If you’ve ever visited a historic district or a beach cottage, chances are you’ve seen oval windows. These elongated, rounded windows work especially well in traditional- and nautical-style homes, enhancing natural light and bringing a relaxed, elegant look and feel. But with the right size, placement, and design, you can incorporate oval windows into any home.
What Are Oval Windows?
Defined by their elliptical shape, oval windows are specialty windows that add a distinct architectural element to both the interior and exterior of a building. They’re typically non-operable, meaning they don’t open, and can range in size from about a foot wide and two feet high to four feet wide and six feet high. They’re often placed high on walls in areas where standard rectangular windows might not work.
Oval Windows vs. Round Windows
While both oval and round windows provide an interesting contrast to standard windows, their impacts and uses vary slightly. Oval windows, with their elongated shape, tend to blend more seamlessly with traditional window shapes, offering a gentle contrast that enhances both modern and classic facades. Round windows, however, provide a nautical or whimsical look, making them ideal for specific thematic designs. Both types typically do not open, which enhances energy efficiency but limits ventilation possibilities.
Why Install Oval Windows?
Oval windows function as both a statement piece and a practical way to add natural light to a space. They contribute to a home’s character and have many benefits for homeowners.
Aesthetic Appeal
Oval windows provide a unique and elegant design element that differentiates your home from others. Their unusual shape can serve as a focal point, enhancing the architectural style of your home, whether it's traditional, modern, or eclectic.
Enhanced Privacy
Because they can be smaller sizes, placed higher on walls, and made with specialized glass, you may not even need oval window coverings. Oval windows offer natural light while maintaining privacy – ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, or any area where you don’t want prying eyes.
Increased Natural Light
Oval windows can help increase the amount of natural light in your home, which can make spaces feel larger and more open. Their soft, rounded shape can also create interesting light patterns, adding to the ambiance of a room.
Boost Curb Appeal and Value
Oval windows can improve the curb appeal of your home, turning heads and welcoming guests with a distinctive flair. This feature can also potentially increase the resale value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Historical and Artistic Flair
If your home has historical significance or you want to mimic a period style, oval windows are a great choice. They’re often associated with Victorian and Queen Anne styles and other classical architecture and can lend authenticity to renovations or new constructions aiming for these looks.
Customization and Variety
There's a wide range of customization options available for oval windows, from different framing materials and colors to glass types like stained or patterned glass. That means you can tailor your oval window design to match your preferences and needs.
Choosing the Best Placement for Oval Windows
Oval windows can soften the rigid angles of a building’s exterior, making it more visually appealing. Selecting the right location for oval windows can maximize their impact.
Oval Front Door Windows
Positioning oval windows above entry doors can transform an entrance area, setting a tone of elegance and creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. You can also set oval windows within your front door itself, a popular option for incorporating them into an existing entryway.
Gable Ends with Oval Windows
The gable ends of a home are the triangular sections where the two sides of the roof meet. Installing oval windows in these gable ends provides a decorative accent that beautifully complements traditional architecture. They’re positioned just under the peak of the roof, where standard rectangular windows may not fit well.
Oval Windows in Small and Private Spaces
Oval windows are especially useful in small spaces or areas where you want privacy, such as stairwells or bathrooms. Their unique dimensions allow them to provide natural light in these areas while also maintaining privacy.
Oval Window Design Ideas
Oval windows aren’t just sources of light – they’re key elements of your home’s decor. These oval window ideas can help you creatively incorporate them into your home's design.
Nautical Theme Oval Windows
Embrace a nautical theme by incorporating oval windows that look like a ship's portholes into rooms with marine-inspired decor. This style fits perfectly in bathrooms, hallways, or children’s rooms. Accent the porthole with a brass or dark aluminum frame and surround it with maritime decor like ropes, anchor motifs, or navy blue oval window curtains.
Garden Focal Point
Turn an ordinary wall into a focal point by using an oval window to frame a picturesque view of your garden or courtyard. Opt for a clean, minimal frame to enhance the unobstructed view of the outdoors. This idea works well in dining areas or sitting rooms where you can relax and enjoy the piece of living artwork you’ve created.
Vintage Stained Glass
For homes with a vintage or antique aesthetic, integrating a stained or colored glass oval window can add a touch of historical elegance to rooms like entryways, stairwells, and libraries. Choose designs with traditional motifs or patterns that complement the home’s architectural style. Stained glass also casts beautifully tinted light into the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Skyview Oval Windows
In darker rooms or spaces with limited exterior wall space, install oval windows on the ceiling or high on the walls to create skylights that bring in natural light from above. These skyview windows can help bring light into central parts of the home like staircases or hallways, making them appear larger and more open.
Art Frame Oval Windows
Turn an oval window into a framed piece of art with detailed and ornate window trim that mimics the look of a picture frame. Use frames with intricate carvings or decorative motifs that suit the interior design of your room. This approach can transform the window into a work of art on your wall, especially when the view outside is picturesque.
Modern Oval Window Design
For a modern design, install an oversized oval window with a frameless design or one with a very slim frame. This minimalist style blends the boundaries between indoors and outdoors and works well in homes with contemporary architecture, where clean lines and light spaces dominate.
Interior Oval Windows
Oval windows aren’t just for exterior walls. Use them as interior elements between rooms for a stylish and functional way to divide spaces while still allowing light to flow. For example, an oval window could be placed between a hallway and a living room or between the kitchen and dining area. Use obscure glass if you need more privacy, and add a decorative frame or colored glass that aligns with your home’s decor.
Getting Started with Oval Window Installation
Installing oval windows often involves significant changes to wall structures and framing, making it more suitable for new construction projects or major renovations. If you’re considering this feature, consult with a professional who can ensure the windows are installed properly and comply with building regulations.
Ready to move forward with your project? MILGARD provides a broad selection of oval windows and other specialty shapes that combine craftsmanship with durability. Find a MILGARD Certified Dealer to explore unique oval window ideas that can transform your space.
