One of the best ways to add natural light and ventilation to a bathroom is with a window. Just like any window in your home, you’ll probably want to cover the window with a matching window treatment such as blinds, curtains or shades. But not all window treatments are the same when it comes to the bathroom. That’s because moisture can be such a big problem, instantly ruining your window treatments once mold or mildew begins to grow.
Vinyl is Final
There’s a good reason that vinyl siding is so popular: Its resistance to moisture is unparalleled. Not to mention that it’s also nearly impervious to the stains caused by mold or mildew growth. Vinyl blinds, shades and curtains are all good ways to decorate around bathroom window openings without having to worry about them being stained with the dark colors of mold/mildew spores. Best of all, vinyl is easy to wash and clean-just use a little warm water and soap.
Faux Wood
Real wood can be damaged when water infiltrates the pores and openings in the natural fibers of the wood. If you’re still looking for that all wood look without troubles from swelling wood grains, use faux wood. Typically made from a composite of wood flour and resins, faux wood looks just like the real thing without all of the worries of being warped from too much moisture.
PVC Upholstery
Outdoor fabrics are commonly made from PVC or a variation of the material. These products are amazing for dealing with water. In fact, many of these types of materials are impregnated with mold/mildew resistant materials and actually prevent mold growth from occurring. However these fabrics can be tough to find in your local fabric store and they often cost five times as much as conventional fabrics.
Stick on Graphics
Vinyl graphics that mimic real window inserts like stained glass are a great way to treat a window that receives a lot of moisture. You can instantly transform your boring and bland window into a work of stained glass art. But what really makes these simple window treatments so great is that they are extremely cheap, durable and with a quick peel, you can take them off, wash them and reuse them over and over again.
Nylon
If you’re trying to keep as much sunlight as possible in the space, yet still keep the windows shaded for privacy, then nothing beats the look of sheer nylon. They are impervious to moisture problems, they are sheer enough to let in plenty of sunlight and they come in a wide variety of materials, so you can be sure you’re going to find something that suits your bathroom design theme to a tee.
