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.
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.
Internal shutters
To some, wooden shutters in a country house seem outdated, but they are actively used in design projects and add originality to the room. The products reliably protect from the sun and can completely darken the room - useful for families with small children who need to sleep during the day or go to bed before dark.
Shutters painted in bright colors become the main accent of the interior. But if you want to “hide” them, choose paint to match the walls.
Dimensions of window openings
As a rule, the following standard window sizes are found in a private house.
- Single leaf. The opening width is from 40 to 87 centimeters, the height is from 40 to 147 centimeters.
- Bivalve. Width from 87 to 147 centimeters, height from 57 to 147 centimeters.
- Tricuspid. Width from 177 to 207 centimeters, height from 117 to 147 centimeters.
It is recommended to place the openings at a height of 80-90 centimeters from the floor. This will provide a good view for both a standing and a sitting person. In addition, you can place a table or other object under the window sill. It is advisable to place the upper edge of the block at a distance of 220-230 centimeters from the floor. There are also standard parameters for balconies. The door size is 70-90 centimeters wide and 210-220 centimeters high.
Windows in a private home can be of absolutely any size. Construction companies are ready to fulfill even a non-standard order of the most demanding client. The cost of openings made according to an individual project will be much higher. But the house will have its own zest.
Next, the types of window openings will be discussed in more detail.
Stone edging
This framing option should be chosen for brick houses. It will look organic and beautiful. You can use artificial or natural stone. The latest products are more expensive. Granite, gravel, and sandstone are suitable for the external cladding of a window opening. Stone tiles are attached with special glue to a previously leveled and cleaned surface.
The stone is characterized by frost resistance, high strength, heat resistance, and durability. Therefore, a frame made from it will last a long time and maintain an attractive appearance throughout the entire period of use.
Panoramic windows
Large openings are increasingly being installed in private homes, which offer a gorgeous view of the surrounding area. In addition, fully glazed walls dramatically change the appearance of the room and allow you to maximize natural light.
However, not many owners of private houses decide on such delights, believing that panoramic windows are not suitable for the harsh Russian climatic conditions. They believe that openings that are too large will let the cold in, which can cause you to catch a cold in the frosty winter. This stereotype does not allow many people to install windows in the bathroom, even in a city apartment.
Fortunately, modern technology allows you not to worry about frost. Even a large window can be functional and warm. Provided that the design meets all requirements. As a rule, when it comes to panoramic views, preference is given to plastic frames with three or more cameras.
A large window can be made from floor to ceiling or from wall to wall, erasing the boundaries of space. Some daredevils even completely glaze the room on three sides, if the house design allows it. The living room or bedroom is most suitable for such purposes. The first room is ideal for watching the sunset, and the second for waking up with the first rays of the sun. Of course, the choice of a panoramic window in a private house depends on the size of the opening and the overall design concept.
Window ventilation
The location of openings in country houses is varied - in the middle part of the wall, under the roof. This affects the ability to ventilate the room. The higher the window is installed, the more difficult it is to open it.
The solution to the problem will be a ventilation system. The following combinations are available for all types of plastic windows:
- Window. Eliminates the appearance of condensation. Due to the design features, the amount of natural light supplied is limited. Such windows are inconvenient to use if they are located at the level of the second floor.
- Self-ventilation. In the profiles at the production stage, holes are drilled in the upper and lower parts. This option is not suitable for rooms with ceilings higher than 3 m due to the impossibility of providing them with adequate ventilation.
- Comb. Installers work with such windows more often. The design allows you to open the frame completely or in several positions.
- Ventilation valve. The mechanism automatically regulates the flow of air masses into the room.
Any sample ventilation model has its advantages and disadvantages. Take into account the size of the window and its shape. And also the overall design.
The design of any window is an element of the design project. The shape and size of the profile will emphasize the beauty of the facade and interior furnishings. Decorative elements will add charm to the interior.
Strip glazing
It consists of consecutive glass blocks, which are located one after the other. From the outside it looks like transparent tape. Its length and height depend on the type of room. In any case, such windows can add air and light to even the most austere design. It is worth noting that this option for enriching with natural light is more suitable for rooms with high ceilings.
Most often, in the design project of a private house, strip-type windows are included in the kitchen area. There, the glazing acts in the form of an apron or part of it, located in front of the working surfaces of the countertops. There are several advantages to placing openings this way. The main advantage is that it provides excellent lighting to the most important kitchen areas. In addition, washing dishes or cooking is much more pleasant when you have a view of nature from the window. For some home owners, this is an opportunity to keep an eye on the site and the children walking on it.
Glazing can occupy only a narrow strip or the entire wall above the surfaces of the countertops. It all depends on whether the kitchen unit was planned to be placed above the work area. There is also an option in which it is not necessary to sacrifice the upper cabinets. In this case, parallel glazing is performed between the tiers. You can take a closer look at the example of strip window design in a private house in the photo above.
Of course, strip windows can be installed not only in the kitchen. They also fit harmoniously into the dining room, living room, bedroom and offices. The design can be done in a similar way, but it all depends on your imagination.
Curtains with garters
A curtain is a canvas made of heavy, dense fabric.
At the dacha they are used to decorate large windows, and are also used in spacious rooms where it is necessary to create a feeling of comfort and privacy. Curtains are often complemented with tiebacks that form picturesque folds. They soften the roughness of log or plank walls. Look good paired with translucent curtains.
Non-standard windows
Today, more and more people are moving away from the rectangular shape of windows in private homes. Construction companies have the ability to make openings of any configuration - round, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond-shaped, and so on. The unusual shape instantly changes the exterior of the building and sets a certain style for the interior. Of course, manufacturing custom windows, especially in large quantities, will take a lot of time and can cost a pretty penny. But the financial and time costs are worth it to enjoy the creative appearance of the house and original lighting.
Perhaps the second most popular after standard rectangular openings are arched windows. They stand out because they have a convex-curved top. Such configurations were typical of medieval castles. But they perfectly emphasize the classic lines of a modern interior. There are also semi-arched options, which are most often chosen for upper floors.
Round windows in a private house also look original. The photo above shows what they might look like. When looking at such portholes, a marine theme or the fabulous Hobbiton immediately comes to mind. But it is not necessary to decorate the premises and the façade of the house in the appropriate style. Traditional furnishings also go well with round windows.
Non-standard glazing looks even more advantageous if the dark ceilings contrast with the light decoration of the room. This design looks fresh and instantly attracts attention.
Tulle with embroidery
To fit lace fabrics into the interior of a modern apartment requires special skill and style. What to do with old tulle curtains? Tulle looks most harmonious in settings with a Provence, country and shabby chic slant, and such curtains seem to be created for a country house.
Tulle fabric with embroidery adds romance to the room, looks slightly naive, but at the same time very elegant.
Corner windows
This design has only recently begun to be used by building designers. The idea is that the two windows are joined at right angles. The result is a glass corner. You can make fairly large openings and dispense with the frame in the joining area. Then it will seem that the room has some kind of portal into nature. Some are not ready for such a bold decision and prefer to stick to the traditional design with frames. You can see this version of window design in a private house in the photo below.
Wallpaper
Internal slopes plastered or covered with plasterboard can not be painted, but covered with wallpaper, and not necessarily the same as that chosen for wall decoration. These can be moisture-resistant vinyl or non-woven fabrics with an interesting texture and harmonizing shade.
An original technique is to turn window slopes into a motley border using patterned wallpaper. This solution is perfect for the kitchen, dining room or children's bedroom.
Tilt and turn windows
As a rule, glazing of this type is made for small openings. Most often in the kitchen and utilitarian areas (bathroom, laundry room, pantry and hallways). Typically, manufacturers offer to make such options from plastic, which is at the peak of popularity in the construction industry today. Buyers are attracted by the fact that the frames do not allow the cold from the street to pass through. They are easy to care for and can be produced in any color. As a rule, people prefer to install white, beige and brown sashes in a private home.
Plastic windows can be opened in several ways. The most popular is the standard swing door movement. The hinged opening, in which the sash is vertical at an angle of 45 degrees, is in great demand. Also, clients often ask for “winter ventilation”, which leaves only a small gap. This is very important if natural air supply is necessary at high humidity.
Turning windows are especially interesting. They rotate along a horizontal or vertical axis. Such designs are ideally combined with round doors, giving the room even more originality.
For a private home, any option is suitable, the only question is personal convenience. Experts recommend ordering tilt and turn windows with locks. They hold the sash open and prevent it from closing. You can calmly ventilate the room or pass food through the kitchen window to be taken to the gazebo.
Roman blinds made of linen
The products consist of natural fabric, which, when lifted, forms neat folds of the same width. They look elegant and at the same time laconic, and thanks to the natural material they fit perfectly into the country interior.
Roman blinds do not need additional decoration, but if you want to completely darken the room, you can add blackout curtains to them. Natural linen allows light and air to pass through, does not fade and does not cause allergies.
Dormer windows
Attic and attic spaces are a difficult point in organizing living rooms. Typically the roof has a design that does not allow for the installation of traditional windows. A library, study or nursery cannot be placed in the attic until a sufficiently high level of illumination is provided. Therefore, it is necessary to think in advance about the purpose of the attic and the design of windows in a private house.
In a pitched roof, you can make both the usual vertical and inclined glazing. Modern technologies allow openings to be installed at an angle of 15-90 degrees. They can be either wooden or plastic. Windows in a private house in the attic should open comfortably. Several designs have been developed for this purpose.
- Luke. Opens along the side axis.
- Combined system. Opens along the middle and top axis.
- Mid-turn window. The doors rotate and open along the middle axis.
Depending on the design, you can hang blinds, curtains, roller shutters on the windows, or even install a remote opening system. Some owners of private houses prefer to install balconies in the attic. This is also an excellent option for solving the lighting issue.
Plaster
Even a novice master can putty and plaster the slopes on his own, but patience and accuracy will be required.
Plaster can be ordinary or decorative, matching the color of the walls or contrasting, covering only the slopes themselves or extending to the walls and ceiling. The layer of plaster should not be thicker than 2 cm, otherwise it will crack and crumble, so if you have very crooked slopes, it’s better not to worry - cover them with sheets of moisture-resistant plasterboard, and then paint.
Selection of material and texture
Many modern houses are decorated entirely in country style or only using some elements. Wooden frames are more suitable for such interiors and exteriors. But the market leader, of course, can be called plastic windows. They are considered energy-saving and easier to maintain. Of course, such windows in a private house are not the most original solution. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, you can order profiles with polymer film. She is able to recreate absolutely any texture. It could just be a bright color, imitation steel or wood. By the way, you can order film for the glass itself to make beautiful stained glass designs on it or to hide from prying eyes.
But even when choosing a standard white plastic window, there is an opportunity to show individuality. For example, instead of a black seal, which is located between the glass and the frame, you can order a gray one. This will smooth out the contrast and visually expand the space. Dark window frames attract all eyes. Therefore, their design should be given special attention, giving preference to exquisite textiles.
Cafe curtains in the kitchen
Simple “grandmother’s” curtains, hiding only half of the window, have returned to country and modern interiors under a new, “European” name - cafe-style curtains. They are fixed on a rod or fishing line in the center of the window opening.
They can have a decorative function, being complemented with lace, ruffles, buttons, or they can mask the room from the street or shade the sunlight.
For cafe curtains, choose simple natural fabric with simple patterns - this design is devoid of pomp and looks organically in a rustic style. If desired, you can install a shelf above the bar for plants or kitchen utensils.
Modern interior design of windows with curtains: fabric texture (with photo)
To beautifully decorate a window with curtains, it is equally important to determine the texture of the fabric - this property is also called weight (light and heavy fabrics are distinguished). The general rule is that heavy fabrics are best suited for long, structured curtains with pleats or tucks at the top that give deep pleats across the entire surface. Fabrics such as velvet, brocade, textured cotton and linen fall into this category. Lightweight cotton fabrics such as chintz or voile are more suitable for airy curtains with a simple smocked top. When choosing how to beautifully decorate a window with curtains, it is important to consider how the fabric will look on the cornice - if it is soft and drapes easily, it is better to use it for curtains, if it is hard and unyielding, most likely it will make an excellent curtain.
By duplicating the fabric with lining or lining, you can change its weight and the texture of the drape. The lining adds volume to the thin fabric, while the lining—a layer of soft material placed between the face and the lining—adds extra weight, density, and volume, creating luxurious, heavy curtains.
Look at the photo on how you can decorate a window with curtains of different textures:
Texture affects the way light plays on fabric - the glossy surface of chintz, the roughness of linen, the velvety pile and shine of synthetic fibers are brought to life by the varying intensities of natural and artificial light.
The pattern on the fabric can be woven, printed or embroidered. Woven patterned fabrics include traditional, formal brocade and damask, as well as more “utilitarian” stripes and various types of checks. Printed patterns are usually used to decorate smooth fabrics with a subtle texture, such as silk, cotton and linen, and in this case there can be an endless variety of patterns, from toile de Jouy with a subtle monochromatic pattern on a faded background to bright modern prints by Finnish designers Marimekko. Embroidered fabrics range from traditional hand-embroidered cruil to intricately embroidered silks, as well as some new machine-embroidered cottons and linens.
Pay attention to the photo - in the design of window decoration with embroidered fabrics, the pattern is mostly floral:
When choosing a fabric with a pattern for curtains, you must remember that the smoothed sample in the catalog looks different than the fabric falling from the eaves and folded. In drapery, stripes will look less rigid, bright patterns will soften, and small patterns may get lost.
Always look at as large a piece of fabric as possible, and before making a final decision, try to gather it in your hands, see what folds it forms and how this affects the design. In the case of curtains and panels, where the fabric will not drape, it is worth thinking about something else: where will the pattern be located relative to the top and bottom of the curtain? Try to center the drawing as much as possible.
