Architect's Toolbox: 3 Window Details That Wow
Elicit oohs and ahs when you make over your windows with low sills, tall heads and deep reveals
Although there are many styles and sizes of windows, my favorites have low sills, tall heads and deep reveals.
Low sills (meaning the bottom of the window is closer to the floor line) create windows that tend to have the proportions of doors. As such, they provide stronger connections between indoors and outdoors. Using lower sills also can make a smaller room feel much larger.
Tall heads (meaning the top of the window is closer to the ceiling line) provide much the same visual impact as lower sills. In fact, a conservatory derives much of its visual impact from the lack of any substantial wall structure above the windows.
Deep reveals (shown in the first photo below) enliven a window by providing not only a place to put things but also by emphasizing the three-dimensional quality of the surrounding wall. The deep reveal gives us a sense of the weight and solidity of the wall and the security the wall provides.
Low sills (meaning the bottom of the window is closer to the floor line) create windows that tend to have the proportions of doors. As such, they provide stronger connections between indoors and outdoors. Using lower sills also can make a smaller room feel much larger.
Tall heads (meaning the top of the window is closer to the ceiling line) provide much the same visual impact as lower sills. In fact, a conservatory derives much of its visual impact from the lack of any substantial wall structure above the windows.
Deep reveals (shown in the first photo below) enliven a window by providing not only a place to put things but also by emphasizing the three-dimensional quality of the surrounding wall. The deep reveal gives us a sense of the weight and solidity of the wall and the security the wall provides.
Low and deep sills can be used for any type of style, from a contemporary design with a band of windows ...
... to a traditional design of single, individually spaced, double-hung windows.
An accent wall with low sills and deep reveals can be a focal point and work of art on its own. The large windows keep the accent color from getting out of hand.
Low sills don't have to be near the floor. Some sills provide just the right height for furniture.
Deep sills can provide a resting spot for some of your favorite items.
Deep reveals can be created with some built-ins. The walls, furniture and windows all become integrated to create a clean and tidy interior.
And extending the kitchen counter to create the window sill provides that out-of-the-way yet nearby space every kitchen needs ...
... and every soaking tub can benefit from.
Deep reveals in a bedroom can provide display and storage space.
Windows that stretch from floor to ceiling make the wall disappear and blur the distinction between outside and inside ...
... even when these windows don't quite touch the ceiling.
Just add substantial trim to group and unify these windows, giving the room structure.
Just add substantial trim to group and unify these windows, giving the room structure.
Add transoms above if the doors aren't tall enough. Just keep the transoms tight to the ceiling so the wall disappears.
More:
Shedding Light: The Revolutionary Nature of Windows
Skinny Windows: Exclamation Points of Light
More:
Shedding Light: The Revolutionary Nature of Windows
Skinny Windows: Exclamation Points of Light