How to Design a Window

Windows are an important part of any piece of architecture. Windows provide a connection between the inside and outside worlds, allow light to enter a structure and also are an important element of design. Windows often contribute to air flow in a space and can make the difference between an uncomfortable room and a healthy, happy-feeling one. Designing a custom window must be done with size, location and style in mind.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dimensions of wall and room
• Graph paper
• Ruler

1. Measure the size of the room where you wish to install your new window. Also measure the specific wall the window will be on. Having these dimensions gives you an idea of the space you have to work with. If you have a small room, you may want to choose smallish windows if you wish to keep the design "normal," but if you want to play with the space, put large windows in a small room. If you have a very large room with a vaulted ceiling, however, it may look a bit odd if you choose extra-small windows as the only windows in the room.

2. Sketch on graph paper the wall where you will be installing the window. If the wall is 18 feet wide by 9 feet tall, for example, draw to scale accordingly. Use either 1 inch or a 1/2 inch to represent each foot.

3. Find where the studs are in the wall. You can use a stud finder, or just tap the wall every few inches with your ear to the wall. You will hear hollow sounds between each stud. Sixteen inches to 2 feet apart is pretty standard, but not all homes are built the same. Mark on your graph paper where each stud is. Knowing where the studs are helps you to determine where exactly on the wall would be a good place to put the window, because you will use the studs as part of the framing for the window. In general if you can center a window's weight over two studs this will keep the wall and window as sturdy as possible.

4. 

   Start sketching designs on the paper. Shape and size is up to you; there really are no limits with window design. Larger windows let in more light, allow for a nice view if there is a view to be had and are also good for heating up a room naturally with sunlight.
   A small round window gives a feeling as if you are on a ship at sea, for example, or maybe a small square or rectangular one in a stairwell or above a doorway will open up the space just a bit. A series of small windows can have a tree-house-like effect.

5. Choose the style of your window after you have the size and shape. Rectangular windows, for example, can be made with any number of panes. You could have just two panes that slide to open or as many as eight panes that slide in two sections to open. There are windows that open out in vertical panels instead of horizontal, as well as windows that don't open at all. Stained glass is also an option for an original design. Be creative, but remember the more intricate of a design, the more you will pay to have it made.

Resources

• Glass design
• Andersen custom windows and doors