Not everyone can boast of an inspiring view from their window, but everyone dreams of it. An imitation window in the interior will help brighten up dull, gray everyday life. This technique allows you to create landscapes for every taste: from sea, azure distances to snow-capped mountain peaks, from village landscapes to the streets of modern megacities. The possibilities for discovering new realities are limited only by your own imagination. What are false windows in the interior?
A false window from which a distant perspective can be seen will make a small room much more spacious.
False window and its tasks in the interior
A decorative window on the wall is a design that creates the impression of a real window opening. This element has four tasks:
- Visually enlarge the room;
- Give comfort;
- Become an accent in design;
- Add lighting.
You can complement the artificial opening with shutters and window sills. Designers manage to combine elements so harmoniously that at first glance it is difficult to suspect imitation.
Idea! Not only a real window can be decorated with curtains. Decorative designs are also worthy of such a frame. Choose light, flowy fabrics in the same color scheme as the room's decor.
When do you need window imitation in the interior?
Imitating a window on the wall is a technique for changing the atmosphere in a room and giving a unique ambiance. This method of decoration helps out if the layout fails. And for studio apartments this is just a godsend!
Reasons for using false constructs:
- There are niches in the apartment that need to be added functionality;
- There is not enough light in the room, and sconces and lamps seem like a banal option;
- The room is too small and uncomfortable;
- There is a gap between the windows that you want to decorate in an original way.
If you think that the interior of your apartment is too gloomy, it’s time to dilute it with spectacular elements. For example, replace interior doors with decorative windows or decorate partitions.
These windows are a great way to create a relaxing area in your apartment. You can place the structure in a secluded place, place a chair or armchair nearby, or floor pots with indoor plants. If you implement this idea, the apartment will have a separate area where it’s nice to sit and enjoy the comfort.
False window option for an apartment
Bedroom without a window: recommendations for arrangement and design techniques
It's no secret that bedroom design plays an important role in a person's life, because if this room is comfortable, then rest in it will be complete. Of course, when the layout of the house is standard and the bedroom has enough space, then arranging it successfully will not be difficult. But what to do in unusual situations, for example, if the bedroom has no window?
In fact, a room of this type is not a death sentence, since there are certain rules for its arrangement. If you follow them, then the homeowner will not only not encounter any particular difficulties when arranging the bedroom, but even, on the contrary, will easily solve this dilemma by creating a unique project with his own hands.
Photo of a modern bedroom without a window.
Note! Ventilation in a bedroom without a window must be carefully thought out, since fresh air must flow into “dead” rooms from somewhere. For example, it can enter either through sliding doors with small grilles built into the bottom, but it is better if a supply and exhaust ventilation system is installed in such a room.
Types of false windows
The most difficult and interesting moment in creating a design project is the choice of design. There are budget design options that are easy to make yourself. More expensive items look more realistic due to the use of new design technologies.
Photo wallpaper
A budget option for decorating a wall is to paste a 3D wallpaper panel with a picture of a real window. To prevent the picture from looking flat, choose a picture with the highest possible resolution. When looking at such an imitation, you will get the impression that you are really watching what is happening on the street.
False window option with photo wallpaper
False window with photo wallpaper in a wall niche
Artistic painting
Drawing a window on the wall is an easy way to create a unique ambiance in a room. You don't have to create directly on the surface - just hang up a printed canvas depicting a beautiful view. For plausibility, you can decorate it with wooden or plastic frames.
False window with a pattern in the interior
False window with painting in the interior
False window with backlight
If there is little natural light in the room, you can create an additional source using an artificial window. Glass and stained glass structures with lighting are suitable.
Consider the nature of the light bulbs - it can be warm or cold. The first option is appropriate if you want comfort, romance and peace. The cool glow resembles the natural daylight, so it is better to choose this shade for cramped spaces where there is almost no sunlight.
False window with lighting in room design
False glass window with backlight
Mirror
You can use decorative shiny tiles or a real mirror as the basis for the window opening. This structure must be mounted on a flat wall. Surfaces with protrusions and niches are not suitable for this interior solution.
A mirrored false window can be created using two technologies. First, you need to fix the base on the wall and decorate it with a frame of a suitable size. The second is to hang a lattice and fill the cells with mirror elements. As decoration, designers recommend using 3D stickers in the form of figures, leaves, branches or raindrops.
False window from a mirror in the room
False window with mirrors in the interior
Ceiling
The ceiling is an ideal place for a false window. It is better to mount it on a suspended surface with a niche. The recess can be filled with photo wallpaper, a printed image or a mirror base, then place the frame.
False window on the ceiling
False window with a picture of the sky on the ceiling
Advice! If you have chosen a mirror type of design, you can stick colored stars of different sizes onto the surface for decoration. Luminous elements will fit perfectly.
With stained glass
As a basis for such windows, you can use frosted glass with patterns or a mosaic of pieces of different sizes. Illumination will add a touch of mystery and bring the panel to life.
Stained glass windows look especially good in arched openings. The only caveat is that such structures are quite large in size, so they are not suitable for any room. But one such detail will radically change the design.
False window made of stained glass in room decor
False window made of stained glass in the interior of a house
With illusion effect
With the help of modern technologies, it is possible to recreate the blowing of wind, the splash of waves, the flight of birds and other natural phenomena on decorative windows. A screen made of special panels is hung on the wall, which connects to a smartphone or computer. From the gadget, the image is transmitted to a fake window opening, which creates a complete sense of the reality of what is happening. Moreover, not only the image is reproduced, but also the corresponding sounds.
False window made of liquid crystal panel
With wind effect
Another unusual variation of imitation is a decorative window with a built-in fan. You will watch the exciting landscape and feel the gentle breeze. For realism, it is better to choose images of marine themes or forest motifs.
False window with built-in fan
Realistic false window with wind effect
Ways to create false windows
You can simulate a window in one of three ways:
| Window with frame. | The starting material can be used as real wooden frames, as well as door frames and other wooden objects. If such a design solution is faced with purely decorative tasks, then there is no need to create a landscape. Choose a vintage style, place vintage photographs, posters or postcards instead of glass, and a bright piece of interior decoration is completely ready. If you want to bring the created window as close as possible to the real one, choose a suitable image of the landscape, drape it with curtains, and the window will delight you with your favorite views. |
| Mirror false window. | The creation process is close to the previous one: instead of images, mirrors are installed between the wooden crossbars. This simple technique will help visually increase the space of the room. |
| Drawn window. | An excellent option for those who have at least a little artistic talent or are able to find a professional artist. This solution is one of the types of wall painting. A good artist can create not only a stunning view from the window, but also paint in detail the window itself, curtains and any other necessary attribute. |
Autumn forest above the head of the bed
The window can be framed, or you can do without it
Advice! If there are niches, then this is the best option for placing false windows, since the real ones are planted quite deep.
A small window in a niche with a wooden frame
See alsoHow to make an interior collage
Wallpaper and stickers with false windows
Budget ready solution - materials with images of windows. They do not look as realistic on the walls as volumetric products, but they also deserve attention.
3D stickers are popular. These are large stickers that can be pasted directly onto wallpaper or painted walls. There are pictures with cartoon characters, landscapes, flowers. The big advantage of such accessories is that they are easy to remove and replace with something else. The downside is that they will not correct the nuances of the layout.
Wallpaper with imitation window openings is a risky option. Unlike stickers, they are not so easy to remove. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a plain material with one bright image. The combination of a window and an additional pattern on the wallpaper looks tasteless and cheap.
Stickers imitating a false window in the interior
Helpful advice
If you want to emphasize your style, select paintings for the false window to match your interior. For example, in the Provence style a landscape with a lavender field is appropriate, and in a marine style a beautiful view of the ocean is appropriate. Paintings with cars and skyscrapers look good in the industrial style. The theme of nature will fit into any interior.
Industrial style false window
Faux Rustic Window
A large mirror in a massive frame can also be used in the interior as a false window
Frames for false decor can be made from old windows, doors or wooden boards. In addition, moldings will cope with this task perfectly.
False window from an old frame with glass
Elegant false window
Fake mirror windows with solid wood frames.
Decorative window in different interior styles
Harmony is important in the interior, so when choosing decorative window openings, take into account style trends. This type of decor does not go well with every trend.
Classic
Designs with stained glass or mirrors will harmoniously fit into the classic direction. The shape of the structure can be arched, rectangular and square. Imitations that span the entire wall look especially impressive.
You can experiment with skylights. It is better to use something neutral as a background, for example, colored glass of a discreet shade.
Provence
This style implies lightness, romance, floral motifs and ornate shapes. False windows should follow this concept. The best choice is a photo panel in a wooden frame with shutters. The images may show ancient fortresses, animals, plants, flowering meadows.
An alternative to windows with photo wallpaper is artistic painting. If you prefer this option, do not experiment with bright flashy tones. Delicate muted shades are more suitable for a romantic French style.
Eco
Rural landscapes, panels with plants and virtual panels are suitable for your interior. If you like variety, consider the third option.
Idea! If you choose a budget option, pay attention to mirror designs in wide wooden frames. They look good in living rooms and hallways.
Modern
Mirror compositions fit perfectly into this style. Shutters and other additional elements should be used with caution - they can disrupt the stylistic picture.
Decorations with forest landscapes and the effect of a blowing wind are suitable as an interior accent. It is better to place such details in the living room or bedroom.
False windows in the interior of rooms
Each room has its own character, which should be emphasized with decorations. Imitating windows in the interior is one of the best ways to express your imagination and play with the design of rooms in an original way. Advice on themes and design features will help you find a good solution.
Living room
One of the most comfortable and sought-after rooms should delight all family members. A good design option is a window with a landscape. You can bring your idea to life using photo wallpapers, drawings, and liquid crystal panels.
If you want to place a false structure on the ceiling, choose images of clouds on a blue background, bright sun or flowering tree branches. Another idea is birds soaring in the sky.
To make the composition look more interesting, use a picture with perspective. Such images make you look deeper into the landscape and feel like a participant in the events.
False window in the living room interior
Kitchen
Options for placing an artificial window in the kitchen: above the stove, at the dining table, on a large free wall. In the first case, you should think about lighting.
When choosing a design motif, consider the style of the interior. Photo wallpapers with landscapes, waterfalls, and marine themes are appropriate. Pictures with perspective will do.
If the kitchen has a fake window with a sill, complement the ensemble with a pot of fresh flowers or a small plate of artificial fruit. Such compositions look organically in any interior style.
False window in the interior of the kitchen-dining room
Advice! You should not place fake structures on the wall near a real window in a small kitchen.
Children's
Do you want to create a fairy tale for your child? Use magical motifs and images of your kids’ favorite characters to decorate your false window. Options with photo wallpapers on the theme of sea adventures, mysterious planets, and nature are suitable.
Also, false windows made from video panels will look interesting in the nursery. If desired, the child will be able to change the picture himself and update the interior of his room.
False window in the interior of a nursery
Bedroom
You can place the structure above the bed or on a large free wall. If the room is combined, a partition between the zones is suitable for decoration.
Themes: green forest, night sky with stars, flowers. Ideally, the landscapes will be illuminated using LED strips built into the design. Then the window will not only decorate the room, but will also replace the night light.
False window in the bedroom interior
Cabinet
False windows with lighting will take root in this room. You should not experiment with bright patterns and geometric shapes - such details will distract from your work. It is better to choose images of cities, cups of coffee, and animals for the panel.
Stained glass and mirrored windows will also fit perfectly into the office. You can consider the option of liquid crystal wall panels.
False window in the interior of the office
Bathroom
Most often, there are no windows in the bathroom, so your main task is to add light. Wall panels as a false design option will have to be excluded - the idea is technically difficult to implement. But decoration in the form of a mirror panel, a frame with photo wallpaper and lighting, or stained glass will fit perfectly.
Ideas for decorating a false window: stormy sea, shells, tropical landscapes. To create the atmosphere of a home spa, you can use images of chocolate, vanilla, and cosmetics.
False window in the bathroom interior
Hallway
A window in the hallway is stylish, unusual and fashionable. You can give free rein to your imagination and use any decor options that suit the chosen style. Examples: butterflies, flowers, birds, yachts sailing on the sea.
False window in the hallway interior
Idea! If you have a country-style hallway, you can make a fake glass window by attaching vinyl records underneath it. In combination with lighting, this composition will look amazing.
Attic, basement
Don’t forget about the decor of rooms, which at first glance seem insignificant. Small windows with photo panels and lighting are suitable for basement design. False ceiling structures will look organic in the attic. The frames can be decorated “antique” - covered with water-based paint and a composition with a cracking effect.
False window in the interior of the attic
A selection of photos with interesting ideas
When planning to install a ceiling with a false window in your home, do not forget about the compatibility of style and design. So, for country, the image of trees with fruits is suitable, hi-tech - “space”, futurism and loft - the tops of skyscrapers.
SONY DSC
How to make a false window with your own hands
It is not necessary to buy decorative structures and call craftsmen for installation. It’s easy to create a false window with lighting with your own hands. You will need a minimum of tools and a little patience.
List of materials for work:
- A fragment of photo wallpaper or an image painted on canvas;
- Drywall;
- Overlay strips;
- LED strip or small light bulbs;
- Transformers for mounting lamps;
- Putty;
- Spatula, roller for processing;
- Dye;
- Hammer, screwdriver;
- Dowels, self-tapping screws.
The creative process will take no more than 2 hours, not counting the drying period of the paint. There will also be no problems with installing the structure if you select the surface for placement in advance.
How to make a false window with backlight
| Subsequence | Actions |
| Step 1 | Make a base box from plasterboard with a recess of 15-20 centimeters, treat the surfaces with putty |
| Step 2 | After drying, coat the box with paint. It is better to use water-based compositions - they are evenly distributed, do not crack on the surface, and protect the material from fungus |
| Step 3 | Mark the places for installing the lamps, make holes for the cables, fix the dowels in them |
| Step 4 | Install lighting fixtures, place transformers between them |
| Step 5 | Carefully route the cables through the holes and install the switch |
| Step 6 | Using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver, secure the sheet with the image in the box |
| Step 7 | Prepare the planks - make a cut on them at an angle of 45 degrees, paint if necessary |
| Step 8 | Install platbands on a plasterboard structure |
| Step 9 | Place the window on the wall or ceiling |
This is not the only way to create an imitation window with your own hands. We invite you to watch a video that shows how to make a false structure from inexpensive scrap materials.
Illuminated box
A backlit box is essentially the same box as in the previous version, but without attaching an image. In this case, instead of an image, it would be good to mount matte plastic or acrylic. Matte to hide the light source itself, but still allow light to shine through the “window”. The curtain in this option will also add effect.
How to hide layout flaws using a false window
Every mistake in planning can be replayed and turned into an advantage. If you notice crooked walls or awkward niches in your apartment, feel free to decorate them with decorative elements and enjoy the new life of surfaces that were annoying just yesterday.
What can be changed using a fake window:
- Visually increase the height of the ceiling;
- Use inconspicuous corners and empty walls;
- Tidy up uneven walls.
With the help of decorative windows you can zone the space. To do this, in a large room you need to erect a plasterboard partition and decorate it with a false structure.
Don't overdo it with the number of imitations. It is better to have one original decorative detail in the interior than several inappropriate accents.
What's behind the stairs and cabinets?
If you put a secret door behind the stairs in the living room that leads to the office, none of your guests will even guess.
In addition, you can enter such a room unnoticed, which means you will have the opportunity to privacy if necessary.
However, to implement this idea, you will need a structure called an escalator.
Designers note that ideas with so-called escalators are very popular. They can be moved back manually or using a special control panel.
However, creating such a staircase is a labor-intensive and quite expensive process.
Therefore, if you definitely want to install a secret door in your home, but do not want to spend too much money, we recommend installing it behind a closet in the living room.
It is much easier to implement, and in this case the costs are minimized. You can install such a door right in the back of the closet.
It should be noted that a secret door in the living room is not only an interesting solution for hiding other rooms and passages.
Thanks to it, you will turn into a reliable shelter that will help you in case of thieves breaking into your home.
Mistakes when using decorative windows
During experiments, mistakes can always be made. Useful recommendations will help you minimize risk and create an elegant interior the first time.
What not to do:
- Combine a small pattern and wide frames;
- Use colored lamps for illumination;
- Abuse the number of decorative windows;
- It is wrong to combine interior style and design elements;
- Install structures near the floor;
- Place a large number of accessories near the decorations;
- Use different types of structures in one room.
Try to imagine what the room will look like after decoration. You will feel like a designer who has created something unique and memorable.
