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Interior window walls


The Design Trend That Has The Entire EHD Team Seeing The Light...Literally (We're Talking The Glory Of Interior Windows)

My first apartment in New York was my first peek into “interior windows.” As you can see in the photo below, my room was likely “invented” in the main common space so that the landlord could charge more for the space. Wanna guess how much this room was in 2010?? $740. The craziest part is that it was a STEAL given the prime East Village location. But I digress. So yes, I can’t say “entirely windowless” because up in that crawl space were two rows of chunky glass cubes that let in a tiiiiny bit of light from the front room where the actual light lived. Long story short, it was in that apartment I truly realized the importance of natural light. It not only makes a space beautiful but it helps your mood and prevents you from not sleeping until 1 pm because your body thinks it’s always nighttime.

nyc, 2010 (hence the fishbowl lense), before i made it kinda cute

Are interior windows a new idea? No, not at all. But I have been seeing them way more and honestly I can’t get enough. Let that light in! We need to feel joy again! (kidding…or am I?) They also invite the perfect balance between an open concept home and a traditional closed floorplan.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house dining nook reveal

But Jess, where and/why is an interior window a good idea? Thanks for asking, Jess. One fun/solution-based way is to put one between a load-bearing post and a wall like Emily did in the mountain house dining nook. Since they couldn’t move that post and weren’t in love with the original pony wall, Em and the design team decided not to close up the wall and instead install a window that matched the windows in the nook. This kept things looking and feeling airy.

from: how we are repurposing the original living room windows at the farmhouse (in the pantry??)

Emily is actually keeping the good interior window times rolling in the farmhouse. She’s repurposing some of the original exterior windows and using them for the pantry as shown above. It’s going to add just a sweet architectural moment that is also special to this house specifically. Actually adding a vintage interior window (depending on the style you are going for) is SUCH a great way to bring in some soul to a home without having to worry if it’s sealed perfectly like it would need to be if it were being used as an exterior window.

design and styling by michelle mele | photo by rafael solid | via rue mag

Now, let’s get into all of the examples I found (well, not all but some of my favorites:)). This one above by Michelle Mele is perfect. Had that wall been solid it still would have looked nice but now the whole space feels more open and larger. It feels modern yet classic while also being decorative but ultimately functional (because it lets in light).

design and styling by michelle mele | photo by rafael solid | via rue mag

I also wanted you to see it from a more pulled-back angle. It really adds so much to this whole space. Let an interior window be a functional piece of art!

design and photos by julie de pinieux

Ok so technically this is more than “just a window” but it has the same function on a larger scale. This window wall gives the feeling of the living and dining rooms being two separate spaces while still letting the light bounce around in both rooms. It’s almost too pretty. Ok, it’s definitely too pretty.

P.S. This was also one of the rooms that inspired me to get my shag rug. I need mine to look like that!

design by blanc marine intérieurs | photo by sylvie li

What I also love about interior windows is the style variety. This isn’t something that’s exclusively modern, traditional, farmhouse chic, etc. It’s for everyone and every home.

Something else to note is that they don’t just have to be picture windows (ones that don’t open). As shown in this beautiful living room by Blanc Marine Intérieurs with those awesome functional vintage windows. Let that air circulate if it makes sense with the flow of the house and design.

design by the residency bureau | photos by miranda estes | via rue mag

I’m not sure if this entry and interior window were original to this house but regardless it’s so smart. This home is in Seattle so it’s wet and the need for an entry with storage is a must. This example design by The Residency Bureau shows us how to get that needed entry without losing all of that precious light in the living room.

design by jean stoffer design | photos by stoffer photography interiors

Big, bold interior windows at their finest. When I saw these photos I gasped. They perfectly separate these spaces, add architectural interest, AND make the space feel simultaneously cozy and grand.

design by chip and joanna gaines | via scene therapy

But if you just want cozy, feast your eyes on this home from HGTV’s Fixer Upper by the one and only Joanna and Chip Gaines. It’s the same idea as the space above but on a much smaller and vintage-inspired scale. This is what I mean by adding some soul.

design by chip and joanna gaines | via scene therapy

I love that they doubled down (literally) by adding in these functional windows to this home office. It makes everything brighter and if you are a parent this is a great hack to be able to work and still be able to keep an eye on the kids (or animals for that matter).

design by nicola manganello | photo by jeff roberts

Or maybe you have a dark laundry room and want to let in some light… how sweet is THIS WINDOW?!

design and photos by molly of heyfeatherstone

As a simple gal like myself, this window has my whole heart. Molly of HeyFeatherstone installed this one herself and I can’t stop looking at this. Why have a wall when you could have a window?

styled by mari strenghielm | photo by lina ostling

Think how great this window wall is for a party? The host can be prepping while there are people around the island and then some can go into the dining room while still feeling like there are all together. But mostly I just think it’s beautiful.

design by hecker guthrie | photos by shannon mcgrath | via yellowtrace

Did y’all think there wouldn’t be an arch?? No way. And not just one, we’ve got a double arch. I feel like whoever lives here doesn’t walk but actually floats from room to room, it looks so airy.

design by marianne evennou | photo by grégory timsit photographie | via remodelista

We featured this space by Marianne Evennou in a Link Up a few weeks ago because we all LOVED IT. Not only is this whole space so well designed but that window enclosing the kitchen from the hallway is a knockout. I would assume it also helps with lowering the noise level from the kitchen to the bedroom at the end of the hall. It keeps the kitchen bright but the zones in this small apartment (shared by a brother and sister) clear.

design by marianne evennou | photos by grégory timsit photographie | via remodelista

Here are some more photos because I couldn’t not.

design and photo by johanne landbo | via my scandinavian home

Do you have a room in a hallway (like an office or playroom) that doesn’t need all the privacy? Put in an interior hallway window. I can guarantee this helps to make this space feel bigger. Plus who doesn’t want to look at all that cool art as much as possible? Oh and remember that you can always add a curtain in situations like this one for a little bit of privacy when needed.

design by arkstudio | photo by rodrigo cardoso

Modern, organic, and bright. See? Style versatility, people.

photo by steph bond-hutkin | via atomic ranch

They are even perfect in a mid-century modern home. Again, I know this is an entire wall but you should know that it’s an option (and a very good one at that).

design by louis denavaut | photo by christophe coenon | via yellowtrace

From mid-century modern to modern, modern. When you live in a loft and your bathroom is in the center, why not put in privacy glass windows to brighten things up? I’m really into this kind of glass right now (it’s also been trending) because it’s the same idea as those silly glass blocks but waaaay cooler.

design steven ehrlich | photo and via dwell

Do you have very high ceilings spanning to your second floor and don’t know what to do with ALL of that wall space? Well, why not add a functional (or picture) window to the room on the other side of that tall wall? It can add airflow and light and a lot of beauty.

design steven ehrlich | photo and via dwell

Here’s that window from inside the room:)

design by elizabeth roberts architects

Ok so I know I’ve already had some favorites but LOOK AT THIS PERFECT WINDOW. Elizabeth Roberts and her team are one of my absolute favorite firms and this home only confirms that.

design by elizabeth roberts architects

The way this window (and matching interior shutters) help to gently break up this wood wall is genius. Warm and modern and I want to go there so bad. This is an example of the many ways windows are simply not just for your exterior facing walls. Have some fun!

So what do you think? Do you also love this idea? Or do you want to keeps walls, walls and not have to involuntary look at anyone in your house? Have you already taken a sledgehammer to your nearest wall and are searching Etsy for vintage windows? Let’s talk about it!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Lauren Liess and Beau Clowney | Styled by Kendra Surface | Photo by Robbie Caponetto | via Southern Living Magazine

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How to Build an Interior Window

Interior windows are an unexpected design feature in a home that allows natural light to flow from one room to another. Adding interior windows is also a great way to make a room feel more open without completely removing a wall.

In the flip house, we thought about removing a wall between the family room and living room but decided that the rooms would be more useful if we left it. So we decided to add two interior windows to the wall, one on each side of the media built-ins that I built.

In this tutorial, I’m going to show you exactly how I did it.

Tools & Materials

Step 1: Determine the Interior Window Placement

Before you start building your interior window, you need to decide where it will be placed. As I mentioned above, we added one window on each side of the media built-ins. I decided on a size for each window and then centered it up in the available space.

I used a level to mark where the wall would need to be cut out.

Step 2: Cut Out the Opening in the Wall

Using a multi-tool, I cut out the drywall along the marks I made. Then I used a reciprocating saw to cut out the studs in the opening. Then I added new studs to each side. And since this was a load-bearing wall, I had to add headers above each window.

Step 3: Wrap the Opening

For our openings, I decided to simply wrap them with drywall, but if you prefer, you can trim them out with moulding.

Step 4: Measure the Opening

Once the new interior window openings were finished, I measured the width and height. I used the dimensions to size the pieces of glass, which I ordered from One Day Glass. I was a little nervous about ordering large sheets of glass online, but everything was smooth with the ordering and delivery. Although, they did cut the first two pieces two short. They quickly corrected the problem by sending out two new pieces. So it only caused a small delay.

I also used these measurements to determine how many pieces of 1x2s I would need.

Step 5: Cut and Paint the Frames and Grilles

Using a table saw, I rip cut 1x2s down the middle giving me 3/4″x3/4″ pieces. I used these for the frames. Then I rip cut 3/8″ off of the smooth sides of 1x2s leaving me with 3/4″ x 3/8″ pieces. I used this for the grilles.

Once I had all of my pieces cut for both windows, I painted them all using black satin spray paint.

Step 6: Build One Side of the Interior Window Frame

After the paint had dried, I used 2″ finish nails to fasten the inside frame pieces to the opening. I offset the inside frame about 1/16″ off of the center to account for the glass thickness.

Step 7: Insert the Glass

Using a caulk gun, I applied a bead of silicone along the inside of the frame. Then I placed the glass against it, pressing it along the edges. I made sure that the glass made good contact with the silicone.

Then I repeated step 6 for the outside frame.

Step 8: Add the Grilles

I decided to go with a 2×4 grille pattern for these windows to match the pantry door. This along with the overall height and width determined how long I cut the grille pieces in step 5.

I applied a bead of silicone to the back of each grille piece and stuck them to the glass. I used a small level to make sure each piece was straight. And I worked on one side at a time. Then I moved to the other side.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

After I had both windows built, I filled the nail holes and touched up the black paint.

Brooke and I both loved the way these interior windows turned out. It added a nice pop of black beside the built-ins and allows a lot of natural light to flow into the sitting room beside the kitchen.

90,000 types of decoration of internal window slopes

Read the article:

The peculiarity installation of windows, that in almost all cases, the finishing of window slopes becomes a must?

A feature of buying modern windows is a large number of nuances that are important to know before making a deal. This applies to the technical subtleties of installing windows and restoring the window opening. An important role in this process is the restoration of window slopes.

Window slopes - this is the part of the window opening, which is located on the sides and top of the window, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the window.

The fact is that the installation of modern eurowindows is technically designed in such a way that the opening is sealed along the perimeter due to the mounting foam and, at the same time, the window frame is fixed.

When the foam solidifies, it gains volume and bulges out in any form. To hide this not entirely aesthetic sight and protect the foam from the damaging effects of external factors, additional finishing is required. That's when there is a need to restore the slopes, more precisely in their decorative finish.

There are several types and varieties of finishes (foam around the window frame). Let's take a look at the main ones.

Plaster slopes

The oldest type of window opening finishing. As a material, a solution based on cement or another hardening composition is used, when mixed with a loose mixture of which it hardens and turns into stone.

Today, this option is rarely used because of its laboriousness, and also due to the fact that under the influence of temperature changes, static loads, mandatory building movements (which occur regardless of how old the house is) between the window frame and the plaster slope occurs stress, which can often lead to the formation of microcracks on the surface of the latter.

Plasterboard slopes

A popular option in the era of "European-style renovations". Today it has lost its popularity due to the presence of a simpler and more practical option - the installation of slopes from plastic panels.

Plastic slopes

Most common finish. It is offered as a complex finishing of the opening by most window manufacturers.

Plastic panels are of two types: hollow with stiffeners (sometimes also called cellular), filled with polyurethane foam (commonly called a sandwich panel).

This finishing option is optimal in terms of device timing. On average, installing PVC slopes on a window takes from 30 minutes to an hour of work. With today's availability of economy panel options, such a finish will cost quite inexpensively.

What is better to make window slopes?

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With all the richness of options, nevertheless, most often our fellow citizens opt for plastic panels. About the features of their installation should be discussed in more detail.

How to properly install plastic slopes

Installation of slopes should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of building standards for window openings, depending on the design of the house. In general, their installation scheme is approximately the same and looks like this:0003

When done correctly, the joints between the plastic slope plates are practically invisible, the slopes are level, have a neat, even and clean appearance. Learn more about how to do it yourself.

Slopes made of room wall materials

This option is applicable when decorating room-style slopes. Example: wooden panels from lining, which sheathe a slope in a wooden house, cottage, log house.

Do-it-yourself apartment renovation. Why can't you plaster the slopes on the windows?


Watch this video on YouTube

Decor ideas: How to make slopes on windows in a house and apartment in different countries. If in Russia we pay more attention to window sills, then in Europe they like to decorate slopes. In houses where the thickness of the outer walls creates a microspace around the window, the design of the slopes can set new functional and decorative scenarios for the entire room.

Solomon & Wu

White on white
In Scandinavian style, which is so beloved in Russia, the windows, as a rule, remain free from curtains. In Sweden, where this photo is from, in the old fund the walls are wide, and the windows are high, often cast-iron radiators in a niche under the window and even original stucco molding have been preserved.

A similar picture is possible in domestic "Stalinka" throughout the country and, of course, in the old houses of St. Petersburg. In the eternal twilight of the north, light interiors are a necessity, not a tribute to fashion. How to pay attention to a white window in a white room?

Photographer Idha Lindhag

In this case, accents can be made by embossed elements that will attract attention. In the photograph, the slopes on the windows in the apartment are decorated with panels with panels, and from the side of the room they are framed with molding. Take note of this trick.

Design Realization

The decorative motif of the relief depends on the overall style and your wishes. Strict geometry - for the classics, garlands, nets and shells are suitable for luxurious interiors, folk ornaments, Art Nouveau geometric patterns, heraldic lilies, cameos, mascarons and medallions - all elements can be beaten, and the execution can be both author's and from prefabricated items. The main thing is that in the rays of the sun, even a shallow relief will sparkle and will not be left without attention.

Malin Simson Interior

Tip: Use pure white glossy paint on window sills to give the surface a sheen and make the window look bigger. In this case, it is better to paint the walls with matte paint.

elisabethphotography.com

Moldings around the window
In bright interiors, the method of framing the window with white molding looks especially elegant. At the same time, the “frame” around the window can be completed at the level of the window sill, or you can continue the portal to the floor, grabbing the radiator, and thus visually enlarge the window and raise the ceiling. This option is suitable for apartments with north-facing windows.

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Color contrasts can also be set in reverse. In the photograph, the neutral interior of the dining room takes on a distinctly southern character due to the sunny yellow windows.

Idea: Instead of curtains, you can use functional shelves with dishes, right “above” the window. True, you need to check whether the depth of the slopes is enough to open the sash for ventilation.

Vendome Press

Color
When ordering a new window, think about the color of the profile. Why not make windows NOT white? Sometimes it is enough to add only one bright detail to breathe a new flavor into the interior. Look at this photo - a completely white kitchen has become much “tastier” with a juicy green window.

Fact: Bright frames look especially good in small windows, as in this case, or in a group of identical windows on the same wall, as in the previous photo.

Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc

Not only the window frames themselves can be colored, but also the slopes along with them. Look at the solution from the photo - here the designer decided not to highlight the slopes, but to paint them in the general color of the wall. If you have a gorgeous view outside the window, why divert attention from it?

Busy Bees ApS

By the way, this technique also works with white, it is great for purists who are distracted by even minor details. Irregular spaces with sloping walls, polygonal in plan look especially impressive “in white” - the more planes, the more interesting the game of penumbra will be.

SEE ALSO…
345 more photos of skylight designs

Louise de Miranda

We can't help but mention the black color. Personally, I really like the dark frames in the dark framed slopes - for example, a shade of graphite. Just as a little black dress is appropriate for any occasion, a window in black will fit into any style. A black slope strip will graphically emphasize the geometry of the opening on a blank wall sheet in a modern interior, dark wood will add solidity to a classic interior, and black aluminum squares are a hallmark of the industrial loft style.

Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture

Wood Bevels
Wood is a lively and warm material traditionally used in window frames and window sills. Extend the wood cladding all the way around the window and it will change the look of the entire room. Again, this technique looks equally successful both in the performance of smooth plywood and carved solid wood panels.

Marka Interior Factory

Brick and stone
If you are lucky and the exterior walls of the house are made of bricks, and the windows have inlaid curly lintels, it is a sin to hide such wealth. My advice to you: clear and show the "crown" in all its glory, as in this interior from St. Petersburg.

Advice: In southern Europe it is popular to plaster walls by “cutting out” the figured masonry of openings, as in the photo. You can repeat this technique with an ordinary brick, for example, by “cutting out” an arch in a layer of plaster around an ordinary square window.

Sarah Lavoine - Studio d'architecture d'intérieur

Mirrors
An easy and effective way to decorate slopes is to decorate them with mirrors. Sheet to the size of the plane - as in the photo, a mirror mosaic that breaks the rays of the sun into many bunnies, or just small mirrors in frames - choose the solution to your taste. In any case, the effect of reflecting the window in a different plane will bring new perspectives to the room, and, of course, add light.

Mehditash Design

Tip: If desired, you can even arrange a mini-gallery in the windows by hanging small frames or souvenirs in a row, or by combining them in one long vertical frame. In this case, it is better to use the shady side of a wide slope so that photographs and paintings do not fade in the sun.

Elena Kindtner

Painting and wallpaper
In the conditions of a long Russian winter, stingy with paints, you can arrange a garden in the window, painting the slopes with flowers, as in Ryabushkin’s painting “Seat of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich with boyars in his sovereign’s room”, illustrating painted interiors of the Romanov Chambers in Zaryadye. Inspiration can be found in the patterns of traditional Russian crafts, such as Gzhel, Zhostovo trays, Pavloposad shawls or Khokhloma promoted by Simachev.

Desatori

If popular Russian motifs are not close to your heart, you can cover the slopes with bright wallpaper, as the owner of this small Moscow apartment did. This spring accent turns an ordinary city window into a magical door leading to the flower garden from Alice in Wonderland, you just need to bite into the right pie.

Kingston Lafferty Design

I would also like to write about the beautiful windows of Portugal, which are laid out with painted azulejo tiles, about the blue windows of the Greek Islands, about the traditional carved wooden architraves of Russia, about the colorful windows like confetti, the windows of the Austrian architect Hundertwasser - inspiration can be found everywhere.

Idea: Slope techniques can also be used to decorate openings (great example in the Irish project pictured).

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