GUIDE
Curtains in the bathroom
Curtains in bathrooms have long been about protecting privacy and blocking views. But in recent years, more luxurious bathrooms, where curtains contribute to a distinct spa and relaxation feel, have become increasingly common in home decor reports. This gives the room a more inviting role as a place for relaxation and well-being.
With curtains in the bathroom, you can soften the look, create more pleasant lighting, and evoke a feeling that helps you start the day with energy – and unwind after a long workday. Many choose them as a decorative complement, especially in bathrooms with windows and good ventilation. Curtains are most often used where they are not exposed to direct water and primarily contribute to atmosphere and privacy.
Here, we share inspiration and ideas for decorating with curtains and creating a luxurious oasis at home.
Add a splash of colour to the bathroom
Bathroom decor often features neutral, subtle tones – making the room perfect for a well-placed splash of colour. Choose curtains in a shade that contrasts with the usual palette and brings more life to the bathroom without overpowering it.
Colourful curtains in the bathroom window can instantly change the feel and create a more lively atmosphere in the morning – and a cosier feeling when you want to unwind.
Café curtains for privacy
In bathrooms, it's often important to create privacy without shutting out the daylight. Café curtains are a practical option as they cover the lower part of the window while still letting light flow in from above.
They are also particularly well suited to smaller bathrooms where the space around the window is limited or blocked by, for example, a bath or a chest of drawers. Because the café curtain only covers part of the window, it creates a softer, cosier look without taking over the room.
Soft light and a spa feel
Bathrooms can easily feel stark with their tiled, porcelain, and glass surfaces – which is precisely why textiles make such a difference. Sheer, light curtains soften the look and let in daylight pleasantly, giving the room a warmer and cosier feel. They frame the bathroom window and can create a more private atmosphere without blocking out the light. Especially in bathrooms where you want to evoke a spa-like feeling, curtains can be the soft contrast that makes the overall impression more inviting – from the first light of morning to the calmer moments of evening.
Common questions about bathroom curtains
Can you have curtains in a bathroom?
Curtains in bathrooms can soften the feel, create a luxurious spa-like atmosphere, and provide a more secluded environment. Since bathrooms differ from other rooms, many choose to use curtains as a decorative element, especially where they are not exposed to direct water. Therefore, whether curtains are suitable for the bathroom depends on the bathroom's design and conditions.
How are bathroom curtains used?
Curtains in the bathroom often play a decorative role and are used to soften the overall look and create a spa feel. They can also help to control light transmission and give a more private feel at the window, especially with sheer and light curtains. They are a lovely choice for bathrooms with large windows, where you want to keep the light but still frame the space.
Do all curtains fit in bathroom windows?
When curtains are used in bathrooms, the choice often comes down to the overall feel, light transmission, and how the room is used. Many see them as a decorative complement in bathrooms with windows, especially where the curtain is not exposed to direct water. Which curtains are best suited therefore depends on the bathroom's conditions and what atmosphere you want to create.
Do curtains provide sufficient privacy in the bathroom?
Sheer curtains and café curtains can provide a degree of privacy and a more secluded feel, while still letting in plenty of light. How much they block the view in depends on the density of the fabric and how the window is positioned. In the evening, when it is dark outside and the lights are on inside, it is often easier to see in – so many people choose to add extra privacy when needed.
Are curtains suitable for small bathrooms?
Curtains can certainly work in small bathrooms – but, as in larger bathrooms, it depends on the layout of the room and where the window is placed. Many people use curtains as a decorative feature where they are not exposed to direct water. In smaller bathrooms, a curtain in an adapted length or a café curtain can help create a softer look without overwhelming the proportions of the room.