The impact of the windows in a bedroom to its overall aesthetics and liveability cannot be overstated. The right style windows can ensure that a house feels like a complete piece in terms of overall design. Furthermore, the style of windows used can also make or break the function of a bedroom. And so, we’ve compiled the following guide to help you choose the best window styles to help suit your bedroom planning.
Choosing the right window styles for your bedroom
Choosing the right window styles for your bedroom comes down to a variety of factors. All of which work together to ensure that you get the best window styles that will not only match your home’s style, but also meet your personal needs.
Match the home’s architecture
When it comes to choosing the right window style for your bedroom, aesthetics is very important. This is especially true if your bedroom windows make up the front facade of the house. You want to find window styles that buy into the story of the home. For example, putting floor to ceiling windows on a heritage house simply won’t work.
Consider environmental elements
To find the perfect windows you need to take into account the direction in which your bedroom windows face. North facing windows are perfect for bedrooms as they get ample sunlight during the day. So, you need to find a window style that will allow the morning light to filter through.
Purpose will determine style
When it comes to determining style, think about the purpose you would like your window to serve. If the purpose is to take advantage of commanding breezes, casement windows are a good option. If you would like to let in the light and air but are still after privacy from the neighbours in close proximity, louvres are the way to go.
Building regulations concerning bedroom windows in Australia
Up until recently, the Building Code of Australia’s only requirement in relation to bedroom windows was that the window must possess a sill height of 865mm if the fall from the bottom of the window to the ground below is 4 metres or more.
Now, a bedroom window needs to provide protection if the floor below the window is 2 metres or more above the height of the surface beneath the window itself. This too applies where the lowest part of the window is less than 1700mm above the floor.
If these regulations interfere with your plans, there are options. Firstly, you can stop the window from opening more than 125mm using specially made window restricting hardware such as wedges and spaces (also known as shims). An alternative is to use a fixed screen (fastened with bolts, screws or similar that makes it difficult to remove) that is able to withstand 25Nms (or kilograms) of force.
Typical window styles for bedrooms
When it comes to picking the right window style for your bedroom, you can feel inundated with options. To help make your choice easier, below we explore how 4 common window styles can really add to the look and practicality of a bedroom.
Sliding windows
Sliding windows have long been a fixture in bedrooms. This is because this type of window is ideal in terms of security and letting fresh air in. Fly screens are simple to fit meaning that you could have the window open morning and night to let light and air in.
In terms of style, sliding windows are perfect for minimalist or modern homes thanks to their inherent clean lines. In terms of practicality, sliding windows add the illusion of space as they don’t protrude in or outside the room. It’s worth noting that sliding doors do allow a lot of noise transmission.
Double hung or sash windows
These windows are a great all rounder. Simple in terms of style, they can be placed side by side for larger spaces or dotted around in smaller areas. As both top and bottom panes slide, you can control light and air flow simply by closing or opening the panes. However this increased air flow also means greater noise transmission.
Casement windows
Casement windows provide an element of classic romanticism to a bedroom. Hinged like a door, they can be flung open in slow motion to add dramatic effect to simple chores like letting the morning light or breeze through the room.
In terms of design, you can place two together for a French door style or place one on their own for narrow spaces. To get the full effect of the breeze, take note of the breeze direction and hinge the door in a way so that it doesn’t block airflow.
Louvres
Louvres are a sleek window that maximise airflow and minimise protrusion. Featuring a great and modern design, louvres have the look of an uninterrupted panel from a distance, helping them blend into the home.
Louvres can be left open day and night to ensure maximum light and air flow. For privacy, they can be adjusted to different angles. They can also be fitted with retractable fly screens to ensure that your house doesn’t get inundated with bugs while you’re trying to let air or light into the bedroom.
Getting window design right in a bedroom
Choosing the right window styles for your bedroom is all about matching style with purpose. This way, your bedroom will feature windows that tie in perfectly with the overall architecture and design of the home. Additionally, the windows will also work to ensure your bedroom remains comfortable in winter and summer thanks to air and light flow.
