Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Bathrooms without windows?

26 replies

Neitherherenorthere1 · 14/06/2025 06:48

Just that really. Yes or no? Looking to buy a house with no window in two bathrooms, including the main family one. What are your thoughts please.

OP posts:
Ineedpeaceandquiet · 14/06/2025 06:51

Even with an extractor fan, I am not keen, a window is best for removing moisture and smells.

Also, find them a bit depressing without natural light.

PersephoneParlormaid · 14/06/2025 06:52

No, never. I would never buy a property where the bathroom/toilet doesn’t have a window you can open.

Openthisdoor · 14/06/2025 06:53

A no from me. I lived in a terrace for a short while and hated having no natural light in the bathroom or being able to throw open the window to let the fresh air in. I never thought it would make that much difference as it’s only the bathroom but it really did for me.

DarlingBudsOfJune · 14/06/2025 07:03

Absolutely not. I've lived in three properties with window-less bathrooms, and hated them so much.

In one flat (where window-less bathroom was the only bathroom), it really, really genuinely got me really down actually.

TulipDaff · 14/06/2025 07:08

Not ideal. I had one in my precious flat and it was fine (good extractor fan) but not a super nice place to spend time. A but cave-like.

It wouldn’t be a dealbreaker on an otherwise-perfect property, but it’s certainly off putting.

Mulledjuice · 14/06/2025 07:11

Obviously a window is preferable but it's a reasonable thing to compromise on. We use the extractor fan and manage to air through the rest of the house.

Most hotel bathrooms have no windows.

Mindymomo · 14/06/2025 07:12

For me it’s more no natural light so having to have lights on. My DS is in a flat with no windows in bathrooms, but they are brightly coloured and the lighting is not too bright, so I could live with that. I also don’t like extractor fans, but you can now get very quiet ones, as these are a must if you don’t have windows. We have dimmer switch in our bathroom which may work for you.

BendingSpoons · 14/06/2025 07:12

I lived in a flat with 2 windowless bathrooms. It was fine and we carried on as normal, including having long baths from time to time. An extractor fan is better than a small window in my opinion. DH is convinced the window causes more condensation around it with the temperature change so we don't often open ours anyway.

repeatingabaselessclaim · 14/06/2025 07:21

Friend's new house has two windowless bathrooms, but she was clever with her decorating: wall art, mirrors, choice of paint colour and lighting, and it is really lovely.
She doesn't miss the window, enjoys the privacy aspect.

Cynicalaboutall · 14/06/2025 07:23

Most en-suites don’t have windows, ours certainly doesn’t, but I go in there to have a shower or a wee. I don’t host dinner parties or relax with a glass of wine, so it’s fine. Fit for purpose even!

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 14/06/2025 08:47

While our ensuite has a window, the family bathroom doesn’t. But it has an extractor fan that comes on automatically whenever the light is on, and it’s never been a problem.
We rarely open the ensuite bathroom window, but the bedroom window is often open and we’ve never had a damp problem in this house.

Radra · 14/06/2025 08:50

I think in a modern house, it's fine as they can be designed to be well ventilated. Less convinced this can be done well in older houses.

I don't really care about natural light while I am on the toilet or in the shower, I would rather it was maximised in other rooms.

Atstritchsitchmitch · 14/06/2025 08:53

Ours has no window, new build /6 years old. We changed for a stronger extraction fan, we leave it on for 10 mins after using the room, we use a dehumidifier in the hall, no mould or smells, I regularly spray the sealant with mould remover as a preventative (but I've always done that even in bathrooms with a window). I'd like a window but its not been a problem.

AwkwardPaws27 · 14/06/2025 08:56

This is ours; we stole a bit of bedroom as there was no upstairs bathroom. The only outside wall is in the shower so I opted for a very good inline extractor fan instead. It comes on with the light automatically.
Five years in, no regrets. No issues with mould, condensation or smells, we just shut the door & the extractor does its job well.

Bathrooms without windows?
Twoshoesnewshoes · 14/06/2025 08:59

It wouldn’t put me off at all, I have windows in my bathrooms but it seems that it’s a usual compromise.

ScottBakula · 14/06/2025 09:10

O grew up in a house that had a bathroom window but for the past 30 + years I haven't had one .
Tbh I'd prefer a window , I like natural light and ventilation but I can live without it.
I rarely have the extractor on as it's incredibly noisy and runs for 7 mins onec the light is turned back off so it's a waste of electricity and annoying early in the morning and at night.
If I'm having a bath I just leave the door open a bit . No issues with damp or mould.

WildCountry · 14/06/2025 10:10

I have this. Main bathroom no window and downstairs loo no window. I’d rather they did have windows but it hasn’t been a big issue. I was planning to put a light tube thing in to give the main bathroom a skylight but I never bothered in the end as I didn’t miss natural light as much as I thought I would.

BatchCookBabe · 14/06/2025 10:18

I would never buy a place without a window in the bathroom sorry @Neitherherenorthere1 No matter how well it's 'vented.'

DancingFerret · 14/06/2025 10:21

IMO, bathrooms and loos are the rooms which need opening windows - although I appreciate not everyone has a choice or would agree with me.

P0lar0pp0sitePe0ple · 14/06/2025 10:24

I have lived in places with no windows in the bathroom

100% always choose a bathroom with a window

JDM625 · 14/06/2025 10:26

Our old flat had no window in the bathroom. We had a shower over the bath, and the entire wall above the bath was a mirror. It was flush against the wall, not a framed mirror. There was also a mirrored cabinet above the sink.

The mirrors made the room feel much larger and bright, but the actual floor space was tiny. We never had any issues with mould.

BatchCookBabe · 14/06/2025 10:26

DancingFerret · 14/06/2025 10:21

IMO, bathrooms and loos are the rooms which need opening windows - although I appreciate not everyone has a choice or would agree with me.

This. ^ Unless it's some kind of large house turned into flats, or HMO, or a Travelodge, why on earth is there no window in the bathroom? Confused

Wildywondrous · 14/06/2025 10:27

Wouldn't bother me, mine do have windows but I rarely open the blinds in them so they may as well not have windows.

Noiamnotalison · 14/06/2025 10:29

We have this. I prefer it now. We have a good quiet extractor and it does the job. No mould or condensation at all. It’s fully tiled and just a relaxing space. My last house the bathroom had a window which constantly steamed up. Condensation on the window. Mould on the sealant and around the window frame. I think I’ve had the best of one and the worst of the other. Looking to move again next year -and wouldn’t make future decisions based on whether there was a window in the bathroom.

Atstritchsitchmitch · 14/06/2025 15:31

BatchCookBabe · 14/06/2025 10:26

This. ^ Unless it's some kind of large house turned into flats, or HMO, or a Travelodge, why on earth is there no window in the bathroom? Confused

Show quote history

Terrace, 3 bedrooms and bathroom in middle of house ...
Or a bathroom under stairs? Its not rocket science.