Design Dilemma

WEIRD WINDOWS

When the view of the window distracts form the view outside it...

Many homeowners have "problem" windows - windows that they want to dress but have difficulty finding solutions for. Replacing well-working windows based only on their aesthetic appearance isn't a practical solution for many. Doing so can be expensive, time consuming and intrusive during the construction process; not to mention issues that could prohibit the moving of windows including structural issues and negative impacts on the homes exterior elevations.

Below are a few examples with quick sketch solutions.

WINDOWS OFF-CENTER ON A WALL

Though I don't mind asymmetry in a room, many clients are bothered by it. Though this solution would block both a portion of the view and light coming into the room, it is a practical and less expensive alternative for homeowners that are greatly bothered by the asymmetry.

SIDE-BY-SIDE WINDOWS OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS

Windows of different heights can be easily resolved by simply treating both windows from the height of the tallest and covering both windows to the lowest top casing. This can be achieved with shades or curtains and cornice.

WINDOWS OF DIFFERENT STYLE AND HEIGHT ON THE SAME WALL

Windows of two different styles are difficult to dress, even for trained designers. Nothing anyone does, short of covering one or both windows entirely, could made these windows look alike. Adding tall, floor to ceiling, drapes to both windows will distract the eye form window styles by adding strong vertical lines to the wall they share. This could be further enhanced through the use of sheers covering the windows themselves.

WINDOWS ABOVE RADIATORS

Though the problem in this scenario isn't the windows themselves it is no less a challenge to many homeowners. A radiator below windows scares many fearing that how they dress their windows could impact their family's safety. This fear can be justified. Electric radiators can cause curtains made of flammable materials to catch fire. Water or steam radiators don't usually reach a temperature to cause concern - and that is the example I have illustrated above. Though in this scenario in my own home I have middle drapes that skim the top surface of the radiator with a bed sitting in front of it (see photo below), I have offered here two examples that take a cautious approach to windows above a radiator that will remain exposed.

ARCHED WINDOWS

Arched windows offer a strong architectural impact to a room. Though many, including myself, would choose to not cover or even accentuate an arched window, there are homeowners who'd prefer to cover the perceived formality it many give. In this illustration drapes are pulled back at the beginning height of the arch.

TRIPARTITE WINDOWS

Much like arched or Palladian windows, tripartite windows offer a strong architectural element to a room. Tripartite windows are particularly difficult to dress will with curtains or drapes. In the illustration above, I suggest the use of in-set shades to cover the windows without taking away from their architectural impact.