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.
A beautiful light blue and white bathroom with marble and subway tiles, a porthole window nd a usual one.
A chic and neutral bathroom is made catchier and more interesting with a porthole window over the bathtub.
A chic rustic kitchen with white and stained furniture, a porthole window and lots of greenery and blooms.
A chic staircase space done with storage boxes and a porthole window with a soft cushion to make up a seat.
A coastal bedroom done in light blues and white, with a large window and a tiny porthole to embrace the location.
A contemporary bathroom with concrete tiles, a marble vanity, a round pivot window for a modern feel.
A cozy dining nook with a porthole window and wall lamps looks very refined and very chic.
A gorgeous contemporary living room with a large round window and a panoramic window with shades to maximize the views.
A large round window that brigns in much light and lets the owners enjoy the views a lot.
A large round window with wooden framing perfectly matches the chic living room and its color scheme.
A luxurious bathroom with a mosaic round window, a clawfoot bathtub and refined furniture here and there.
A modern farmhouse kitchen with a marble countertop and a porthole window plus a usual one next to it.
A 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.
A modern luxurious living room with a large round window, which allows amazing views, and a usual one.
A modern porthole window in the staircase space is a cool way to add light and create an illusion of more space.
A neutral and airy bedroom done with a round pivot window, which allows fresh air in easily.
A neutral farmhouse bathroom done with marble tiles, a chic tub and a porthole window next to the tub.
A Nordic staricase space done with white paint and a large porthole window that allows much light inside.
A shabby chic coastal bathroom with an ged wood vanity and a large porthole window to the shower.
A small home bar with traditional white cabinets and a small porthole window to make the space unique.
A small minimalist living room in white with a large porthole window partly integrated into the wall.
A small porthole window sprucing up a boho and mid-century modern kitchen and making it catchier.
A vintage-inspired neutral bathroom with a dark floor and a large porthole window that can be covered with a curtain.
An eclectic bedroom with a large porthole window at the headboard as a decorative accent.
An open space with a bedroom and a bathroom with a giant porthole window with opaque glass to keep it private.