Decorating
Shape Up With Stunning Round Windows
Forget angles and corners and cast your eye over windows that throw a beautiful curve
In the design world, shapes are powerful communicators of mood and there is no shape more expressive than the circle. It draws the eye, emphasises elements around it and softens an over-angular environment. Architecturally, circular windows speak volumes, whether in an edgy urban loft, beach cottage or elegant villa. There are ways – and ways – of introducing such a strong design feature, so look before you leap and take inspiration from these round windows from across the globe.
From the outside, the window was designed to emulate the classic sculptural lines and pure abstract forms of renowned British artists Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson.
It pays to look both ways
Installing a round window to enhance an interior space may make sense from the inside. But because it’s such a dominant feature, how it fits into the exterior design is a vital consideration. Check out the effect from both inside and out. Had the interior room configuration dictated a window to one side of this cabin facade, the pleasing balance with its central ‘bullseye’ would have been disrupted and its quirky birdhouse impression lost.
Installing a round window to enhance an interior space may make sense from the inside. But because it’s such a dominant feature, how it fits into the exterior design is a vital consideration. Check out the effect from both inside and out. Had the interior room configuration dictated a window to one side of this cabin facade, the pleasing balance with its central ‘bullseye’ would have been disrupted and its quirky birdhouse impression lost.
An ultra-funky concrete building flaunts a relaxed off-the-wall take on the round window. The exterior is peppered with almost-circular openings that glow from internal light after dark. While it’s quite an architectural achievement and stunning from the outside, the openings have been carefully positioned to allow optimum light and privacy in the interior. Take a look here to see how the designer has integrated the free-form shapes into the interior of this unusual home.
Round windows define a view
There’s a scientific reason our eyes go straight to the peaceful green scene here. I believe it’s something to do with the visual field of our eye being round and how a circle confines and concentrates a view. With an outlook like this, a square window wouldn’t have the same ‘look-at-me’ impact. A sealed round window, however, makes a light-filled, living work of art and brings the serenity of the garden into the room.
There’s a scientific reason our eyes go straight to the peaceful green scene here. I believe it’s something to do with the visual field of our eye being round and how a circle confines and concentrates a view. With an outlook like this, a square window wouldn’t have the same ‘look-at-me’ impact. A sealed round window, however, makes a light-filled, living work of art and brings the serenity of the garden into the room.
Round fits where square doesn’t
Stealing upward space from attics and lofts to form another storey or a mezzanine level sometimes results in low, sloping ceilings. The triangle formed by a peaked roofline inhibits a square or rectangular opening, but a circle fits comfortably into the shape. A high space at the top of the house is not usually overlooked by neighbours, so a big round window will flood the area with light and give a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.
Making the most of an attic
Stealing upward space from attics and lofts to form another storey or a mezzanine level sometimes results in low, sloping ceilings. The triangle formed by a peaked roofline inhibits a square or rectangular opening, but a circle fits comfortably into the shape. A high space at the top of the house is not usually overlooked by neighbours, so a big round window will flood the area with light and give a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.
Making the most of an attic
The design hero of this bedroom is the soaring ceiling with its rustic beams and timber lining boards. Placing a sun-like round window centrally in the triangular gable end pulls attention upwards to emphasise the spaciousness and character of the room, and the view beyond.
Circles are nicely nautical
A porthole-style window instantly triggers a set of images and concepts – the ocean, a beach house, boats, holidays, water, sunshine, good times. For this reason, round windows are a popular feature for holiday homes with beachy nautical themes and casual decor. It’s easy to fall into cliche country with beach house decor, so see how to achieve a contemporary beach look without going overboard.
A porthole-style window instantly triggers a set of images and concepts – the ocean, a beach house, boats, holidays, water, sunshine, good times. For this reason, round windows are a popular feature for holiday homes with beachy nautical themes and casual decor. It’s easy to fall into cliche country with beach house decor, so see how to achieve a contemporary beach look without going overboard.
The Art Deco period of the ’20s and ’30s was a golden age of cocktails, jazz, louche behaviour and majestic luxury ocean liners. Anything that evoked the romance of sea travel flourished, and Le Corbusier encouraged designers to look to maritime design for inspiration. Curved facades highlighted by porthole-style windows were the rage. Renewed interest in Art Deco architecture has seen a return to such features.
So your style is: Art Deco
So your style is: Art Deco
If you’re not within a seagull’s cry of the ocean, a round window is an evocative inclusion in the most watery room of the house. Another way to add nautical nuances to a bathroom is with a ship-style swing door, with a round window placed for a view of who’s coming or going, while also maximising light and privacy.
Curves balance angles
An important function of round and curved shapes in interiors is to temper the effect of angles and corners. Research shows that our response to a predominately angular room is less positive than to one with a combination of shapes – curves are comfortable and tactile to our brains. There are lots of angular elements here, but a round window and mirror and a curved stool serve to soften and balance.
Curves in all the right spaces
An important function of round and curved shapes in interiors is to temper the effect of angles and corners. Research shows that our response to a predominately angular room is less positive than to one with a combination of shapes – curves are comfortable and tactile to our brains. There are lots of angular elements here, but a round window and mirror and a curved stool serve to soften and balance.
Curves in all the right spaces
Round goes inside too
Round apertures in internal walls, glazed or open, are a playful way to direct light, provide partial visibility between spaces and break up solid walls. In a deep wall, they have a quirky telescope effect.
Round apertures in internal walls, glazed or open, are a playful way to direct light, provide partial visibility between spaces and break up solid walls. In a deep wall, they have a quirky telescope effect.
Kids love anything round. Bubbles, bouncy balls, balloons, clown noses, Humpty Dumpty – and kids respond to round finger- and hand-friendly shapes. The circular openings in this play pod are just the right size and shape for cheeky peek-a-boo games. See other imaginative playrooms your kids will love.
Round windows are wall art
The possibilities for turning a round window into a stunning artwork are endless. Anything goes, from a fine cobweb tracery that diffuses the view, to wheel spokes or geometric cross-bars set within a deep circular frame. An advantage of embellishing a round window with a timber or metal filigree is that it creates interesting and changing light effects as the sun moves.
The possibilities for turning a round window into a stunning artwork are endless. Anything goes, from a fine cobweb tracery that diffuses the view, to wheel spokes or geometric cross-bars set within a deep circular frame. An advantage of embellishing a round window with a timber or metal filigree is that it creates interesting and changing light effects as the sun moves.
Referencing the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals, a delicate stained-glass circular window takes the place of a hung painting.
Proportion makes or breaks
Proportion is the key to creating a striking effect with a round window. Keep in mind the dimensions of the room, the size and placement of furnishings and other windows. Because of the structural changes needed for installation, especially with a large opening, misjudging is costly. Get professional design advice before committing. This huge ferris-wheel window complements the scale of the hanging cocoon chair and rug, with enough drama to carry off the crazy-paving wall squares.
Proportion is the key to creating a striking effect with a round window. Keep in mind the dimensions of the room, the size and placement of furnishings and other windows. Because of the structural changes needed for installation, especially with a large opening, misjudging is costly. Get professional design advice before committing. This huge ferris-wheel window complements the scale of the hanging cocoon chair and rug, with enough drama to carry off the crazy-paving wall squares.
Window treatments can be tricky
There seems little point installing a round feature window and hiding it with a blind, curtain or shutters. Instead, it’s best to avoid locating a round window where it creates privacy issues. Limit visibility with patterned or frosted glass, a reflective window coating, louvres – or just moving private activities away from the opening.
Clever approaches to privacy
There seems little point installing a round feature window and hiding it with a blind, curtain or shutters. Instead, it’s best to avoid locating a round window where it creates privacy issues. Limit visibility with patterned or frosted glass, a reflective window coating, louvres – or just moving private activities away from the opening.
Clever approaches to privacy
Don’t go round for round’s sake
Because of its strong spatial influence, a round window never blends into the background, but asks to be noticed. Choosing this option just because it’s different isn’t a good reason to go round, as many other factors affect how it sits and functions in its surroundings. In a space that already has plenty of visual interest, it may simply confuse the picture and throw it off balance. Give the window room to attract the attention it deserves.
Because of its strong spatial influence, a round window never blends into the background, but asks to be noticed. Choosing this option just because it’s different isn’t a good reason to go round, as many other factors affect how it sits and functions in its surroundings. In a space that already has plenty of visual interest, it may simply confuse the picture and throw it off balance. Give the window room to attract the attention it deserves.
Other considerations
Round windows are often used as a decorative element. Where ventilation is also required, opening mechanisms such as porthole-type hinges or semi-circular panels that open from the centre can be installed.
Round windows are generally custom items, so expect to pay more than for a standard window. Price will depend on glass size and quality, whether or not it opens, frame material, how much decorative detailing you want and the complexity of installation.
TELL US
Do you like round windows as a design feature? Do you have a spot where a round window would be perfect? Share your views in the Comments section
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Round windows are often used as a decorative element. Where ventilation is also required, opening mechanisms such as porthole-type hinges or semi-circular panels that open from the centre can be installed.
Round windows are generally custom items, so expect to pay more than for a standard window. Price will depend on glass size and quality, whether or not it opens, frame material, how much decorative detailing you want and the complexity of installation.
TELL US
Do you like round windows as a design feature? Do you have a spot where a round window would be perfect? Share your views in the Comments section
MORE
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
Spotted: Polka Dots Around the House
Why Womanly Curves Feel So Good
Circular openings have featured throughout history. Notable examples are the glorious open oculus in the ceiling of the Pantheon, the oeil de boeuf (eye of the steer or ‘bull’s eye’) windows of 17th century French chateaux, and the ornate rose windows in Gothic cathedrals.
To the Greeks, the circle was the perfect shape, with structural strength and visual balance. With no corners where leaks and cracks can start, circles distribute pressure and movement evenly, which is why they are incorporated into high-stress marine and aviation window designs.
It’s been said that a circle is a curve that didn’t know when to stop, and this one in an East London home certainly didn’t. The window is a central feature of the master bathroom, providing expansive views of the garden when lying in the bath.