Glass Block Bathroom Window Sizes and Designs – Mix Them Up To Add the Cool Factor

Glass Block Bathroom Window Sizes and Designs – Mix Them Up To Add the Cool Factor

The reality is most people think “inside the box” when designing a glass block bathroom window. The determine a size they want, find a supplier and then leave it up to them to figure out what block sizes will work best. Although this approach may get you a window that is symmetrical and functional it won’t necessarily result in a unique window. So if you’re doing a replacement or new construction bathroom window why just stack up the blocks when you can mix them up for a cool and innovative design?

Here’s 7 steps to make your window design interesting and unique:

Step 1 – Determine your size – In a replacement or new construction window size does matter – but you may not always be limited to your existing size. If you’re doing a replacement window in conjunction with a bathroom remodeling project ask your contractor two questions. First – what size window would fit the existing opening. Second – how difficult it would be to reframe the window opening? Block windows can be sized in 2″ increments and unique design can be made by not just laying one block on top of another. For new construction ask your builder what sizing flexibility you’ve got. Make sure to have these conversations before the rough framing process begins (so you don’t incur any extra framing costs).

Step 2 – Identify what block sizes you’d like and mix them up – You can make one of a kind designs combining 4″ x 8″ & 8″ x 8″ blocks or consider using 6″ x 6″ with 12″ x 12″ units. If you really want to go wild use multiple glass block window sizes like 6″ x 6″, 6″ x 8″ and 12″ x 12″ for a dramatic appearance.

Step 3 – Choose a block pattern – Block windows are available in either high privacy or moderate privacy patterns. If the window is in the shower consider the highest privacy units (the Iceberg pattern is excellent for a shower). If the window is in the bathroom (not in the wet space) a more moderate wavy pattern may be the best choice.

Step 4 – Select clear, colored or frosted glass blocks – The cool thing is the blocks no longer have to be clear and colorless. If you want to add excitement to your window add colored and/or frosted units (and mix up the sizes) for a project that really stands out.

Step 5 – Determine if a framed or frameless window would work best- If you’re doing a window in new construction the vinyl framed block window (with nailing fins) allows the window to be installed just like a traditional new construction vinyl window. If you’re working on a remodeling project (where the size of opening cannot be changed) the frameless block window will work best and can be sized to 2″ increments.

Step 6 – Order your window – Do not attempt to do this project block by block (it is very challenging to lay individual blocks inside a bathroom window opening). Purchase a prefabricated window assembly – it will save you labor time and vastly improve the finished quality.

Step 7 – Don’t limit yourself to only the bathroom window to use the multiple size look – Having fun with different sized blocks does not need to be limited to the bathroom window. Consider mixing sizes in a glass block shower or partition wall or a basement, garage or transom window.

Now that you’re equipped with these 7 points step outside the box with your next glass block bathroom window design.