Clever Windows That Can Solve Your Problems
Windows provide light and ventilation, but with a little ingenuity they can also provide practical solutions to common problems
Susan Redman
2 May 2015
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff; writer, author, dreamer.
Not merely a source of light and air, windows are also able to solve many problems at home, from storage and seating, to privacy and protection. Here are some examples of inspiring (and clever) window treatments that are practical, too.
Problem: Keeping bugs and insects outside when large windows are installed.
Solution: Flyscreens now come as retractable screens that can be custom-made to fit any size window or opening.
Solution: Flyscreens now come as retractable screens that can be custom-made to fit any size window or opening.
Glazed sliding doors fitted with flyscreens keep out insects, which is especially welcome in this house in semi-tropical Brisbane, Queensland.
How to keep insects out
How to keep insects out
Problem: Shallow or non-existent windowsill for plants.
Solution: By installing a metal rod or wooden bar across a window, light aluminium or plastic plant pots can be hung from S hooks positioned across the window frame. Fill the pots with your favourite foliage, flowers or herbs commonly used in cooking.
8 new ways to plant herbs
Solution: By installing a metal rod or wooden bar across a window, light aluminium or plastic plant pots can be hung from S hooks positioned across the window frame. Fill the pots with your favourite foliage, flowers or herbs commonly used in cooking.
8 new ways to plant herbs
In this room, a classic double-hung window has a useful potting bench and inward-opening hopper windows below. A bracketed shelf rack provides a handy new spot to place plants up high.
TIP: A window box affixed to the outside of a window adds interest to the exterior while screening the inhabitants within.
TIP: A window box affixed to the outside of a window adds interest to the exterior while screening the inhabitants within.
Problem: Unpleasant view from outside.
Solution: Use lattice work as a privacy screen. If you choose something exotic, such as this Turkish-style geometric cut-out pattern, it will also serve as a beautiful wall feature while still allowing plenty of ventilation.
Solution: Use lattice work as a privacy screen. If you choose something exotic, such as this Turkish-style geometric cut-out pattern, it will also serve as a beautiful wall feature while still allowing plenty of ventilation.
And of course, privacy screens work both ways. A die-cut metal privacy screen stops visitors from peering directly inside this Western Australian house as they walk up the entranceway steps. Designed and owned by architect Ariane Prevost, it features a number of Marimekko’s most recognisable designs, including ‘Joonas’, as seen here cut into the screen.
Problem: Big bathroom windows and no privacy.
Solution: Cover the glass panes in the lower part of a window with a moisture-resistant translucent film. This offers a practical solution and is especially useful when a quick and budget-conscious choice is necessary. Choose from decorative cut-out panels or plain frosted designs.
TIP: Make sure your windows are squeaky clean before applying the film. Use a simple dishwashing detergent and hot water to wash, then wipe off with a quality squeegee and lint-free cloth.
Solution: Cover the glass panes in the lower part of a window with a moisture-resistant translucent film. This offers a practical solution and is especially useful when a quick and budget-conscious choice is necessary. Choose from decorative cut-out panels or plain frosted designs.
TIP: Make sure your windows are squeaky clean before applying the film. Use a simple dishwashing detergent and hot water to wash, then wipe off with a quality squeegee and lint-free cloth.
If you can’t find translucent film, a simple gauze café curtain will satisfy privacy requirements in the bathroom while still permitting plenty of light in the room. Again, the lower half of the window only needs covering or, alternatively, adjust to whatever height you need in order to just peer over the top of the curtain rod.
TIP: In an elegant period bathroom such as this one, sheer curtains will suit the dreamy ethereal style.
TIP: In an elegant period bathroom such as this one, sheer curtains will suit the dreamy ethereal style.
Problem: No space for outdoor eating.
Solution: Bracket a simple but sturdy timber shelf to the bottom of a sliding kitchen window to set up an outdoor snack bar.
Solution: Bracket a simple but sturdy timber shelf to the bottom of a sliding kitchen window to set up an outdoor snack bar.
The kitchen servery shelf is a quick fix solution that will be one addition you will never want to live without. Food and drinks can be quickly delivered outside to waiting guests or family members.
Problem: Inability to regulate light in a room with varying needs.
Solution: A nursery needs to be able to be darkened in the middle of the day for baby’s noontime nap, but getting the right amount of low light to soothe baby to sleep may need some regulation. Shutters affixed to the window may be a little expensive but as you can individually flip louvres, you can get the light and airflow just right.
Solution: A nursery needs to be able to be darkened in the middle of the day for baby’s noontime nap, but getting the right amount of low light to soothe baby to sleep may need some regulation. Shutters affixed to the window may be a little expensive but as you can individually flip louvres, you can get the light and airflow just right.
These half-height slatted shutters with narrow louvres provide plenty of privacy while still allowing light into the room. They also have the bonus option of being able to be completely opened up to flood the room with light.
More shutter ideas for windows
More shutter ideas for windows
Problem: An unappealing cold kitchen scheme.
Solution: White kitchens are practical spaces to work in but some homeowners find the clinical look a little too cool. A quick, permanent and purse-friendly way to introduce colour without any structural change is to paint the feature window frame. The cheerful green window frame in this kitchen echoes the colour of the back hallway and the green accents in the wallpaper.
Plan a white kitchen that’s anything but boring
Solution: White kitchens are practical spaces to work in but some homeowners find the clinical look a little too cool. A quick, permanent and purse-friendly way to introduce colour without any structural change is to paint the feature window frame. The cheerful green window frame in this kitchen echoes the colour of the back hallway and the green accents in the wallpaper.
Plan a white kitchen that’s anything but boring
In this all-white kitchen, the bright red window frame contrasts with the fresh farmhouse feel.
Problem: Curtains in small-space bedrooms that are overly fussy or take up too much space in a small room.
Solution: Sliding shutters or timber panelling on the outside of a window can eliminate the need to use curtains or internal shutters to darken a room while additionally creating a stunning exterior feature.
Solution: Sliding shutters or timber panelling on the outside of a window can eliminate the need to use curtains or internal shutters to darken a room while additionally creating a stunning exterior feature.
If external shutters affixed to the window are a natural timber, make sure they are well oiled with a quality sealant.
Problem: Not enough storage or places to sit.
Solution: A small boxed chaise window seat is easy to build and install up against a wall or space without purpose beneath a window. If you are short on storage, it’s also the perfect project to include some hidden space beneath a cushioned banquette.
Which is your favourite window seat?
Solution: A small boxed chaise window seat is easy to build and install up against a wall or space without purpose beneath a window. If you are short on storage, it’s also the perfect project to include some hidden space beneath a cushioned banquette.
Which is your favourite window seat?
This beautiful timber window seat is in Waverley House and was designed by Angus Mackenzie Architect, but a less grand version can be achieved by building a timber box that sits flush with the windowsill to create a lovely reading nook with a view.
TELL US
What novel window treatments do you have at home that regulate natural elements or help decorate the room?
SEE MORE
Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
TELL US
What novel window treatments do you have at home that regulate natural elements or help decorate the room?
SEE MORE
Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
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