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Best Window Coverings for Bathrooms in Seattle: From Privacy to Design

For homeowners in Seattle, Bellevue and surrounding areas, bathroom window treatments need to be more than just decorative. With frequent rain, high humidity levels, and often close-built homes, durability and practicality are key.

When you’re updating a bathroom, you might think about tile, fixtures, or paint. However, what many homeowners often overlook is window coverings. The right choice of blinds or shades helps keep the bathroom private, lets in natural light, works well in high-moisture areas, and adds to the style of your home.

Similarly, if you’ve just moved into a new home, the bathrooms likely have only basic blinds or no window coverings, often leaving you in need of a temporary solution for privacy. Installing window treatments is therefore top priority.

As a window coverings design consultant who’s helped many Seattle-area homeowners, I know how important it is to choose coverings that not only look good but also handle the bathroom environment well. To make the process easier, I’ve put together this guide to the best options that balance everyday use and long-term style, specifically for bathrooms in the Pacific Northwest.

The Challenges of Bathroom Windows

Bathrooms have unique needs compared to other rooms:

• Moisture and humidity: Daily showers create steam which can damage some materials.
• Mildew and cleaning: Damp spaces are prone to mildew, so easy-to-clean surfaces are a plus.
• Privacy vs. natural light: Maximizing daylight while maintaining privacy.
• Design and lifestyle fit: Blinds and shades should match the home’s overall style- whether it’s a modern condo in Capitol Hill, a craftsman home in Ballard, a townhouse in Queen Anne, a contemporary home in Bellevue, or a mid-century renovation in West Seattle. Even homes in surrounding areas like Mercer Island, Kirkland, or Redmond benefit from coverings that blend seamlessly with the architecture while reflecting the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Keeping these in mind helps avoid window treatments that don’t work well for your lifestyle or blend with the interior of the room.

Best Window Covering Options for Bathrooms

1. Faux Wood Blinds – Durable and Easy to Maintain

   Faux wood blinds are a great choice for bathrooms because they are made of moisture-resistant materials. Quality faux wood blinds resist warping, cracking, and fading—even in humid conditions.

   

   Alta Window Fashions Motorized Faux Wood Blinds

   • Why they work in Seattle: Great for windows and small bathrooms that get steam or occasional splashes.
   • Maintenance: Just wipe with a damp cloth.
   • Style: Available in a range of finishes, from crisp white to rich wood tones that complement your existing décor.

2. Shutters – Classic Style Meets Practical Function

   Shutters are a timeless choice that offers both character and utility. For a bathroom, vinyl or composite shutters work best as they resist moisture.

   

   Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters with Split Tilt

   • Why they work in Seattle: Shutters with split controls allow you to tilt the louvers open at the top while maintaining privacy at the bottom like top-down/bottom-up shades.
   • Maintenance: Easy to dust and resistant to mildew.
   • Style: Perfect for those wanting a clean, structured look.

3. Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades – Flexible Light & Privacy

   These shades are perfect for bathrooms where windows are not directly exposed to water like higher windows or those far from the shower. The top-down/bottom-up functionality allows you to lower the top for light while keeping the bottom closed for privacy.

   Shades with top-down/bottom-up feature for bathroom windows include:

   • Honeycomb shades: Contemporary look with minimal stack.
   

   Hunter Douglas Applause® Honeycomb Shades Top-Down/Bottom-Up with PowerView® Automation

   • Roman shades: Classic and elegant with soft folds.
   

   Hunter Douglas Vignette® Modern Roman Shades with LiteRise® Top-Down/Bottom-Up

   • Why they work in Seattle: Ideal for homes wanting natural light without losing privacy from neighbors.
   • Maintenance: Best in well-ventilated bathrooms since fabric can hold moisture.
   • Style: Adds softness and visual warmth to a bathroom, and great for balancing hard surfaces like tile, glass, and stone.

4. Motorized Window Coverings – Convenience Meets Comfort

   Motorized window coverings bring technology into the bathroom, offering convenience and luxury.

   With a remote or an app, you can adjust your shades without touching them, which is helpful in spaces where windows are behind a tub or above a counter. These can also be programmed or connected to smart devices like Alexa or Google Home.

   Here is a video showing the convenience of automation of roller shades behind a tub.

   • Why they work in Seattle: Short winter days and long summer nights make light control important. Motorization lets you schedule shades to open in the morning for natural light and close in the evening for privacy. It’s also great for tall or hard-to-reach windows, which are common in newer Seattle homes.
   • Maintenance: Motorized shades reduce wear since there are no cords or chains to pull. This helps them last longer and stay cleaner as you don’t need to handle them with wet or soapy hands. Battery-powered options are easy to maintain and can last months between changes.
   • Style: Various shades styles can be motorized, from modern roller shades, contemporary honeycomb shades, to elegant Silhouette® sheer shades. The cordless look also adds a clean, uncluttered feel that works well in modern and spa-like bathrooms.

Tips for Choosing Bathroom Window Coverings

1. Match material to moisture: Use composite shutters or faux wood blinds for windows near showers.
2. Think about cleaning: Smooth, wipeable surfaces save time in humid areas.
3. Consider your view and privacy: If neighbors are close, go for adjustable options that let in light without exposing the room.
4. Stay true to your style: Your bathroom should fit with the rest of your home. Classic shutters, sleek roller shades, or contemporary honeycomb shades each set a different tone.
5. Consider ease of operation: Motorized shades make opening and closing effortless and worth the upgrade for hard to reach or multiple windows.

Here is a video showing the convenience of automation behind a tub.

Expert Guidance for Seattle Bathrooms

Every home is unique, and factors in the bathroom like ventilation, window placement, and how the window covering is used all affect the selection, which is why one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work.

At Amazing Blinds by Armi, I help Seattle and Eastside homeowners choose coverings that balance function, durability, and design. Whether you're updating a small bathroom or moving into one that feels like a spa, I’ll guide you through options that fit your lifestyle and bring your vision to life.

Ready to find the best bathroom window coverings for your home? If you’re planning a bathroom update, don’t overlook your windows. With the right window coverings, you can enjoy privacy, durability, and style that lasts.

Schedule a consultation today to explore the best bathroom window treatments for your Seattle-area home, 206-801-6010 or fill out our online form.