Should windows always be the same size on same wall? Help me decide!

4 years ago

Hi everyone -

We have a back area of our house that is dark because there are limited windows letting light in. We are having some renovations done this summer, which involve getting a new woodstove and adding windows on either side of the woodstove to brighten up the space.

Now here is the problem: the chimney is not in the middle of the wall, so adding windows on either side of the woodstove will not be totally symmetrical. I have attached a photo of the current space (all wall hangings were removed to really show the space), and a photo of each of the 3 options that we have for window placement:

Option 1: The windows are the same size, but they are each spaced evenly (6 inches) from the edge of the chimney. This option is symmetrical around the woodstove but not symmetrical on the wall, and creates extra space on the left side of the wall.

Option 2: The windows are different sizes but are centered on each side of the woodstove. This option maximizes light entering but the windows won't be the same size.

Option 3: The windows are the same size, but they are each centered in the space on each side of the woodstove.

(Note: I drew the chimney lines on the drawings but the chimney is behind the wall so you will not see it. Also, we are opting for horizontal, higher windows for privacy instead of traditional sized windows.)

I was leaning towards option 3, then 2, and now I'm not so sure anymore. I would love any and all feedback! Thanks so much!

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Other Option - please describe

Featured Answer

Lyndee Lee

4 years ago

My vote is for option one or two. I don't think you will ever be happy with the windows not being symmetrical around the stove.

How many other windows are in the room and what are their sizes? I am presuming your new windows will match the window you have shown, if not how do the styles match up? If the dimensions match so that either window is the exact size of an existing window, option two would be balanced in the room. Then the odd one out, either bigger or smaller, would look intentional

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
What type of windows do you have in the rest of the home? That also impacts your decision regarding the style of the windows. Looks to me like your home is traditional. Your windows should reflect that

Nothing worse than random windows on the outside of a home. Match the windows off the chimney. You can add a plant or floor lamp in the corner to balance the appearance.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
I like #2 the wall is not symmetrical so why try to make the windows that either . Good choice for new wood stove BTW Usually the chimeny cannot be inside a wall you better make sure about that placement for sure there are many rulles for wood staove install and all need to be flollowed if you want house insurance
Related Professionals
Bennington General Contractors · Aurora Home Remodeling · Peoria Home Remodeling · Springfield Interior Designers & Decorators · Santa Rosa Interior Designers & Decorators · Dodge City Interior Designers & Decorators · San Marcos Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Norfolk Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Keene Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Monroe Design-Build Firms · Murrieta Design-Build Firms · Tuscaloosa General Contractors · New Haven Flooring Contractors · Saint George Flooring Contractors · Eugene Flooring Contractors
KW PNW Z8
4 years ago
i get your dilemma as I keep changing my mind too. I first picked 1, then 3. Is symmetry important to you? Do you have a tall item you’ll place in left corner so wall space needed there? is there something you’d want to hang over stove in middle so need a larger wall space there? I thiink I would need to tape mockups of each option on wall & think on it for awhile along with answers the the questions. Maybe tape mockups on outside of house too as how it looks outside might help decide. I didn't vote - couldn't decide!
Karen L thanked KW PNW Z8
Karen L
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for the comments so far, I appreciate all opinions. Beverly, here is a photo of a window on the opposite wall, so I wouldn't say the house style is traditional. Also, the outside of the house isn't too visible - it's a side of the house that we don't see often (but the neighbors see it!).
Karen L
Original Author
4 years ago
Patricia - sorry miswrote. The chimney is on the outside of the house.