As building techniques and materials improve, we're able to enjoy the outdoor more with glass walls we couldn't imagine just a few years ago. Window sizes are getting bigger like this living room shows. In other places we're using smaller windows to provide more flexibility in where to place furniture plus decorating wall space. That's because new houses with open floor plans have fewer interior walls.
We've shared ideas for houses with glass walls so we thought you'd also like to get ideas for window sizes that are smaller than we're used to. Who knows, these small windows might be considered typical in a few years?
Why You Want to Rethink Your Window Sizes
Most people will tell you the front door is the most important feature when it comes to curb appeal. Maybe, but windows are the most important feature of your home's interior when it comes to enjoying the time you spend in your home. That's why new houses have more glass which visually extends your living space to the outdoors.
Every homeowner has different priorities, so which of these are on your list?
- Windows allow natural lighting to light up your home, while saving electricity.
- Windows enable you to see outside your home's walls which is really important when you've got a great view outdoors, of the mountains or maybe the kids playing in the backyard.
- Windows like open floor plans, expand the visual space you see when inside your home, and most people enjoy bigger spaces.
- Different window sizes let you integrate them into a room's design, like the family room below.
Exploring Different Window Sizes
When building a house, you have lots more choices but don't despair if you're already a homeowner. Anyone getting ready to start a remodeling project should consider window changes to enhance their new space. You can also change your windows when replacing them, making them bigger, smaller or maybe you'd rather remove a window to gain more wall space?
So let's explore some of the less traditional ways, and non-traditional windows sizes that we're seeing in today's new houses. If you've got a room or space like hallway that's too dark or boring, there are lots of online resources to get ideas. My favorite is Pinterest, because you can create your own boards and save what you like to plan any project.
Tips for Opening Up Shared Family Spaces with Fun Window Sizes
Most fireplaces are on an exterior wall and in years past, we often surrounded this important feature with built-in bookcases. Now we're getting more of our information on screens, both big and small. The room here surrounds the combination television – fireplace with floor to ceiling windows, so you can enjoy this room more when relaxing or entertaining.
Even with bigger homes, almost everyone wants more storage. As we don't use our dining rooms that often, here's a great way to extend it's use for storage with cabinets that match those in the kitchen. The shorter/higher windows above the cabinets make it more comfortable as often homeowners are reluctant to place furniture in front of windows.
We don't usually spend much time in hallways, passing through from room to room. Now with floor plans that integrate hallways with living space, it makes more sense to add windows to your halls and staircases. With the stair case shown here, the windows add lots of natural sunlight to the upstairs loft and the dining room below.
New Ideas for Bedroom Window Sizes
The easiest way to add more windows to a bedroom is when you're installing new windows. You can pick window sizes that are taller and sometimes add an extra window like the one next to the dresser below. That's a great solution when you've got a nice view outside, along with the privacy you want for your bedroom.
If you've got all the wallspace you need in a bedroom, traditional solutions work fine. But what if you want to move your bed to another wall? If you're not comfortable placing the headboard in front of some windows, you can also make your windows smaller like theyve done below. The room still gets plenty of sunlight and there's even some space between the bed and the windows for that perfect piece of artwork.
The one challenge you'll have with shrinking the size of your windows, is matching the exterior siding. You'll need less window trim outside but finding siding to match, that's the same faded paint color can be a real challenge. My handyman solution is to shop your house for some existing trim under the deck or behind bushes, and use that “aged siding” where you need it. Then you can replace the hidden siding with something close, that might not match exactly.
Inside is much easier. You'll need to modify the framing for the new window sizes, add insulation between the wall joists and cover with new drywall. Then you've got to paint that wall, and for fun, you might paint a different accent color to give the room more sizzle.
Along with changing window sizes, architects and interior designers are experimenting with a lot more wall designs and textures. Here is a wonderful white-on-white accent weall behind the bed in this master bedroom. The windows in this wall fit perfectly within the geometric pattern of the 3-dimensional trim giving depth in a simple, elegant way.
Decorating Inspiration for Homeowners
Many homeowners limit their decorating to paint colors, flooring, window treatments, furniture and accessories. It's not until you plan a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project that you begin to imagine moving/removing a wall or bathroom fixtures. These changes can be costly especially if there's a load bearing wall that needs expensive support beams inserted into the ceiling.
Moving a window is a relatively simpler, cheaper remodeling solution to many challenges. In one bathroom my handyman business remodeled, when I went to order a new shower enclosure, I learned that building codes had been updated to require a 36 inch shower versus the existing 30 inch shower. By moving a window, we were able to get rid of a wall and put in a neo-angle, 36 inch shower which made the bathroom more spacious.
So we hope you're inspired to start thinking outside the box when remodeling and decorating. You can pick almost any window size or combine several windows, so check out more articles on windows at Home Tips for Women!
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