Curtains in the bathroom are hung on the window to solve different problems: in this way they provide an atmosphere of intimacy before taking a shower, while blocking the view from the street; prevent splashes from getting on the glass.
Different types of structures are suitable for such a room: blinds, shutters, etc. They differ in material structure, size, wear resistance, hydrophobicity, and design.
Roller blinds
For the bathroom, roller blinds made of moisture-resistant material are used. The canvas is coated with special impregnations that increase the product’s resistance to moisture and fungal development.
Other benefits:
- ease of care;
- space saving: the curtains correspond to the size of the window opening, they extend slightly beyond its limits, when opened, the canvas rises, and the material itself is not voluminous, so it does not protrude above the wall surface;
- ease of operation.
The structure includes: a shaft, a lifting mechanism, an element that performs the control function (chain, remote control), guides, and weights. The design of curtains of this type may vary, which is determined by their belonging to one or another group of products.
However, the principle of operation is always the same, regardless of the configuration: when lifted (manually, using a drive or remotely), it is directed upward and wound onto a shaft, which can be hidden or open.
Cassette curtains
This is the name for roller blinds that are equipped with a box. This structural element is installed in the upper part of the window; it hides the shaft on which the canvas is wound when lifted.
As a result, the attractiveness of the window increases, since the entire mechanism, including the drive (for automatic models), is hidden inside. In addition, the design provides guides. They firmly fix the canvas, this does not allow it to rise, even if a strong wind blows.
All elements of this type of curtains are made from materials that are resistant to moisture and fungus. The top box, side guides and weighting material, as well as the shaft, are plastic products.
The drive mechanism consists of metal parts and polymer elements, and the canvas is made of moisture-resistant fabric. In addition, to attach cassette curtains, you do not need to drill the window profile - the structure is fixed using double-sided tape. Such products are often installed on the window, rather than above it.
Free-hanging structures
In this case, there is no box at the top of the window profile. The fabric is wound onto the shaft, the entire mechanism remains visible, but the design looks neat.
Free-hanging curtains are those that are not fixed with guides on the sides. The only element that prevents the canvas from lifting under the influence of wind is the weighting material (bottom bar).
Free-hanging curtains are installed mainly above the window opening. In this case, the lower part is often decorated with decorative elements (lace, braid, fabric that resembles lambrequins in shape), and the guide bar in this case is located above them.
Such curtains are also suitable for the bathroom, just like cassette curtains. Only they will completely cover the entire opening - the canvas must exceed the width of the window by at least 10 cm.
Day Night
This is another type of roller blinds, but it has a significant difference - the type of fabric material. It is made mainly from synthetic fabric, which is additionally impregnated with a special composition that prevents fading in the sun, the development of fungus, and dust settling.
Day-night consists of stripes that differ in the structure of the material. Dense and transparent fabrics are used in their production. The strips are connected in a special way; as a result, the seam is not visible.
To open/close a window, you need to shift the layers of the product until the stripes (thick fabric on one side and transparent fabric on the other) are located at the same level. So the curtain closes.
You can influence the degree of its light transmittance; to do this, the canvas is slightly shifted. As a result, dense and transparent stripes also change position, but not too much, so sunlight still penetrates into the room. During the day, all dense areas should be located at the same level, then there will be light in the room. You can also raise the curtain completely.
Half painted walls
© Avito White top, dark bottom. And this is not about the classic outfit of an excellent student, but about the painting of walls in the entrances of Soviet houses. This design appeared not only thanks to Soviet tight-fistedness. Although, of course, not without it. Although paint was more durable than whitewash, it was more expensive. And the economy, as we remember, should be economical. Plus, the paint did not allow the walls to “breathe,” which led to the accelerated development of mold when the walls were completely painted over. But with partial staining, this process could be slowed down. Another reason is aesthetic. A light top visually raises the ceiling, as any designer will confirm. And whitewash also reflects light. Although insignificant, in this way it was possible to create a feeling of additional space. After all, on the narrow landings of that time it was difficult for two people to pass each other, and in order to raise or lower furniture, one had to show remarkable ingenuity. This method of painting also saved many lives during fires. In conditions of heavy smoke in the entrance, the junction of the painted part of the wall with the whitewash stood out in contrast, which helped residents quickly leave the dangerous building.
Types of blinds
There are 2 main types: horizontal, vertical. For the bathroom it is better to choose the first option. In this room, it is recommended to cover the window with short curtains; vertical blinds are often made with long slats.
There is a more compact option (just below the window sill). However, none of these types is suitable for the bathroom, even if the room is decorated in a classic style. Vertical blinds are most often used to decorate windows in a study, office, and are sometimes used in the living room.
In addition, if you choose this variety, the appearance of the slats may deteriorate, since they do not tolerate moisture well. There is a risk of fungus appearing, and it will be difficult to remove it without damaging the product.
Horizontal blinds are made of moisture-resistant material. However, in the bathroom this option will not provide comfort. If wooden products fit into the design when designing, you can choose blinds with slats and a frame made of this material.
Cement
When cementing the opening, make a thick solution. After this you can start working:
- Take out the glass.
- Attach a special mesh to the frame.
- Cement is poured in several layers.
- After each time it is necessary to level it and dilute it with a small amount of water.
- There should be about 5-6 layers in total.
- After drying, the wall can be finished with tiles, panels or wallpaper.
This method is the most effective. However, it also has disadvantages: it requires quick casting and smoothing - otherwise, everything will seize and you will have to redo everything.
Regular curtains
They are made of fabric of different densities, and are mounted on a cornice, which is installed above the window opening. In a draft, such curtains will rise, which will not create an intimate atmosphere when you need to take a shower or bath. This curtain does not completely block the view from the street.
To solve the problem of a loosely curtained window, install a cornice that is much longer than the opening; it should be located at a standard height.
The length of the canvas is longer than usual (below the window sill), which will allow you to close the cracks. One of the advantages is the possibility of making bathroom curtains with your own hands.
Mezzanines in the corridor
In fact, the beautiful French word entresol was once used to describe an additional mezzanine in mansions and estates of the 18th–19th centuries. Organizing this in apartments whose ceiling height barely exceeds 2.5 meters, of course, was unrealistic. So, in the interpretation of Soviet architects, the mezzanine turned into a section of a ceiling cabinet, located, as a rule, between the kitchen and the hallway. In small-sized Khrushchev buildings, for which standard-sized furniture was not suitable, mezzanines became an almost ideal storage system. Hiking and sports equipment, bulky kitchen utensils, boxes with an artificial Christmas tree and toys for it, and even clothes were placed here. But more often than not, it’s just ordinary trash that’s a shame to throw away.
Subtleties of choice
When choosing, not only the external characteristics of the product and the type of material are taken into account.
There are other important criteria:
- room dimensions;
- window dimensions;
- bathroom configuration;
- design style.
When choosing roller blinds, take into account the size of the window. For a standard opening, a lightweight version of the shaft is used. If the window is large, purchase a design with a reinforced frame. When the shutters are often opened (fully or in ventilation mode), consider the option of attaching the curtains to the window profile, then the curtain will not interfere.
Window in the combined bathroom
When choosing a window design option in the room connecting the bathtub and toilet, the following factors are taken into account:
- the presence of an additional source of moisture - the toilet, for this reason the canvas must be made of moisture-resistant material;
- the ability of the product to absorb odors, so choose those varieties that are easy to wash or wash.
In most cases, a combined bathroom with a window is a spacious room and the ceilings are high. As a result, it becomes possible to choose any option suitable in size and style.
Pay attention to the location of the window opening: if it is located in the center of the wall far from plumbing fixtures, the curtain material can be any. When the window is closer to the bathtub or sink, consider moisture-resistant products.
Small room
It is not easy to open a window in a small room - the sash will interfere with movement. To put it on ventilation, you also need to move/raise the canvas. These options take time.
For installation, it is better to consider roller blinds in the form of a cassette design - it is attached directly to the window profile and will hold even when the sash is opened in ventilation mode.
Take into account the location of the window relative to the bathtub and sink. The farther the plumbing fixtures are from the glass, the better, because in this case the risk of splashes and difficult-to-remove lime stains is reduced. The canvas should protect the window from water drops. For this reason, it is advisable to choose a moisture-resistant curtain.
Using pattern and color you can change the perception of a room. Long lines contribute to this - they visually increase the height. This solution is not suitable for narrow rooms. You can hang curtains with small patterns on the windows. In addition, plain white curtains also help to visually expand the space.
Large premises
In this case, there are no restrictions on the use of fabrics with different prints. Windows in such rooms are often located further from plumbing fixtures. If this is not the case, then you should choose a moisture-resistant material. In a large room, the curtain can be of any size, even reaching the floor, if this option fits into the design.
Window between the bathroom and kitchen - for what?
Contrary to popular belief, windows between the bathroom and kitchen are not a sign of Khrushchev.
Such openings existed in pre-revolutionary houses (it is enough to recall Bulgakov and the episode with the rescue of Sharikov from a locked bathroom through such a window). The purpose of the opening became a mystery to most residents. A large number of myths and legends have arisen that explain the presence of a window for various reasons. Among them there are quite plausible and completely dubious options:
Fighting tuberculosis
Koch's bacillus is killed by ultraviolet irradiation. It is assumed that sunlight penetrates through the opening into the bathroom, protecting people from the disease. In fact, the version is frankly weak - ultraviolet light does not pass through glass;
Gas explosion protection
Previously, bathrooms had gas water heaters. If there is a leak, the first thing that will be blown out by the explosion is the window. The wall between the bathroom and the kitchen will remain intact. This assumption is incorrect - a thin wall will be destroyed by an explosion regardless of the presence or absence of a window;
Human safety
The room is tiled. On a wet surface it is easy to slip and get injured or fall into the water. In addition, strokes, heart attacks or other attacks of illness often occur in the bathroom. It is sometimes not easy to save a person, the doors open outward and do not allow you to quickly break the lock. This version is a little doubtful, but quite possible;
Lighting a dark room
This explanation seems the most plausible. Having a window sometimes allows you to not turn on the light in the bathroom. Most experts agree that the appearance of such openings was caused precisely by saving on electricity.
There is still no clearly correct version. However, for apartment owners it is not so necessary to find an explanation for the presence of these openings. It is much more important to decide what to do with them.
Variety of materials
When choosing curtains for a bathroom window, another important parameter is taken into account - the type of fabric material.
All possible options are divided into groups:
- polymer;
- wooden;
- woven.
When choosing curtains for a bathroom, the following parameters are taken into account:
- material density: determine how well the product holds its shape;
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- safety of composition and design during operation.
The material must match the style of the room. For example, simple polymer curtains are not suitable for a classic bathroom interior. Polycarbonate is stronger, but it is also not used when arranging rooms with an expensive design. Wooden shutters may not be used in all interiors.
Soft silicone for window
The products are safe to use, do not emit toxic substances when heated (under the influence of hot steam), and last a long time. If the window is located next to the bathtub, there may be splash marks on the surface, which is especially visible on transparent material.
However, contaminants are quickly removed. It is easy to care for such curtains, but they cannot be used in all interiors. For example, they are not suitable for the classic style, as well as for the loft, Provence and rustic options.
Wood and glass shutters
If you need to decorate a window in an apartment, choose the method of opening the shutters into the room. In a private house, it is possible to use a method in which these elements move outward.
However, to improve convenience, you should still return to the first option. In addition, the area of the bathroom is taken into account - if it is large, choose any method. For small rooms, opening outwards is suitable.
Use wooden blinds or glass equivalents. Moreover, in the first case, the lamellas can be rotary or not. Glass shutters are used as decoration. They are made of impact-resistant material and do not contain rotating parts.
Semi-rigid Teflon
Curtains are produced using a special technology of weaving threads. The finished canvas does not absorb water. Drops hitting the surface roll off. There are no marks left, because the material is smooth on the outside.
This saves the effort of cleaning the surface every time you take a bath or shower. Teflon products are used to decorate a window that is located in close proximity to the bathtub - in this case, many drops fall on the glass. A canvas with a protective coating is chosen taking into account the design features of the room.
Polyethylene and polycarbonate
Polymer-based materials differ in structure and composition, which determines the service life of each of them. The intensity of use also influences. For example, a product made of polyethylene is short-lived.
Polycarbonate is a durable material. It will withstand daily wear and tear without showing signs of wear. Polycarbonate is easy to clean. To reduce the light transmittance of the product, you should choose a matte material.
As a result, the view from the street will be reduced, and light pollution will not be visible. But polymer materials will not withstand significant mechanical load.
Vinyl curtains
Another name is polyvinyl chloride. Lasts a long time. Although it is not very resistant to mechanical damage, it does not lose its attractiveness and shape over a long period. Dirt is quickly removed from vinyl material, but it also gets dirty easily.
The disadvantage is the ability to absorb odors. In addition, these curtains are simple in appearance; it is better not to use them to decorate the window of a room with an expensive design.
Artificial polyester
Polyester is a man-made woven material.
Its advantages:
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- dust- and moisture-repellent properties;
- attractiveness;
- low tendency to collapse;
- easy care.
There are different options, different in design. When wet (if the window is located next to the bathroom), the canvas dries quickly. No splash marks are visible on it. For washing, choose a delicate cycle, since it is not recommended to expose artificial material to high temperatures, especially if the curtain is made of veil or organza.
Woven curtains
Fabric curtains can also be used in the bathroom. They are made from natural or synthetic material. In the first case, when the product gets wet, it will take a long time to dry, and there is a risk of fungus appearing, since the air humidity in the room is often high.
In such conditions, the appearance of the curtain will quickly deteriorate. Artificial materials last longer and retain their attractiveness better. But if the woven product becomes dirty, it will have to be washed every time, which will lead to its rapid wear.
Simple sealing options
First of all, you need to get rid of the window itself. It won't be difficult to do this. In the future, you will only have to decide on the materials that will suit you most.
GKL and PVC sheets
If you use plasterboard or plastic panels to level the walls, then you will not need to make any additional efforts to close the window. Unless you remove the debris and treat the surface with a mold remover. Next, you will need to create a sheathing - and install sheets on it and then carry out the finishing.
Important: keep in mind the place where you hid the window, and do not place any heavy objects on the wall. Neither gypsum plasterboard nor PVC will withstand even an average load - and the base of the wall will not protect them, because there will be empty space in place of the window.
Laying out empty space
If drywall is not included in your renovation plans, and you want to decorate a brick wall and fully use it for the subsequent installation of kitchen cabinets, then you will have to fill in the empty space.
The easiest way is to make brickwork. For this you will need a hollow brick. The hollowness factor is important - heavy building materials cannot be used, because the wall is quite fragile and may not hold up.
Instead of bricks, cinder blocks will also work. The only difference is that for bricks you will need to prepare a cement mortar, while cinder blocks are easily fixed with glue.
Plastering, putty and finishing
What happens next is a matter of technique. Applying plaster will help level the resulting surface. It should dry within 2-3 days. and then it is replaced by a layer of putty, eliminating all minor defects.
Perform the final finishing of the wall at your own discretion - wallpaper, tiles or painting, it is not so important. The main thing is that the result pleases the eye.
Often people end up covering this area with kitchen cabinets. If your project involves just such an option, then you can get by with just cosmetic final finishing.
Photos of design solutions
Before decorating a window in a bathroom, it is recommended to look at photos of possible design options for other objects. This will allow you to buy the appropriate type of material to decorate and protect the window opening from splashes.
To decorate a window in a bathroom, fewer options are used than in a living room, bedroom or other living space (tacks, lambrequins, cords, etc.). For this reason, they choose other methods of window decoration: using curtains made of unusual materials, structures of complex configuration (wooden blinds, glass shutters, etc.).
Additional decor
On high floors, tinting or special finishing is usually not performed - it is enough to cover the glass with curtains or a screen. Roller blinds, nice textile curtains, wooden shutters and simple budget blinds will help isolate the bathroom from the outside world and complement its interior. Both simple curtains and Roman blinds, heavy and light airy fabrics can be used - the choice depends on the overall style of the interior.
Often the window sill is decorated with all kinds of plants that love moisture, and turns into a real green oasis. It is not at all necessary to cover the windows themselves - hanging curtains around the bathroom will look original, which will protect this area from the rest of the space and give the interior some vintage style.
High-rise buildings with 9 floors
At some point, the five-story Khrushchev buildings were replaced by similar buildings with small apartments, but with nine floors. Why exactly nine, and not, say, ten? It is useless to look for some sacred meaning in this. It's all about fire safety. In those years, the height of a standard mechanized fire engine ladder was 28 meters. This was just enough for the rescuers to rise to the level of the ninth floor. For buildings with a large number of floors, there were their own building codes and regulations. For example, the mandatory presence of smoke-free stairs, as well as two elevators - passenger and freight. All this significantly increased the final cost of housing. Frankly speaking, this is an unaffordable luxury in conditions of economy. By the way, the “love” for five-story buildings is also easy to explain. According to the standards in force at that time and medical research, a Soviet person could easily walk up the stairs to the fifth floor. And if so, then there is no need for an elevator in such houses. Saving!
Open balconies
© Avito When designing modern houses, construction companies initially try to provide for balcony glazing.
In Soviet times, they were completely open. Here, fire safety rules played a role (it was possible to evacuate through the balcony), and sanitary standards for insolation of premises (at least three hours a day of direct sunlight). In addition, it was assumed that the balcony would become a special area in the apartment, where you can go out to breathe fresh air or drink a cup of tea. By the way, balconies were often made at an angle - the slab was slightly sloping down so that rainwater and snow would not linger on it for a long time and flowed down. ↓ expand ↓
