Bay and bow windows are classics but if you want a more modern option, it’s an oriel window. An oriel window is a form of bay window which protrudes from the main wall of a building but does not reach to the ground. It’s really a cool and catchy solution for a contemporary or minimalist interior and even if you integrate it into something different, it will bring a contemporary feel to the space. Is an oriel window a good idea? Definitely yes, and here’s why.
Oriel Window Advantages
A Lot Of Light In
If your room is quite dark, it will get much more light through an oriel window than through any other. To some extent, an oriel window is like a skylight but much bigger and gives you a space to sit or lie there.
Innovative Design
An oriel window shows off a unique design, it’s gorgeous and very contemporary. Such a feature will add a sleek feel to the space making it bold, even if it’s very minimal.
Additional Space/ Seat
An oriel window can easily become your additional sitting space for a bedroom, a staircase or some other space, where it wasn’t planned and you have no space for it. Add built-in storage drawers or some other units and here you’ll have more light and additional space.
The oversized oriel window is like a frame for the garden, and the owners can enjoy the views while dining.
This box window is used to display lovely decor depending on the season.
The oriel window overlooks a fence that can be covered with green vines or turned into a vertical garden.
This giant oriel window features a sophisticated daybed with a green leather mattress.
This large oriel window features a daybed with storage drawers and the blinds of glass are installed to regulate the temperature.
This large oriel window is an alternative to a sunroom, and its daybed allows taking a nap here.
This oriel window is installed opposite the living wall, and its floral cushions echo with it.
The oriel window offers an additional sitting space, which is taken by the dog.
This oriel window is located in the stairs, and its construction allows to squeeze it into a narrow nook.
Make an oriel window opposite some beautiful feature, for example, a cherry tree.
The rectangular window allows adorable views and its windowsill can be used as a daybed.
Oriel Window Disadvantages
Such a window is more prone to draughts as it’s difficult to build it well-insulated. It’s also very hard to open usually, this should be planned beforehand, and hence it’s difficult to wash it. The cost of installing such a window is higer than of a usual window. Still the design is so cool and so innovative that it’s worth it.
This oriel window added to the attic bedroom brings much more natural light to it.
The small box window is added to the room to give it more play space for kids.
Style your oriel window with stained wood to make it chic and give it a warm feel at the same time.
This oriel window is styled with a windowsill that can be also used as a bench or a daybed.
An oriel window is an ultimate way to add a seat to any room while bringing more natural light.
This minimalist nook features a lot of natural light coming from the skylight and oriel window.
The minimalist living room is styled with an oriel window, which brings greenery inside.
This oriel window space is used to display decor, it's like a large windowsill.
The window box features an additional sitting space, which looks more outdoor-like.
The oriel window overlooks the coast with blooms, greenery and the sea.
The window box enlarges the small dining space making it feel more outdoorsy.
This box window really lets much more daylight inside than a usual window.
Oriel Window Functions
Alternative To Sunrooms
An oriel window is a cool alternative to a sunroom: it will let you enjoy as much sunlight or daylight as you want without building an additional room, which is more expensive. Make a seat or a daybed on the windowsill and voila, you have a lovely sunny spot to spend time in. It can become your reading nook, workspace, playspace for kids and much more. Integrate storage drawers inside and voila, you get maximum of your oriel window.
Orangery
A box window can become a fantastic orangery for all your plants that are craving for daylight and sunlight. The thing is that the window is extended outside, so your plants will get a lot of light for sure. If you need a simple alternative to a green house, this is it.
Display
A windowsill of an oriel window can become a nice display for any kind of decor and art. This beauty will be seen very well both from inside and outside. Get inspired to install this fantastic window in your home!
This large oriel window is a whole sitting zone added to a bedroom, it's cozy and filled with sunlight.
This box window is paired with a skylight, and this is a trendy alternative to a sunroom.
This cozy reading spot is styled with pillows, and allows lovely views of the garden. (via robertrhodes).
The large and low box window shows off a seat with cushions and a potted cactus. (via instagram).
The dining space features a box window, which offers amazing views of the garden. (via jamesdalearchitects).
The dining room is styled with an oriel window with a mattress and cushions. (via emrarchitecture).
The house features two box windows, one of them adds daylight and space to the living room, the other displays decor.
This small window is styled with an upholstered bench and cushions, with some storage space.
This box window is surrounded with blooms and vines on the outside, which composes an adorable look.
This box window allows enjoying the views and adds interest to the minimalist room.
A small oriel window, which is located low can be used as a door to the garden.
The large oriel window is styled bright with an emerald frame and a sofa.
The box window features a comfortable seat with cuhsions, and the views and glass door make the living room feel outdoorsy.
This welcoming nook shows off a daybed with storage and lots of cushions to make sitting here comfy.
This large oriel window is a cozy zone for playing, reading and just watching the views.