While windows may not to the first thing that comes to mind when envisioning the perfect bathroom, we can all agree that they would be dearly missed if they were omitted. After all, windows not only provide practical benefits such as natural light and ventilation, but they also significantly impact the overall comfort and aesthetics of the space.

Innotech Windows + Doors has worked alongside thousands of architects, home designers and builders to design and build homes that are both architecturally striking and highly sustainable. When designing the perfect bathroom, here are three considerations for windows: natural light, effective ventilation and thermal comfort.

Natural Light

Bathrooms are functional spaces. First and foremost, windows provide beneficial natural light. Daylighting reduces the need for artificial lights, creates a sense of spaciousness and gives the space an overall sense of warmth. Placement, shape and size are important considerations to maximize natural light.

In this custom home in Whistler, BC, architect Brigitte Loranger designed the ensuite with a wide fixed window above the vanity to add  natural light to the space and a large operable window above the bathtub to frame the mountain views.
Architect Dustin Capri (Capri Architecture) added several large windows to the over height walls in this luxurious ensuite creating a feeling of spaciousness with natural light.

“When we design a bathroom, we aim for a comfortable flow and a feeling of luxury. Whenever possible, we use windows to frame views out to nature without sacrificing comfort.” – Dustin Capri, Capri Architecture

In this bathroom with limited wall space, architectural designer Christian Erickson (ZED Studio) got creative with the window placement. The large window is behind the impressive vanity with modern hanging mirrors. Natural light is achieved without taking away from the other elements of the space.

Effective Ventilation

In addition to natural light, windows also provide natural ventilation. Unlike windows that ventilate using cross drafts, tilt and turn windows provide effective ventilation by leveraging the stack effect. And because warm air rises, operable windows should be near the top of the wall. This allows warm air to exit at the top while fresh air to gently enters at the sides.

In this retro-styled bathroom by Jen Hamilton (Hamilton View Contracting), there is a small rectangular tilt and turn window above the vanity and a large square tilt and turn window above the bathtub.

“I love using tilt and turn windows in my projects as they provide versatile ventilation options with fantastic design flexibility.” – Jen Hamilton, Hamilton View Contracting

Tilt and turn windows can be rectangular (horizontal or vertical), square, small or large. Their versatility allows home designers and architects to maximize the layout to design both beautiful and functional bathrooms. For windows that are high on the wall—whether due to wall space limitations, privacy considerations or aesthetics—motor operation is available. Frosted glass or window coverings are available when privacy is a concern.

Tilt and turn windows can also be combined with fixed windows to create larger window assemblies. This offers home designers with greater flexibility to customize the windows for each space.
Tall rectangular tilt and turn windows also make a smaller space feel more expansive. In this colourful bathroom by Dustin Capri (Capri Architecture), the single large tilt and turn window not only makes the space feel larger by capturing the ocean views, but it provides beneficial of natural light and ventilation.

Thermal Comfort

Thermal comfort is important in every space in a home, but it is arguably more noticeable in a bathroom—especially in colder seasons. In modern bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows create a sense of luxury. But while large expanses of glass may look luxurious, they can also negatively impact the thermal comfort of a space. When a large surface has a different temperature than the air in the space, this results in asymmetric radiant temperature. When incorporating large windows in temperature-sensitive spaces, it is important to specify windows that have very high thermal performance, including the frame and the insulated glass unit, to reduce thermal discomfort.

“No one enjoys stepping on cold tiles after a hot bath. That’s why bathmats and radiant flooring exist. The same can be said for the comfort of having large windows in a bathroom, but the way they affect air temperature is perhaps less obvious than the jarring sensation of cold tiles. True luxury is achieved when thermal comfort is prioritized.”

In this modern farmhouse in Whistler, BC designed by Sucasa Design, large triple glazed fixed windows frame the views of the river without compromising the thermal comfort of the combined bath and shower space.
This shower designed by Jen Hamilton (Hamilton View Contracting) features a triple glazed door with a large fixed window for quick access to and from the pool—and stunning lake views!
Rake fixed windows are ideal for spaces with vaulted ceilings. In this large shower, the high-performance window frames the beautiful ocean views.

When designing an award-worthy bathroom, consider the window performance, placement and size at the onset of the design. Consult with your fenestration manufacturer of choice to ensure each window is optimized to deliver the necessary natural light, effective ventilation and overall comfort in the space.

Discover your perfect window and door solution at Innotech Windows + Doors

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Western Living

Western Living

The editorial team at Western Living loves nothing more than a perfectly designed space, place or thing: and we’re here to tell you about it. Email us your pitches at [email protected].