy, softness, and a design element that coordinates with all of the features of the room, from wall color to flooring. Privacy is the priority in bathrooms, but that doesn't mean your windows can't look beautiful. We have examples of simple shades, easy-to-use roller blinds, sturdy shutters, and decorative curtains for every decor style.

01 of 20

Make Simple Spectacular

bathroom with blue cabinets and white shelving — Emily Followill

Simple, cream-colored draperies cover a generous block of windows in this elegant space. This bathroom window treatment softens an area otherwise dominated by smooth, hard surfaces and provides a sophisticated backdrop for the room's periwinkle vanity and soft-gray tiled floors and walls. The neutral color makes an impact due to the sophisticated pinch pleats and emphasizes the height of the ceilings.

02 of 20

Let the Sun Shine In

bathroom with rustic table and ladder towl rack — Laurie Black

Choose bathroom window treatments that filter light rather than block it for privacy without sacrificing brightness. Look for a light-colored fabric that's thin enough to let natural light shine through. You should also select a fabric, such as cotton, that will hold up well in humid bath conditions. The casual look of these curtains complements the country cottage decor, including the distressed mirror, reclaimed ladder, and vintage chandelier.

03 of 20

Prioritize Privacy

glass walk-in shower in bathroom — Michael Partenio Productions

To maintain a sleek, minimalistic look in the bathroom, forego elaborate curtains or draperies. Instead, install blinds or shutters that can close completely for privacy. Choose shades that perfectly match the color of your trim for a seamless effect. Oversized banana leaves add a bit of color and echo the view outdoors.

04 of 20

Go Halfway for Full Coverage

green yellow blue accent bathroom — Greg Scheidemann

A popular bathroom window treatment is curtains or mini blinds halfway up, leaving the top part of the window exposed. In this bath, bright yellow café curtains hung on simple rings from a skinny rod pick up other sunny accents around the room. This simple bathroom window treatment provides privacy while letting in plenty of natural light.

05 of 20

Add Architectural Details

built-in cabinets bathroom dramatic architectural details — Michael Luppino

To give a basic bathroom window a more exciting look, cover part with custom-ordered shutters that fold open and are mounted over the window opening. The shutters add architectural interest and a hint of privacy. Here, white Shaker-style shutters repeat the design on the cabinets and add a subtle statement above an old-fashioned freestanding bathtub.

06 of 20

Drape Windows in Elegance

oval blue room master bath tub in front of window — Alise O'Brien

In this primary bathroom, a set of windows frames a stand-alone tub in a timeless style. To create the feeling of a comfortable, furnished room, soft gray curtain panels fall in graceful columns from ceiling to floor. Pleated detailing at the top creates crisp folds along the length of the curtains, which will look classic and sophisticated, open or closed.

07 of 20

Use Textured Glass

blue-gray bathroom with red flowers — Anthony Masterson

A second-story bath might not need window treatments at all. In that case, consider installing a stained-glass window or frosted-glass window for added interest. This idea works especially well in bathrooms where the only window is in the shower area, which rules out most fabric curtains and shades. Here, natural light flows from the frosted-glass window inside the shower, adding brightness to the space without sacrificing privacy.

08 of 20

Dress Windows with Roman Shades

Relaxed Roman shades pull up in soft folds to admit light and views. The shades drape in a single swag for narrow bathroom window treatments, whereas wider windows typically have two or more swags. Choose a printed fabric to give the Roman blinds a fun flourish. A lining protects the fabric from the deteriorating effects of the sun but doesn't block light entirely, so the shades filter light gently. The subtle striping on the fabric allows the blue-painted vanity to be the room's focal point.

09 of 20

Choose Easy-to-Maintain Shutters

bathroom with white walls and black shutters — Jessica Glynn

Practical as well as handsome, shutters are often used for bathroom window treatments because of their low maintenance and durability. Operable shutters let bathers regulate the light that enters the room, closing things off when needed. In this airy primary bath, painted black shutters contrast with fresh white trim for a pleasing color-blocked effect. In rooms with oddly sized bathroom windows, shutters might need to be custom-ordered to fit.

10 of 20

Add Casual Vintage Style

bathroom with tiled corner shower — John Merkl

A roller shade fits perfectly on the window frame in this space. An elongated twine cord speaks to the primary bathroom's vintage appeal while also making it easy to lower the shades. Because they're made from thick linen fabric, the roller shades insulate against the cold when closed, and their taupe color matches the walls, emphasizing the calm atmosphere of this relaxing retreat.

11 of 20

Incorporate Dramatic Details

vanity with large curtain — Emily Followill

These luxuriously heavy bathroom window treatments in pale pink separate this feminine space into distinct zones. Attached with rings, one curtain creates a vanity niche. Another curtain partitions dry spaces from the tub and shower areas. The oversized curtain panels add privacy to the massive primary bathroom and create a luxurious, spa-like experience.

12 of 20

Balance Heavy and Airy Textures

bathroom with patterned tile and rich wood accents — Laura Moss

Roman shades, fabricated from sheer embroidered linen, are an elegant addition to this primary bath. Their simple construction and patterned motif provide a beautiful balance to the bathroom's heavy wood cabinetry and ornate tile. The shades' quality of sheerness lets in light while still providing privacy.

13 of 20

Frame the View Outdoors

large bathroom bathtub nook with windows — Laura Moss

These classic beige curtains, when closed, block the window but add a touch of grace and softness in a room dominated by hard surfaces. When open, the curtains frame breathtaking views. If seclusion is not a concern, bathroom window treatments can be as sheer as you like. For complete coverage, consider installing blackout blinds or curtains. Keep in mind, however, that when closed, no natural light will filter in through them.

14 of 20

Double Up On Style

bathroom with freestanding tub and open windows — Edmund Barr

In this bath, a freestanding tub fits under the square window. Louvered shutters provide privacy for bathers but don't restrict light. A light-blocking curtain can be drawn across the window when privacy is needed. Choose an all-weather fabric designed for outdoor use for a spot like this, in which the window treatment might be exposed to water. Water-resistant and treated with a mildewcide, they're designed to withstand rain outdoors and will keep their good looks in your bathroom, too.

15 of 20

Commit to Pattern in a Big Way

bathroom with floral white and blue details — Emily Followill

Framing this giant window with a lavish swath of sheer drapery gives the space powerful elegance. Behind the sheers are Venetian blinds that can be lowered for privacy. Matching the curtains to the wallpaper and the ottoman fabric gives the room a cohesive look. A vaulted ceiling and neutral tile floor, along with the classic pairing of navy and white, prevent the space from being overwhelming,

16 of 20

Combine Fashion and Function

Bathroom vanity with clover back chair — Emily Followill

Moisture, tight space, and practicality make bathroom window treatments particularly challenging. This stylish vanity area with marble accents features one window that serves as a focal point. To play up its design aspects, the window treatment pairs shades with a valance. Shutters mounted inside the window frame can be closed at will, while a loose valance matches the gray veins of the marble and embellishes the window glass.

17 of 20

Bring the Farmhouse Look

white bathroom with freestanding tub — Emily Followill

In this tub alcove, multiple windows are treated as one unit. Pleated bathroom window curtains stretch from one end to the other, accenting the window grids. The simple, semi-sheer curtains add an element of privacy, while iron rings add farmhouse style to the look.

18 of 20

Think Outside the Box

bathroom with room divider around tub — Jean Allsopp

For a unique bathroom window treatment, look for architectural salvage that can be repurposed to serve as shutters. This antique divider fits perfectly behind the tub, providing ample privacy from the large bay windows and infusing the space with a cozy, romantic feel. An overarching window shade can be lowered as needed to block out light.

19 of 20

Step Up the Texture

bathroom with wooden floors and windows — David Tsay

Woven shades fit snugly into these small windows for a custom look. With a showstopping tiled tub as the bathroom's focal point, the bamboo blinds add complementary natural texture but don't compete for attention. A pale wood color allows the shades to match other bathroom features, such as cabinetry and the floor.

20 of 20

Indulge in Dramatic Details

white bathroom with large windows — Werner Straube

The soft, weighty folds of these overscale London shades provide a beautiful counterpoint to striking windows. This bathroom window treatment enhances the romantic vintage style of the pedestal tub, marble floor, and pale blue walls. Mounted just below the ceiling, the shade is flat across the top with inverted pleats that gather into gentle folds and a tail or wing at each side. Lining is essential for protecting the fabric from the sun, and interlining can give the window treatment body and improve the treatment's insulating ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of curtains are best for a bathroom?

When choosing a window treatment for your bathroom, consider function first. If you want to add privacy, select fabrics that are just heavy enough to obscure views while still being soft enough to let in some natural light. Lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and some poly blends are great for bathroom curtains because they dry quickly and can be machine-washed when necessary.
Should I put curtains in a bathroom?

Absolutely. Hanging curtains in a bathroom can add privacy and bring the kind of softness that turns a functional space into a relaxing sanctuary. With the right fabric choice and proper ventilation, bathroom window treatments can be both gorgeous and practical.