10 Creative Ideas for Windows

By Marisa Spyker
July 31, 2012
Photo: David Tsay
In a beach home, views are the stars! Check out how these coastal homes creatively use windows to play up their most important asset.
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Think Up

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Make the most of tall ceilings and fabulous views by adding a set of windows directly above sliding glass doors. If you have vaulted ceilings, consider rounding out the top to balance out the room's hard angles--and give the appearance of an arched doorway leading out to the sea.

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Catch the Breeze

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Keep an open-air dining room functional in all kinds of weather by installing wraparound windows dressed with low-maintenance shutters, which allow light and breezes to flow in from all sides on nice days, but keep out rain and insects as needed.

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Leave it Open

Photo: Jean-Phillipe Piter

Experience the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living by installing retractable glass doors leading out to a pool deck or terrace. Vaulted ceilings give a casual, campy vibe to the space when the doors are pulled completely open.

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Nix the Treatment

Photo: Lisa Romerein

When the scenery outside is this good, no need to bury it under drapes, shades, or blinds. Side-by-side windows that extend the length of a wall are best kept bare, with simple, white-painted trim the only thing separating the walls from the sea.

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Make your Soak more Serene

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn
Create the ultimate picture of relaxation by positioning a soaking tub next to a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to nature. Opaque roman shades can provide privacy when necessary but still allow light to filter through.

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Let there be Light

Photo: Colleen Duffley

In a kitchen with little storage space, open shelving mounted on walls above countertops is a smart solution. A set of windows placed just above takes advantage of unreachable wall space by allowing natural sunlight to shed into the room.

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Create an Airy Environment

Photo: Jeff McNamara

Small homes and rooms can feel bigger by allowing as much natural light to flow in as possible. Here, windows (sans draperies), glass doors, and a small clerestory window open up the combo living and dining room in this compact home.

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Play with Shape

Photo: William Abranowicz

Squares and rectangles don't always have to be your go-to when picking out windows. Be a little daring by choosing a unique shape, like with the diamond window with antique-feel paned glass shown here, to bring an artistic element to an otherwise traditional beach home.

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Separate your Space

Photo: Rick Lew

In a room with high ceilings, window treatments help to define the space and make it feel cozier. To make sure the ocean isn't blocked from view, go with valances, like the preppy striped pleated ones shown here.

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Bring Beauty to Functional Spaces

Photo: David Tsay

A window placed directly behind your vanity makes getting ready a breeze. Attach a simple, circular mirror to the side or top of the frame to get you through the morning routine, while still savoring those sublime outdoor views.

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