Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy
Do you want more privacy without losing your view or feeling boxed in? Take a look at these creative solutions...
Dealing with privacy while allowing for light and views of the surrounds can be an issue for many suburban homes. And whether it is you wanting more privacy or a Development Approval requiring it, we often see frosted windows or deliberate screens as the only method of combatting the problem. Luckily, we now have these design alternatives that not only do the job of creating privacy, but look good while they do it.
Melbourne-based architect Steve Domoney used this screen as a feature, softening the structure behind and providing a homogenous facade. If you do like the screening idea, consider making up the screen with panels that can be removed for window cleaning.
See more of this house located in Geelong
See more of this house located in Geelong
Instead of a vertical screen, how about a horizontal screen to stop neighbours peeking into your living areas?
2. Get the views you want
As an architect dealing with inner city projects, ‘overlooking’ becomes a challenge in almost every case. Rather than frosting your windows, consider panels that obstruct the view towards your neighbours’ yards, like this house in Melbourne’s Kew, which makes use of frosted-glass panels secured to the stainless-steel balustrade.
As an architect dealing with inner city projects, ‘overlooking’ becomes a challenge in almost every case. Rather than frosting your windows, consider panels that obstruct the view towards your neighbours’ yards, like this house in Melbourne’s Kew, which makes use of frosted-glass panels secured to the stainless-steel balustrade.
The panels have been oriented to allow views, but only in the direction they are wanted.
Chan Architecture makes a real statement with oriented panels in this Brighton residence south of Melbourne. Anthony Chan successfully takes the labour out of Development Approval issues by using the panels as a statement rather than an ‘add-on’.
3. Patterns with privacy
The team at Wolveridge Architects decorated this outdoor barbecue area with a beautiful screen, providing not only privacy but also patterns and shadows that give life to the space.
The team at Wolveridge Architects decorated this outdoor barbecue area with a beautiful screen, providing not only privacy but also patterns and shadows that give life to the space.
Architect Robert Mills decorated this minimalist space by framing a window with patterned metal screens.
4. Don’t close yourself in
Using panels to delineate where opacity starts and stops frames the look and adds dimension to your room. This will help you achieve the desired height for privacy while still allowing views of the sky above.
Using panels to delineate where opacity starts and stops frames the look and adds dimension to your room. This will help you achieve the desired height for privacy while still allowing views of the sky above.
This industrial-style house in Melbourne also takes advantage of higher views. Here, the glass is patterned, complementing the warehouse itself and found object revival.
5. Lift up the location
Just by simply considering high windows, you not only create privacy, but also allow plenty of light into a space. Here, high windows over the kitchen are louvred in some sections to also allow ventilation as required.
Just by simply considering high windows, you not only create privacy, but also allow plenty of light into a space. Here, high windows over the kitchen are louvred in some sections to also allow ventilation as required.
6. Old-school staining
Add to the charm of a refurbishment by using stained glass to decorate and add privacy. This elegant window could be used in both period homes as well as take on a more contemporary look. So much potential!
More: 10 Reasons to Love Bay Windows
Add to the charm of a refurbishment by using stained glass to decorate and add privacy. This elegant window could be used in both period homes as well as take on a more contemporary look. So much potential!
More: 10 Reasons to Love Bay Windows
7. Control it yourself
There is no need for static screening. Bring the facade of your home alive with operable panels. Close the panels when the weather doesn’t suit you, or open them to allow in fresh air and sunlight.
TELL US
Do you have any ideas about how to deal with windows and privacy? Please share them in the comments section.
MORE ON WINDOWS
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
15 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Windows
How to Clean the Glass in Your Home
Ribbon Windows: The Long and the Short of It
There is no need for static screening. Bring the facade of your home alive with operable panels. Close the panels when the weather doesn’t suit you, or open them to allow in fresh air and sunlight.
TELL US
Do you have any ideas about how to deal with windows and privacy? Please share them in the comments section.
MORE ON WINDOWS
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
15 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Windows
How to Clean the Glass in Your Home
Ribbon Windows: The Long and the Short of It
Depending on where you live, screening can be added to windows to not only provide directed privacy, but also protect you from the sun. Architect Ian Moore uses screening to create a patterned theme throughout this house, rather than making screening an agenda for privacy only.