9 Tips for Getting More Natural Light in Your Bathroom
Part of bathroom remodeling is being able to transform your space into exactly what you need… And want. For many people, a bathroom remodel is about improving efficiency, making it comfortable, adding more storage space, and getting more natural light without sacrificing privacy.
If you’ve been struggling with how to add more sunlight to your bathroom remodel, we have the answers. Here are 9 easy ways to get more sunlight in your bathroom. From total renovation ideas to simple remodeling hacks, some of these can be done today!
1. Frosted Glass Windows
One of the quickest ways to add natural light to your bathroom during a bathroom remodel is with updated frosted glass windows. Frosted glass windows are frosted glass instead of clear panes, which diffuses light and obstructs a view into the house. You get all the benefits of natural light without having to worry about privacy.
Tip for Privacy Windows Today: Window Films! If you’re anxious to cover up some of the more revealing windows in your bathroom, opt for window films. Window films peel and stick to your current windows – pick from different shapes, colors, and designs to control how much light you let in. Plus, they’re removable, so you can always discard them when you’re ready to update to something more permanent.
2. Add a Skylight… Or Two
Go beyond frosted windows for a skylight installation when planning your bathroom remodel. Skylights above the sink and toilet are popular options to let a large amount of light in without having to worry about privacy. This lets you maximize sunlight in any weather.
With one or two skylights, you can light up an entire bathroom or control how much light you let in by placing small ones around. Wider skylights can illuminate an entire bathroom, while smaller skylights let you control where the light hits.
3. High Windows (Aka Clerestory Windows)
If you’re working with a bathroom on the first floor or don’t have access to add skylights, clerestory windows are the perfect way to add light without worrying about privacy curtains or frosted glass. Clerestory windows are high windows installed above the line of sight. This keeps the majority of the wall intact while adding windows higher up.
High window installations are a perfect way to get natural light in a bathroom during a bathroom remodel because the wall remains intact for storage while the windows can help ventilate in addition to adding sunlight.
4. Lightwells
A popular option instead of sky lights, lightwells are a large column that goes from floor to ceiling. These may even be recessed and reflect off of white walls to get the maximum amount of light into dark places or rooms tucked away from direct sunlight.
Lightwells are a good option if you’re working with a first-floor bathroom or need a creative way to angle light into the bathroom without worrying about the privacy concerns that come with floor-to-ceiling windows.
5. Mirrors
At the end of the day, you can’t beat tried and true mirrors for reflecting as much natural light as possible in your bathroom. A bathroom remodel can add more natural light to your bathroom by maximizing the space and installation of mirrors.
Mirrored closets, larger vanities, or even artistically spaced mirrors can help add more light, more options for doing hair and makeup, and open up the space so it feels larger and less crowded. Never underestimate mirrors for a bathroom renovation.
6. Reflective Surfaces
During your bathroom renovation, talk to your remodeling contractor about reflective surfaces. This may be the hardware you use, tiles, countertops, or other surfaces you haven’t thought of. The more you can reflect light back into the room subtly, the brighter your bathroom will be.
Consider stainless steel, mirrored edges, or lightly tinted tiles. There are a lot of ways to get light back and around a bathroom subtly, so that the room shines with even minimal window input.
7. Light Paint and Wallpaper
Don’t forget to think about wallpaper and paint colors during your bathroom remodeling. Adding natural light to your bathroom is all about creating a light, open area. Lighter paint colors or reflective wallpaper can do a lot to put light back into the room.
Avoid too many colors or accent pieces that are dark or wooden that absorb the light. If you do add accent pieces, consider their placement carefully. Your bathroom remodeling contractor can help you pick from select colors to maximize the feeling of the space while still getting the tones and hues you want.
8. Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains can do a lot to get more natural light in a bathroom. While considering a bathroom remodel, make space for curtain rods and decorative window dressings. These can become a focal point of your bathroom while adding color, light, and privacy.
You can start by adding sheer curtains to your bathroom today or ask your remodeling contractor to install curtain rods and make more space around your windows so your curtains can hang fully and unobstructed.
9. Bonus! Think of the Landscaping
This hack for more natural light in your bathroom isn’t really about bathroom remodeling, but it should be considered when you’re trying to find a balance of more sunlight and protected privacy.
If possible, ask your remodeling contractor for a landscaper recommendation who can add bushes, vines, foliage, or tall trees outsight your bathroom windows. This protects your privacy while allowing sunlight to filter through with less remodeling inside. This could vary by season and HOAs, so be mindful, but don’t let it slip away when considering how to get more natural light in your bathroom.
Bathroom Remodeling Can Brighten Your Day
It’s your bathroom, it’s your morning start – get the brightest, most comfortably lit room possible with easy bathroom remodeling tips for more sunlight in your bathroom. Whether you opt for a major remodel like adding skylights and expanding with white walls, or instead you go for frosted glass replacements and more mirrors, you can transform your bathroom today.
Want more tips and a personal consult? Contact Beautiful Baths and Kitchens in Maryland. We’ll help you renovate your bathroom for more sunlight today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of windows for letting in more sunlight while maintaining privacy?
Frosted, textured, or glass block windows are excellent options to let in more natural light while protecting your privacy.
Can skylights or sun tunnels work in any bathroom?
Skylights are ideal for top-floor bathrooms, while tubular sun tunnels can bring sunlight into bathrooms on lower floors if there’s space above for installation.
Will adding more windows make my bathroom less energy-efficient?
Not necessarily. Choose energy-efficient, double-paned windows with Low-E coatings to minimize heat loss and gain while maximizing natural light.
How can I make an existing window more private without losing light?
Use window films, frosted glass, or install sheer curtains to obscure the view while still letting sunlight in.
Is adding more natural light to a bathroom expensive during a remodel?
Simple fixes like window films or curtains are affordable, while skylights or new window installations can be more costly but add significant value to your home. Every upgrade during a bathroom remodel is an investment towards your home’s overall value.
Can mirrors help increase sunlight in my bathroom?
Yes, strategically placing mirrors can reflect and amplify natural light, making the room appear brighter and more open.
Do external factors like landscaping affect bathroom lighting?
Yes, trimming overgrown trees or shrubs near windows or adding reflective surfaces outside can enhance natural light without sacrificing privacy.
