Corner window in interior design: varieties and design features Anna Sokolova, blog Low-Rise Country

A corner window in an apartment is a rarity and, as a rule, a sign of luxury real estate, which can be found in a large city. However, in private housing construction, a corner window in the living room, bedroom or office is becoming an increasingly common option. Often clients are interested in the specifics of using such a non-standard design, and then I tell them what they are, what characteristics they have, and how best to use them from a design point of view.

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Advantages

Installing a corner window gives the room obvious advantages:

The size of the room visually increases, the design is perceived more airy.
The large glazing area extends the insolation time, which allows you to save on artificial lighting.
Thoughtful layout creates the effect of presence; the room seems to be extended into the surrounding landscape.
The window design can fit into any interior style thanks to a wide range of materials and components. Different types of profiles and glazing options make it possible to use corner structures in classic and modern interiors.

Source contemporist.com

What are the benefits of apartment design with corner windows?

Photos of finished projects with glazing in the corner evoke delight and admiration - this solution looks unusual and very fresh.

Paired frames on adjacent walls provide several architectural advantages:

lighten the massive façade of the building;
refresh the appearance of a house built from one material;
add light to the room, which is especially important for rooms located on the north side of the building;
They give a feeling of spaciousness and visually expand the boundaries of the room.

Important! Among other things, the design of the corner window allows the use of such modern types of glazing as panoramic and high frames with low wide window sills.

In a layout with corner windows, it is very important to maintain harmony in the apartment, to arrange the room so that it looks like one whole. For these purposes, corner frames are often made from materials similar in color or texture to the material of the walls, floor or furniture in the room.

Variety of designs

Corner windows come in one of the following three options:

Frameless model. Two solid glass sheets are connected using special corner profiles; This connection of two walls looks especially stylish and impressive. A transparent sealant is used to seal the joint between the glasses.
Designs with standard frames. Adjacent frames are joined at the corner in the standard way. The profile can be wooden, PVC, aluminum, combined (wood and aluminum).
Modifications with impost. An impost is a stationary part in the corner part that serves as a support and connecting element. Glass sheets (if panoramic glazing is provided) or frames with double-glazed windows are attached to it.

Frameless window structures are made of thick (6-10 mm) impact-resistant glass. Such products have the lowest quality of thermal insulation (when compared with frame options). I do not recommend installing them in regions with cold winter periods in homes with year-round occupancy. For most of the Russian territory, the optimal choice will be a design with a profile.

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Peculiarities

It is possible to install panoramic windows in a typical apartment only after obtaining special permission, since it is necessary to take into account the capabilities of load-bearing structures and walls. In a private house it is much easier to make large windows.

However, it is necessary to take into account certain nuances that are associated with the installation and further operation of windows, the height of which is most often from floor to ceiling. To install this type of glazing, an accurate calculation of static and wind loads is required, as well as a thoughtful engineering solution, since this structure will be subject to greater loads than a standard opening

pros

Large windows have a number of advantages:

Increased room illumination. The atmosphere in the house directly depends on the amount of light that enters through the window openings. For humans, it is preferable to have bright interiors filled with rays of the sun, which also heat the air temperature in the room. With constant daylight, the use of electricity is not required, which allows significant savings for the owner of such glazing.
Stylish solution for interior and exterior. Large windows will decorate any interior and highlight the features of the style, as well as fill it with light and warmth. From the outside, this design adds lightness and elegance to the facade.

Visual increase in space. A room with large windows seems much larger, since a large amount of light and the almost complete absence of one wall allow you to visually significantly expand the boundaries of the room. Installation of such glazing is recommended for use in small apartments.
Increased freedom of view. Panoramic windows in a country house help you feel unity with nature, and this has a very positive effect on your mood. For residents of megacities, such windows are a portal that emphasizes the rhythm of the city and allow them to enjoy beautiful views.

Minuses

Despite many advantages, large windows also have disadvantages.

High heat loss in the cold season. Panoramic glazing does a poor job of retaining heat in a building. Owners who have installed large windows in houses in open areas or in apartments on the upper floors will need to use a powerful heating system to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Maintenance with the help of cleaning companies. A large glazed surface requires constant maintenance, which is very difficult to do on your own. Washing windows requires the use of special equipment and the involvement of specialists from a cleaning company.

Lack of privacy

Large windows attract everyone's attention, so it is better to install such glazing in houses located on a suburban area, surrounded by a garden. In order to protect yourself from prying eyes, you can use thick curtains or double-glazed windows with different levels of transparency.

Investing in Security

A room that is clearly visible from the street is very attractive to scammers. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of protecting your home in advance. It is best to additionally install an alarm system, hidden cameras and metal rollers to protect yourself.

Difficulties during installation and transportation. Large structures are difficult to transport and install, especially if the installation is carried out in a multi-story building. Typically, in such cases, additional construction equipment is used, which significantly increases the cost of all work performed.

Profile material

I tell my clients that when choosing a material, they should focus on two parameters: budget and home design. Profiles for corner windows are made from the following materials:

PVC. The models are popular due to their good heat and noise insulation, as well as their relative cost-effectiveness. Windows with PVC profiles can be made in any color. If clients order large-area glazing, I advise limiting it to three chambers. This allows you to reduce the weight of the product and reduce the pressure on the base.
Aluminum. The distinctive qualities of the profile are lightness and strength, which is why such products are preferred for glazing large areas. To improve the rather weak thermal insulation characteristics, thermal inserts made of polymer materials are used. Aluminum frames look stylish in their natural form, but can be painted if desired.

Source homedes.pro

Tree. The main advantages of wooden models are their environmental friendliness, ability to withstand loads and high thermal insulation. The frames are made from durable wood (oak, larch, walnut) and are additionally treated with protective impregnations. If a high (up to 3 m) corner structure is planned, the joint is connected with sealant (you can do without an impost).
Fiberglass composite. Frames made of glass composite are light and durable, and in terms of thermal conductivity they differ little from their wooden counterparts. Unlike PVC, the material does not deform over time, and such structures are considered one of the most reliable. A significant disadvantage is the cost; glass composite profiles will cost 40-60% more than PVC products.

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Disadvantages of wide glazing

Large heat losses. Installing a panorama would not be the best solution for a home in a cold region. Standard double-glazed windows allow less heat to escape, which makes it possible to save on heating the apartment. With panoramic glazing, you will have to increase the heat supply power by 20-25%, otherwise the household will freeze. Before choosing, it is better to consult with the owners of wide windows, and then install double-glazed windows.
Increased safety for children. No matter how beautiful the view, you must remember that open windows are a source of danger, especially for a small child. Active kids can fall out of even a medium-sized frame, and the panorama is even more dangerous for them. Children are attracted by the beautiful picture through the glass. If a small child lives in the apartment, it is necessary to consider safety measures. It is best to install a fence 50-70 cm high. It should be such that the child cannot move it or climb over it on his own.
Installation ban. Not every home has the opportunity to change the size of the wall to install panoramic windows. It is necessary to find out whether such drastic changes can be made. Without permission, this process is considered illegal, but the main thing is that illiterate actions can lead to permission for the building and human casualties. Most often, those wishing to purchase apartments with a built-in panorama. Usually these are high-rise buildings in megacities. It is best to install wide windows in your own home, and take their presence into account at the design stage.
Cleaning. Washing glass is a difficult and time-consuming task in itself. Cleaning a large area will take more effort, time and chemicals. A beautiful view can be ruined by heavy rain or city dust. To maintain its presentability, you will have to clean it more often than with standard windows. One more nuance: in the panorama even small spots and stains are better visible.
Increased security level. Panoramic windows are the most vulnerable to burglars. The owner will have to think about additional security measures: CCTV cameras, alarms, powerful roller blinds, various types of sensors.
High cost and additional expenses. Buying and installing panoramic double-glazed windows is an expensive pleasure. In addition to the glazing itself, the owner will have to pay other costs. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the glass, and for this you need to regularly call a specialist from a cleaning company. Even if the owner washes the windows himself, the consumption of cleaning products will be greater than when cleaning classic double-glazed windows, which increases the cost of household chemicals. Cleaning is carried out much more often, which also affects the budget. Installing a security system is quite expensive. It will be enough to install forged grilles on standard windows. This solution is not suitable for a panorama - the effect of open space will be lost, and then installing wide glass is pointless. Therefore, it is necessary to use a modern security system. Replacing double-glazed windows of this type will be more expensive than standard glass sizes.

Things to consider before installation

For owners who decide to decorate their home with a corner window, I advise you to first think about heating the room. The fact is that in winter, an area with a low temperature will form near the corner structure (for example, no higher than +16°C). If your budget allows, I recommend installing heated windows, but you can get by with a convector hidden under the floor.

If you are not planning a blind window, you need to decide on the method of opening it. The following options exist with varying degrees of practicality:

With tilt and turn mechanism. The most convenient and practical option in everyday life. The window can be opened wide or just opened slightly for ventilation.
With parallel sliding mechanism. The design has good tightness. The downside is that the seals wear out quickly, which is why they have to be changed periodically.

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Accordion mechanism. Such windows look interesting, but cannot provide complete thermal insulation. Their use is advisable in southern regions with warm winters.
With lift-and-slide mechanism. The windows are easy to use and sealed, which means good thermal insulation. The only negative is that this model is more expensive than all the others.

If your corner window is also panoramic, you need to think about the heating system in this room, since ordinary radiators will ruin the whole impression. A replacement can be built-in (in-floor) convectors or low floor radiators (on legs). In some interiors you can use high (vertical) batteries.

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In the living room

In a rectangular living room, a corner window will help to effectively highlight a relaxation area with soft sofas, sitting on which it is so pleasant to watch the rain or snowfall. An equally impressive option is the dining area, especially if the window is panoramic. In this case, the dining table is complemented by a chandelier in the style of the rest of the interior.

If the living room has a more complex layout than a rectangle, there may be two corner windows. When such a room faces south, it is important to provide protection against overheating. There are several ways to protect yourself from the heat and protect your furniture from fading: stick a special sun-protective film on the glass, install external roller shutters, or order double-glazed windows with built-in blinds.

Source dam.nmhmedia.sk

How to choose the right decor for corner windows

Angled windows are original in themselves and do not always need decoration or decoration. However, to create a cozy interior indoors, their owners, as a rule, still complement them with curtains or blinds.

The rules for choosing these interior items for corner structures have some features that should definitely be taken into account:

Curtain rods for corner windows must have a special shape. You can use two ordinary cornices, but they do not look very harmonious in combination with beautiful and spectacular glass.
Curtains, curtains or blinds should not simply cover the glass - their task is to emphasize this original design element and highlight it. Choose curtains that match the overall style of the room, but try to ensure that their material and design are as impressive and expensive as possible. To decorate windows in a minimalist style, plain curtains made of expensive, branded fabric are suitable.
The type and shape of the cornice, as well as the material for its manufacture, are selected to suit the style of the room and the specific type of curtains.

In the kitchen

A work area is usually organized near the corner window in the kitchen, since good lighting is important for comfortable work. The classic version of this arrangement includes a comfortable countertop with a sink or hob. The beautiful view outside the window makes the cooking process especially enjoyable.

If the size of the kitchen allows, a dining area is set up near the corner window. In this case, you can additionally use curtains to protect from the sun, but only if they fit into the style of the kitchen space.

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In the bedroom

The corner design turns the bedroom into a particularly romantic place. You can enjoy the view from the window while lying in bed, which promotes good rest. In the bedroom, more than anywhere else, it is necessary to take care of reliable light insulation. If curtains do not fit into the design, blinds or external roller shutters will do. It is also important to choose the opening method to avoid drafts.

I also advise you to think about burglary-resistant fittings. It is, of course, not a 100% guarantee against penetration, but the likelihood of someone else’s visit will be no higher than in a house with standard glazing.

Source yandex.net

About non-standard corner windows in the following video:

Internal protection from external light

If there is no better option for external protection than roller shutters, then there are much more of them on the room side:

The most optimal solution, suitable for most interior design styles, are minimalist blinds or roller blinds with curtains. This design looks quite aesthetically pleasing, and in case of excess lighting it shades the opening well.
A small lambrequin leaves room for street light and harmoniously combines the elements of the corner structure.
A living room or bedroom will be perfectly complemented by airy tulle - the opening will remain visible from the room, and the room will become lighter and brighter.

Curtains

The layout of curtains for corner windows should be implemented in such a way as not to completely hide the structure.

There are two types of curtains - common and separate:

Common curtain. Usually the main fabric is made of a light, maximally transparent material of a light shade (tulle, organza, veil). It allows outside light to pass through well and highlights the surrounding decor. To tightly close the opening, curtains made of heavier materials are hung on the sides. The color of the side curtains, as a rule, is chosen darker than the base, but so as not to disturb the harmony with the interior of the room.
Separate curtains. There is no main canvas in this design option, which has a positive effect on translucency and allows you to fully observe the external landscape. Side curtains can be the same in color and shape, or different - it all depends on the preferences of the residents. The length is usually designed to slightly overlap the opening.

Briefly about the main thing

The corner window is a non-standard, but attractive design design. Such a window can be frameless, but more often it consists of frames (profiles). Profiles are made from high-quality materials: wood, aluminum, reinforced plastic, glass composite. Before installation, you must choose a method for opening the window, and also equip it with anti-burglary fittings. This will help make the structure warm and reliable.

In the interior, a corner window is a center of attraction, a kind of accent zone, so great importance is attached to the use of the area adjacent to it. In the living room they set up a seating area or place a dining table; in the bedroom they do not forget about curtains or other protection from the sun. The kitchen also benefits from the presence of a corner window, near which a workspace or dining area is organized.

Question

Write in the comments what you think - is it worth it, if the window is not panoramic, to make a corner table instead of a window sill?

Number and location of window blocks

The number and size of windows are of great importance in the design of a house. These parameters determine how illuminated and warm the rooms will be. If the windows are large and there are many of them, then the rooms will be cold. If you make a few small openings, then the house will always be dark

Therefore, it is important to find a middle ground and rely on building regulations

The optimal ratio is 1:10. That is, for 10 square meters of area of all walls, the glazing should be at least 1 square meter. These parameters should be followed when choosing the location and dimensions of the openings.

It is also important to consider the following patterns when choosing the location and size of windows in a private house. 1

Area and shape of the room. For long rooms it is necessary to install two or more windows. In small rooms, one opening in the middle of the wall will be enough.

1. Area and shape of the room. For long rooms it is necessary to install two or more windows. In small rooms, one opening in the middle of the wall will be enough.

2. Light sides. If the room faces south or west, it is better to install large windows. They will provide maximum illumination. In addition, houseplants feel much more comfortable in such rooms.

3. Purpose of the room. In private homes, it is customary to install large windows in the living room, study room and other rooms that require good natural light and are constantly occupied by people. Typically, when designing such rooms, they are located on the southwest side of the house. In the bedroom, good lighting is not particularly necessary. Therefore, the western or northern side is allocated for it. One window block will be quite enough. The same applies to the kitchen, pantries and utility rooms. Only they are usually placed on the north side.