Bathroom with Open Window for Air and Steam to Escape...

I feel I must respond with a comment. Last October a burglar entered our house through our second story bath room window (smaller than yours) and stole every piece of jewelery that I owned and more. We left the window open for ventilation and it was not alarmed. The rest of the house was alarmed but the window was so small and high that we didn't think it was an issue. The alarm went off when the thief left but the damage was done. We never got a single thing back. I will never leave a bathroom window open again.

In response to those who insist that you keep the window closed, I suggest that you can put a stopper on it so that it will only open part way. Thus no one can come thru it.

If it slides crosswise, cut a sturdy dowel or stick the length of the window minus a few inches that you want to leave the window open.

If it slides vertically, just put a large nail above the window when it's open just a few inches.

I might make lightweight curtains, perhaps sheers, to cover the entire window. The breeze will push the curtains aside to let air into the room.

Just because bathroom windows have that obscured glass does not mean you cannot see if someone is up close to the window. I always thought the obscured glass meant it was private. WRONG. My husband tested this theory one night as I went out to throw the trash away and he stood naked in front of the very closed bathroom window. Thank goodness there are no neighboring houses on that side of our house but guaranteed that if anyone was walking by or walking up to the house on that side, boy would they get an eye full. I keep a curtain on that window at all times.

Layer some colored cellophane on it? Or colored tissue paper?
Ya know, like we did as kids, in school, on glass bottles.

Here is a link:
http://www.filthwizardry.com/2010/06/tissue-paper-and-glu...

Or use vines or Ivy vines around it. Just put the vine in a cute bottle of water, then as the vine grows, tack it to the wall with thumbtacks etc.

Or yes, get a bead curtain.
Or make your own.

J.:

Sorry - I would ONLY leave the window open if I were in there using the bathroom. I would ensure that it is locked and alarmed. You would be surprised at what people get into homes for. Santa Barbara, CA is NOT a cheap area.

I would make sure I have better lighting in the bathroom so I can keep the window closed. Do you have an exhaust fan in that bathroom? that's what I would have, not a ceiling fan. The bathroom must be HUGE if you have a ceiling fan in there.

Have you considered getting security lighting on the north side of the house as well?

To still allow light in but open the window? I would go to Home Depot or Lowe's and ask if they have the see-through or light-allowing decals that might look like colored glass.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Many modern windows have locks that only allow them to open so far. You might invest in a better window if you have the money. If not the hardware store might have something you can use on an existing window. We generally only leave the windows open when we are home.

I would look into blinds that are made of reed-type material - block the view but let air through. My SIL also has blinds from JC Penny that can be dropped from the top to let in light,but still cover the bottom for privacy.

I don't leave any windows open. We keep them closed & locked at night & when we leave.

When we take a shower, we open the bathroom window to let steam escape, get air & help prevent mildew growth.

I keep a curtain on a rod above it help keep the sun from heating it up & for privacy.

You can always put tall palms in pots outside to give you privacy it that is what you are talking about.