From Shower Curtains to Bath Screens: How to Enclose Your Bathtub for Privacy

When it comes to creating a relaxing and functional bathroom space, the bathtub is often a centerpiece.

However, many homeowners struggle with finding ways to create privacy and seclusion for their bathtub.

Enclosing a bathtub can be a great solution to this problem, providing not only privacy but also protection from water damage and improving the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.

If you live alone, however, you may not feel the need for privacy, but if you live with others or have guests over, you may want to consider installing a curtain or frosted glass around your bathtub area to provide some privacy.

Additionally, if you have windows in your bathroom, you may want to consider installing some type of window covering for privacy.

While the level of privacy you require for your bathtub is a personal preference, in this article, we will explore the different ways you can enclose your bathtub, and key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right enclosure for your space.

Ideas to Enclose Your Bathtub for Privacy

There are several ways to enclose a bathtub in the bathroom. Here are some of the most common options:

(a) Add Shower Curtains

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to enclose a bathtub is by using a shower curtain.

It provides privacy while you’re showering or bathing thereby preventing anyone from accidentally walking in on you while you’re using the bathroom.

Good thing, they come in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns to fit any bathroom style.

Before you can choose a shower curtain, you’ll need to know the dimensions of your bathtub, ensuring it fits the space where you want to install the curtain. Also, install a shower curtain rod with hooks or rings to hang your curtain from.

Once the shower curtain rod is installed, hung it evenly so that it’s fully covering the bathtub.

An important addition to any shower curtain setup is a shower curtain liner. While the shower curtain itself can add some level of water containment, it’s not typically made from a material that is completely waterproof.

A liner, on the other hand, is designed specifically to prevent water from escaping the shower or bathtub and onto the bathroom floor. This helps prevent water from splashing onto the bathroom floor and over time, causing damage.

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(b) Use Bathroom Curtains

While curtains are not a strict requirement for a bathroom, they can provide privacy while you’re using the bathroom.

In the bathroom above, curtains have been used to create partitions and separate areas for privacy. More so, they add some style and personality to the bathroom decor.

(c) Install Shower Doors

Shower doors are a popular option for enclosures because they are easy to use, whether you choose hinged or sliding shower doors.

They help limit access to the bathtub, so you can have your spa day to yourself.

Depending on the opacity of the glass, however, shower doors can add privacy to the bathtub area or not.

That is, if you choose a frosted glass door, it can add privacy by obscuring the view of the shower from outside the enclosure. This will not be the case for clear glass doors.

(d) Install Glass Bathtub Enclosures

Yes, you can also use glass enclosures to add privacy to your bathtub area. Good thing, they come in various designs: frameless, semi-frameless, or framed, and can be customized to fit any space.

They can also be opaque, frosted, or clear depending on your desired level of privacy.

If you choose to install a glass bathtub enclosure, use tempered glass that is stronger and more durable than regular glass, making it a safer option for a bathtub enclosure.

Consider hiring a professional to install the enclosure, or make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully if you decide to install it yourself.

To keep your glass enclosure in good condition, it’s important to clean it regularly and avoid using abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage the glass.

You also want to consider adding safety bathroom accessories, such as non-slip mats or grab bars, to your bathtub area to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

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(e) Use Bathtub screens

Also known as bathtub panels or bathtub shields, bathtub screens are a type of enclosure that can be used to provide privacy and prevent water from splashing out of the bathtub.

Typically made of glass or other transparent materials, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, bathtub screens are a minimalist option for enclosing a bathtub since they are designed to fit over the rim of the bathtub.

They are usually attached to the wall or to the bathtub itself using brackets or clips and can be opened or closed to provide access to the bathtub.

If you prefer not to use curtains or doors, they provide a barrier to prevent water from splashing out of the bathtub. Tinted or opaque varieties also add much privacy.

(f) Build Partial Walls

If you prefer a more open feel to your bathroom, you can consider installing a partial wall to enclose the bathtub.

Because these walls do not extend all the way to the ceiling, they are often used to separate different areas within the bathroom, such as a bathtub, shower, or toilet area, while still maintaining an open feel to the space.

(g) Use Wood Panelling

Wood paneling can be a stylish and inviting addition to a bathroom.

Because wood may not be the most practical choice for a bathroom partition due to the high-moisture environment, consider using well-treated hardwood like teak or oak to create slats that enclose your bathtub area.

(h) Have a Separate Room for the Bathtub

If you prefer to have a more spa-like experience, a separate bathtub room can provide a more private and relaxing space to unwind.

It can also help to contain any potential water splashes or spills, making it easier to keep the rest of the bathroom clean and dry.

Because a separate bathtub room requires more space than a bathroom with an integrated bathtub, you will need to have enough room to accommodate the bathtub as well as any additional features you want to include, such as a shower or seating area.

It may also require additional plumbing work to be done so consider your budget. Overall, a separate bathtub room can be a luxurious and relaxing addition to any home.

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(i) Fit the Bathtub into an Alcove

Awkward spaces tend to be present in most homes. So, if your bathroom has one that is recessed or partially enclosed between walls, then you can fit a bathtub into this alcove.

This idea is such a practical and stylish way to maximize space in a bathroom, while also creating a sense of privacy and separation between different areas of the room. Just add stylish features like tiled walls, built-in shelves, or decorative lighting.

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(j) Camouflage with Dark Colors

Using dark colors in the bathroom can create a sense of privacy by making the space feel more enclosed and intimate.

Dark colors can also absorb light, which can make the space feel more shadowy and secluded.

However, you want to work on your lighting because using dark colors in the bathroom can make the space feel even darker and more claustrophobic. This can be especially problematic if the bathroom doesn’t have any windows or other sources of natural light.

In such a bathroom, use warm, soft lighting to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom.

You can install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting levels according to your mood and preferences.

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Does the idea of an enclosed bathtub impress you? Try these ideas, considering your budget, bathroom size, and overall design aesthetic.