Renovating
6 Ways Around a Window With a Lousy View
Curtains aren't the only option when the view is less-than-desirable
It’s common knowledge that a beautiful view increases a home’s value. But can a bad view actually lower its value? Los Angeles real estate agent Peter Kinnaird says yes. “One of my clients had reservations about buying a house because you could see two ugly apartment complexes from the living room window,” says Kinnaird. He identifies large, unkempt utility poles and rundown multi-storey apartment complexes as major culprits in ruining views for potential home buyers.
I live in an older, high-density neighbourhood, where my one-story house is situated about 20 feet from a two-story apartment. I keep my curtains drawn every day, because my living room window looks right into my neighbour’s property. Sick of this approach, I looked for ideas that could help mask unappealing views both inside and out. Use these strategies to enhance your home life – or to make your home more attractive to buyers.
1. Conceal by planting a living screen
Planting mature trees to block a view requires ample space, time and funds. Installing bamboo is one stylish way to conceal a building adjacent to a narrow side yard. Just make sure it’s right for you. Bamboo is often praised for its beauty and screening potential, but it can be invasive if not planted with a root barrier.
According to Anna Foleen, a representative from the American Bamboo Society, many types of bamboo can thrive in a strip of land as narrow as 20 centimetres, depending on adjacent ground conditions. They also can tolerate limited lighting conditions and can grow 1 to 1.5 metres every year.
12 outdoor screen ideas that are pretty and private
Planting mature trees to block a view requires ample space, time and funds. Installing bamboo is one stylish way to conceal a building adjacent to a narrow side yard. Just make sure it’s right for you. Bamboo is often praised for its beauty and screening potential, but it can be invasive if not planted with a root barrier.
According to Anna Foleen, a representative from the American Bamboo Society, many types of bamboo can thrive in a strip of land as narrow as 20 centimetres, depending on adjacent ground conditions. They also can tolerate limited lighting conditions and can grow 1 to 1.5 metres every year.
12 outdoor screen ideas that are pretty and private
2. Conceal with a fabric privacy screen
Unlike with a living screen, there’s no need to wait for a fabric screen to grow to the desired height. This fabric-like privacy screen has various openings that frame desirable views of the sky and trees.
Unlike with a living screen, there’s no need to wait for a fabric screen to grow to the desired height. This fabric-like privacy screen has various openings that frame desirable views of the sky and trees.
3. Create a focal point with plants or sculptural art
The designer here chose not to completely conceal the neighbour’s home beyond the fence. Instead, he or she installed this framed mobile of hanging plants and stones to take centre stage. Now the neighbour’s home disappears into the background.
The designer here chose not to completely conceal the neighbour’s home beyond the fence. Instead, he or she installed this framed mobile of hanging plants and stones to take centre stage. Now the neighbour’s home disappears into the background.
4. Frame the view with an adjustable window treatmen
Like clerestory windows, the Roman shades on these windows bring in light from above while maintaining privacy. They might also help conceal an offending feature outside.
Like clerestory windows, the Roman shades on these windows bring in light from above while maintaining privacy. They might also help conceal an offending feature outside.
5. Hang distractions in front of the window
Hanging plants and decorative fabric is a playful, budget-friendly alternative to installing formal window treatments. Brighten up your home with a skylight or some custom windows
Hanging plants and decorative fabric is a playful, budget-friendly alternative to installing formal window treatments. Brighten up your home with a skylight or some custom windows
6. Combine indoor and outdoor strategies
This designer applied frosted window film inside and placed a living privacy screen just outside this room. The treatment gives the view depth and dimension even though we have no idea what lies 1.5 metres beyond the window.
TELL US
Is there a view from your window you don’t like and how did you hide it? Share in the Comments below.
This designer applied frosted window film inside and placed a living privacy screen just outside this room. The treatment gives the view depth and dimension even though we have no idea what lies 1.5 metres beyond the window.
TELL US
Is there a view from your window you don’t like and how did you hide it? Share in the Comments below.