Should You Install a Bathtub Near a Window? 6 Pros & Cons

When designing a new bathroom, the placement of the bathtub really matters. Most bathroom designers favor putting bathtubs underneath windows for many reasons, but there are some things to consider with this location to ensure a good installation and to achieve the look you want.

In this article, we are going to break down all the major pros and cons of installing a bathtub near or under a window so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.

Can you install a bathtub near a window?

Depending on your budget and how much work you want to put into your bathroom design or remodel, there's almost nothing you can't do. Installing a bathtub near a window is definitely possible, and often recommended for many reasons.

Bathtub designers love the look of a bathtub under a window for aesthetic reasons—and most contractors can make it happen with minimal modification to your existing bathroom design.

What are the pros and cons of installing a bathtub near a window?

Now that we know that you can install a bathtub near a window, you probably want to know what you're getting yourself into when you make this design choice. What are the pros? What are the cons? Which one will ultimately win out and make the decision for you?

Pros of installing a bathtub near a window

Here are some of the reasons why we recommend installing a bathtub near a window:

Visual appeal

The most obvious pro of installing a bathtub near a window is that it simply looks great. Almost every professionally designed bathroom showcases a luxurious bathtub centered right underneath a big bay window.

Designing a bathroom this way makes the bathtub an immediate focal point of the room because it draws your eyes directly to the tub. This makes your bathroom seem inviting and relaxing.

Even if you just have a regular size window and a smaller bathroom, just placing the bathtub near the window is often enough to make the space look bigger, brighter, and more luxurious.

Indoor/outdoor bathing

Your bathroom should be somewhere where you want to spend time. It should be a relaxing oasis right inside your home where you can relax and enjoy a long soak in your bathtub.

When you put your bathtub near a window, you can open the window to create a nice breeze and take in some sunshine. Even when the weather is too cold to fully open the window, you can reap the benefits of the light and airy feeling that it gives you to take a relaxing bath, and always be at one with nature while you look outside.

Mold and mildew prevention

One of the more logistical benefits of installing your bathtub near a window is that it can greatly help with preventing mold problems in your bathtub. If you regularly use your bathtub, steam and water splashes can damage your drywall over time.

Being able to crack your window during or after a bath or shower makes it easier to give the steam somewhere to go rather than wreaking havoc on your home. Just that little bit of ventilation makes a big difference and can prevent costly mold and mildew damage.

Cons of installing a bathtub near a window

As much as we have reasons to love installing a bathtub near a window, there are a few cons that are worth mentioning as well:

Privacy concerns

The most obvious con of installing your bathtub near a window is the potential for privacy concerns. This is important to think through before installing your bathtub.

Take into consideration what floor of your home your bathroom is on, what your window overlooks, how low the window is on the wall, and even the overall size of the window. Take a walk outside your home and see what you can see from the outside looking in.

If you're concerned about privacy but still have your heart set on having your bathtub under your window, there are some things you can do. Consider installing decorative elements like plantation shutters or frosted glass windows or bricks to help prevent anyone from seeing inside.

Size restrictions

When you're installing a bathtub near or under a window, you may be limited in the size and shape of the bathtub you can install.

Much of this depends on whether you're fitting the bathtub to an existing window or putting in a window to accompany a new bathtub. Either way, you want to make sure that the bathtub doesn't come up higher than the window (in most cases) and that it doesn't look too large or too small for the bathroom itself.

Complex installation

Installing a bathtub near a window might require a more complex installation than just a regular tub installation.

You may need to reinforce the wall, add a tile backsplash, adjust plumbing, or remove decorative elements like window trim to make the tub fit the space. These things are all fairly easy to do, but might add time or complexity to your bathroom project.

It's best to leave a larger installation like this to a professional contractor whenever possible. It can certainly be done by a dedicated and skilled DIYer, but you might want to have a pro on speed dial in case you run into any issues.

Conclusion

There's no question that installing a bathtub near a window is a great choice from purely a visual standpoint.

It looks inviting, sleek, and relaxing and can bring an element of the outdoors in, which is a fun addition to any bathroom. It's also great to keep air circulating to prevent mold problems down the road.

However, there are some potential cons to installing a bathtub near a window too.

If your bathroom is on the first floor or you live very close to your neighbors, you might be a bit uncomfortable with having your tub so close to a window. Also, it can make installation a bit more difficult if you need to work with the confines of an existing window.

Overall, installing a bathtub near a window is a great choice that will instantly elevate your bathroom's style—if you're up for the challenge.