This post covers three small bathroom updates, starting with the most obvious one—the window. It was essentially an anti-privacy device positioned directly above the most private spot in the room.
It’s a little ridiculous we didn’t do anything sooner since the window looks almost directly toward the neighbor’s house. We don’t live right on top of them and we can’t actually see much in their tiny distant windows, but it still felt odd to glance at that view every time someone stepped out of the shower or stood up at the sink.
To keep privacy without sacrificing natural light, we frosted the glass using window frosting film. We’ve used this simple technique before and like the results. In our case this project cost nothing because we had leftover film on hand—typically a large roll costs around $19 and covers many windows and sliding doors. It’s worth noting this window has muntins (the internal criss-cross bars enclosed between the glass), so you don’t have to cut a dozen small pieces of film; two large pieces covered the panes since the muntins are interior.
You can watch the full process in video form, but that clip demonstrates the technique on a different bathroom window. Below is a photographic step-through for this specific window.
And now for the big finish…
If you want a more detailed how-to, we’ve documented this frosting method on other projects. The photos above show the outcome here: privacy without sacrificing too much daylight. Below is another photo attempt to show the difference in real-world lighting.
In future photos you probably won’t notice the change, but rest assured the window is frosted now—meaning no more accidental performances for the neighbors. It was a satisfying zero-cost fix using leftover film.
The next small update is a bit of styling on the toilet tank. Sherry added one of her handmade potted succulents and a small dish to catch earrings she sometimes forgets before showering. Those little details keep things tidy and give the bathroom a friendlier, less utilitarian feel.
The third update is about storage: suction-cup organizers for the shower wall. We removed the bulky over-the-showerhead caddy—it was visible from the doorway and made the room feel cluttered. Instead we installed suction-mounted baskets and hooks on the shower wall that sits behind the curtain. That keeps shampoo, soap and razors out of sight from most angles and helps the small space feel calmer.
We’ve had mixed experiences with suction-cup storage previously, but these particular organizers have a locking outer cup that secures the suction cup in place. Installation requires a slight twist to lock them, and after several showers and an overnight test they’ve held up well without falling.
We bought two hooks and two baskets—all with the locking suction system—for a total of $22 after coupons. Using hidden storage behind the curtain has made the bathroom feel less cluttered and more intentional.
A word of caution: avoid hanging baskets directly over the faucet. A reader reported one falling, accidentally turning on water and blocking the drain, which caused a flood. We prefer mounting these organizers on the opposite wall where they stay hidden behind the curtain and out of the direct spray.
So there you have it: a frosted window, a tidied toilet tank, and discreet suction-cup storage in the shower—small changes that collectively make the room more private and less cluttered, all for about twenty-two dollars plus leftover materials.
Here’s our updated to-do list:
paint the walls so they have some contrastreplace the boob lightpaint the cream trim whitehang some bathroom-friendly artcraigslist the toilet and replace it with a classic white onedo something to add privacy to the windownix the ugly and cluttered showerhead caddy- remove the door so we can shave the bottom to allow for a rug/bathmat (and add a door stopper so it doesn’t squash the art)
- replace the border tile around the room (maybe in phase 2?)
- move the blue pendant light to hang centered in front of the window
- replace the floor tile down the road (just to break things up since there’s so much of it)
Do you have a favorite privacy solution for bathroom windows, a go-to item for styling the toilet tank, or a reliable method for storing shower essentials?
Psst—If you want to follow the whole bathroom refresh from the beginning, we’ve documented the planning, painting, lighting and other updates in previous posts.