When people started posting photos in a Facebook group called “View from my window,” they were surprised to find that many others shared the same views. These breathtaking landscapes ranged from mountaintops and shorelines to back alleys filled with dumpsters.
Research suggests that the quality of window views can positively impact cognition and well-being. However, there is little agreement about what constitutes a good view.
What is a Window View?
A window view is the visual content of the space framed by windows in a building. A window view is defined by a number of factors including content-related elements such as naturalness, movement and horizontal stratification; window design-related elements such as shape, size and fractured views caused by shading devices, mullions or partitions; and dynamic observer-related elements such as eye level and distance from the window. These factors are all interrelated and interact to influence people’s perception of their window views. The quality and quantity of a view are also related to psychological benefits such as thermal comfort, glare comfort and visual privacy.
The view offers a pleasing change to the eye and mind, which is important for occupants’ cognitive recovery during work [38]. Studies found that a pleasant window view can maintain people’s ability to concentrate during long periods of time and reduce fatigue and irritability resulting from computer-based tasks. The enhancing effect of window views was also shown in the case of classrooms, where the performance of students in high concentration demanding tasks was significantly improved for those in rooms with natural views [47].
Views are also seen as a source of environmental information and offer a connection to the outside environment. This factor influences the preference for daylight over artificial lighting in offices, even when sufficient illuminance is provided [49].
Window view satisfaction ratings are based on both subjective and objective criteria. Subjective ratings are primarily based on a set of questions that ask about people’s preferences for specific elements in their window views. The results from these surveys are then compared to a set of measurable criteria such as a person’s ability to distinguish different objects and the depth of the view.
The main goal of window design is to provide occupants with access to a variety of different views. This goal is achieved through the selection of a suitable window style and location within the building. The various window styles available to homeowners include double-hung windows, casement windows, awning windows and bay windows. Each of these window styles provides a unique combination of light and view to the home.
Why is it Valuable?
Researchers have found that window views have a positive impact on occupants’ perception of building design, their ability to concentrate during tasks, and overall wellbeing, a study from Blackacre. However, the exact way that a view impacts occupants is still somewhat of a mystery. This is because a number of variables are involved in a window view’s perceived value, including but not limited to naturalness, dynamism, and horizontal stratification.
Naturalness refers to the amount of greenery that is visible through a window, and has been shown to have a strong positive influence on wellbeing. In fact, one study even found that a window with only trees and grass had a stronger impact on wellbeing than a window with just buildings or a parking lot.
The reason that this is the case is not clear, but it may be due to the presence of natural elements in the view, the sense of peace they provide, or because a green scene provides a break from everyday visual noise. The most important variable in a window’s perceived value, though, is the change that it provides to the occupant’s environment. In the study referred to above, the windows with more greenery were found to be valued higher than those without.
Another important factor in a window’s perceived value is the sense of movement that it provides. Dynamic scenes are more preferred than static ones, as they draw our attention and promote a sense of connectivity to the outside world (Li and Sullivan 2016). The ideal level of dynamism in a window has not been defined yet, but it is thought that too little or too much movement can be distracting and negatively affect people’s wellbeing.
In a separate study, glare discomfort was also influenced by the vertical and horizontal composition of a view, with the preference for three horizontal layers including ground, landscape, and sky indicating greater interest in the view’s content. Furthermore, the study found that a view’s naturalness and the presence of water were associated with lower glare discomfort ratings.
However, not everyone benefits from views of the same types of landscape features. For instance, workers in organisations that focus on environmental protection and/or research did not show any improvement in their wellbeing when they were able to see mown grass or bushes in their office window view.
How Can I Get a Window View?
If you’re stuck with a brick wall or empty alley view out your window, it can really dampen your mood. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to living with this kind of view. There are some fairly simple home decor and staging tricks you can use to hide an unattractive view or make it more pleasant.
One simple trick is to hang a large plant like ivy or jasmine outside your windows. This adds tons of privacy, reduces noise from the street and traffic, and helps filter sunlight into your interiors. It might take a bit of work to keep the plants healthy, but it’s well worth it for such an instant upgrade.
Another way to hide a bad view is to hang a sheer window treatment on the inside of your windows. This adds a lot of color and pattern to your window, drawing the eye away from whatever’s on the other side. Just be careful not to go overboard and have too much of the wall taken up by glass; this can be jarring and throw off the overall look of your room.
You can also hang a mirror beside your window and position it so that it reflects something pretty, like a painting or tapestry. It’s a great way to distract from an ugly view and can make your room feel more spacious at the same time.
If you want to go all out, try installing a trellis near your window and adding climbing vines like ivy or jasmine to it. This is a more permanent solution that will take some skill to maintain, but it’s a nice way to instantly improve your view and add a splash of greenery to your space.
For a more subtle option, try framing some decorative paper in a float frame and hanging it over your window. It’s a simple project that can be done on a budget and it’ll help partially obscure the view beyond.
What is a Window Replacement?
When windows sustain damage beyond repair, a window replacement is often the best solution. Choosing the right type of window replacement will help you maximize your investment and achieve the style and functionality you want for your home.
Several factors influence the cost of replacing windows. The size and material of the windows will affect their price, while installation costs can add up as well. When you work with a professional installer, you can ensure that the project is completed correctly. Poor installations can drive up your energy bills, lead to early window failure and potentially cause structural damage to your home.
There are two main types of replacement windows: full frame and insert. Full-frame replacements require removing the existing window and framing before installing the new windows. This method can be more expensive than other options, but it offers the most flexibility in terms of window style, materials and finishes.
For homes with existing frames in good condition, an insert replacement is an alternative that doesn’t require removing the exterior cladding (siding, brick, stucco etc) or trim. Also known as pocket windows, insert replacements install into the open area of your existing frame and are then fastened to the old side jambs. This type of replacement is usually less expensive than a full-frame window, but it still provides excellent flexibility in terms of window style and material.
Once you’ve determined the type of replacement that works best for your home, it’s important to consider the additional features that can help increase energy efficiency and reduce noise levels. For example, insulated frames, low-E coatings and argon gas fills can all significantly increase the performance of your windows.
Adding any of these options will typically result in higher upfront costs, but they can greatly reduce your energy bills over time and save you money on maintenance. You may also wish to include a warranty or maintenance plan as part of your window replacement. This can help reduce the cost of future repairs and maintenance, ensuring that your investment is protected for years to come.
