Give Your Home a Wow Factor with a Special Shape Window
If eyes are the windows to a person’s soul, then windows are the soul of your home. Windows are not only functional, adding light and ventilation, but also adding character, turning ordinary homes into extraordinary showcases.
But though the standard picture window, a single-pane window, rectangular is a good choice for many, others may find thinking outside of the “box window” can be a revelation.
Let’s look at some unusual window shapes you can consider for your new home construction or home renovation.
Specialty window shapes
Bay window
One unique specialty window shape that almost everyone knows is the bay window.
But though it may look like a one-piece construction, many bay windows (though not all) are created using multiple window sections. They’re joined together to create its unique, three-dimensional shape window.
These windows protrude out, often making rooms look more spacious, bringing in more light.
Edwardian and Victorian-style homes are known for these windows,
Another variation on the bay window is the bow window. It has the same basic shape but instead of 3 windows, it may have four or more window sections.
Arched window
Arched windows add dramatic style to any residence, particularly traditional styles or historic homes. Some arched windows may be tall, vertical, standard rectangular windows with a rounded top. These often look very similar to gothic-style windows seen in churches/religious institutions.
Other homes may feature even larger versions of the classic arched window. They’re used as an oversized view windows while adding classic architectural interest to their homes.
Architects may use arched windows or variations, like the semi-circle (see below) to soften modern design styles.
Semi-circle or half-circle window
Some other rounded windows designs include the semi-circle window. Also called half-circle windows, they are shorter in height, with a flat bottom.
Many designers use this Mediterranean motif to frame doorways.
These half-circles may also be combined with a picture window, creating a traditional arched window look, but made of two different windows. When sitting above another window, the semi-circle window (also called the elliptical window) acts as a transom window.
There are several other variations of the half-circle window, such as the quarter circle, the partial chord window, and others.
Clerestory window arches
Arched windows also may be used as clerestory windows. Clerestory windows are composed of multiple windows running in a vertical line across the top of the residence only.
Positioned at the top stories of the homes, they bring in more light while maintaining residents’ privacy.
Though they may be composed of traditional window shapes, the arched window shape is quite common for these combos.
Triangle window
Perhaps one of the least common window shapes you’ll see is the triangle-shaped window. But when used by architects, the shape can create dazzling aesthetics.
Window walls
One example of how the triangle window can be used is in the window wall, which is what it sounds like, an exterior wall or wall section composed of several windows of different shapes and sizes. Some triangles may be incorporated in a mosaic of multiple windows–different shapes and sizes–creating the effect of one, large triangle window.
They’re often seen near entrances, used as a visual focal point.
Loft or attics use
Larger triangle windows can also make spectacular loft or attic windows. In particular, the shape provides a stunning accent to those homes with large, pitched roofs (also known as gable roofs.)
Skylights
Yet another use for triangle windows would be a window(s) for your skylights.
Other takes on triangles
Another take on the triangle window is the trapezoid window which is also triangular but has slightly different corners and edges. They can be used alone, or as part of a window wall (see below)
Meanwhile, another shape to consider is the pentagon window. They’re five-sided, peaking at a triangular point, as the building of the same name.
Circular and oval windows
Circular windows are another choice for your home. Circular windows, which some may refer to as a “porthole” windows, are often used in bathrooms, stairways, and entryways. In addition to adding character to a home, they can add light to smaller spaces.
Circular windows also add visual ”punch.” They may be historically correct for some Gothic or Victorian-era homes.
Oval windows
Some homeowners may choose to use oval windows. Like the circular window, they are mainly decorative windows and may be smaller than some other window designs. They are more commonly seen in farmhouse and cottage designs.
Octagon windows
Another specialty window shape is the octagon window. These eight-sided windows are for decorative use and functional use. They’re also often smaller in size than some of the other windows discussed here.
Some act like a porthole, letting in light but are unopenable. However, others may have a hinge mechanism, allowing for ventilation. They may or may not have grilles or grids (a patterned insert inside of the window, which may look like wheel spokes, lattices, etc.)
Octagon windows can help with ventilation and allows light into areas too small for regular windows or that need privacy.
And like circular windows octagon and hexagon windows (see below) are visually satisfying.
Hexagon window
The hexagon window is similar to the octagon window but with six sides. They first showed up in American homes in the 19th century. Like the octagon windows, they may be fixed (inoperable) or operable. If operable, the window, which adds a bit of flair to any home, may also be a good ventilation source.
Ribbon windows
Designs may vary, however, ribbon windows are generally a thin, particularly long specialty window shape. They may run across an entire exterior wall, or even stretch across multiple sides of the building.
Though some ribbon windows may be cut in a simple, long, rectangular, or boxy shape, many ribbon walls feature asymmetrical designs.
Some ribbon windows are shaped like L’s, others like arrows. Some may have trapezoid shapes, parallelograms, and other unique designs.
New construction methods often mean the sky—and your imagination—is the limit when it comes to this style.
Ribbon walls create the illusion of one long line. It’s a bold design that can often encompass the residence.
Window ribbons can run vertically or horizontally (or both at the same time) along your dwelling’s facade. They may give panoramic views throughout the home, bringing more of the exterior world to your interior.
Prairie-style homes, among others, contemporary styles are known for using this window style.
