Porthole windows are standard on ships and boats. However, they’re now showing up in residential homes. Since porthole windows are available in a variety of materials and sizes, they can add a completely unique touch to your house (from both the interior and exterior). But, how do you know if a porthole window is right for your home? Let’s take a look at some ideas to find it out.
Where To Place
Porthole windows have the ability to turn a seemingly plain room anywhere in the home into a unique space. And as a bonus, it can also give the nautical illusion of being on a cruise, and who doesn’t want to feel like they’re on vacation?
Bathrooms are the most popular spaces for such windows but they can be also used to line the walls of a staircase, it can help not only draw in light when transitioning levels but also create the illusion of more space. Another fun place for them is in the ceiling as circular windows in the ceiling can create a fun illusion of the sun when the light shines through.
Many homeowners use porthole windows as artwork. Depending on your home’s scenery, whether it’s overlooking a beautiful beach or lake or the city lights, a large circular window can be thought of as a piece of artwork and a focal point in any room, particularly a living room.
Pin itA beautiful light blue and white bathroom with marble and subway tiles, a porthole window nd a usual one.
Pin itA chic and neutral bathroom is made catchier and more interesting with a porthole window over the bathtub.
Pin itA chic rustic kitchen with white and stained furniture, a porthole window and lots of greenery and blooms.
Pin itA chic staircase space done with storage boxes and a porthole window with a soft cushion to make up a seat.
Pin itA coastal bedroom done in light blues and white, with a large window and a tiny porthole to embrace the location.
Pin itA contemporary bathroom with concrete tiles, a marble vanity, a round pivot window for a modern feel.
Pin itA gorgeous contemporary living room with a large round window and a panoramic window with shades to maximize the views.
Pin itA large round window with wooden framing perfectly matches the chic living room and its color scheme.
Pin itA luxurious bathroom with a mosaic round window, a clawfoot bathtub and refined furniture here and there.
Pin itA modern farmhouse kitchen with a marble countertop and a porthole window plus a usual one next to it.
Pin itA modern farmhouse with a large porthole window next to the tub to fill the space with natural light.
Disadvantages
However, there are some factors homeowners should consider before installing porthole windows. Porthole style windows are fine as long as a home owner is just using them for aesthetic purposes. They can look great with an appropriately themed room or home but don’t serve much of a purpose. The light brought in is minimal, they can’t let as much breeze in. Another issue is that they don’t serve as egress windows. In the event of an emergency (like a fire), you need a window large enough, and placed low enough, to crawl through. If you’re considering a porthole window, make sure that you have at least one other larger window in the room.
There is also the problem of making them look good in relation to the outside of the home. They often look great in the room they are placed but mismatch the exterior architectural style.
Pin itA modern luxurious living room with a large round window, which allows amazing views, and a usual one.
Pin itA modern porthole window in the staircase space is a cool way to add light and create an illusion of more space.
Pin itA neutral farmhouse bathroom done with marble tiles, a chic tub and a porthole window next to the tub.
Pin itA Nordic staricase space done with white paint and a large porthole window that allows much light inside.
Pin itA shabby chic coastal bathroom with an ged wood vanity and a large porthole window to the shower.
Pin itA small home bar with traditional white cabinets and a small porthole window to make the space unique.
Pin itA small minimalist living room in white with a large porthole window partly integrated into the wall.
Pin itA small porthole window sprucing up a boho and mid-century modern kitchen and making it catchier.
Pin itA vintage-inspired neutral bathroom with a dark floor and a large porthole window that can be covered with a curtain.
Pin itAn open space with a bedroom and a bathroom with a giant porthole window with opaque glass to keep it private.