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.
Combination with other materials, edging
Options for edging the canvas depend on the stylistic direction of the room.
- In a classic interior, this could be a baguette or a thin baseboard. This design will look harmonious with photo wallpaper that does not cover a full wall.
- In a modern interior, there is no need for any edging; the image already looks harmonious.
Combination
Photo wallpapers can be successfully combined with different wall decoration options.
- Combination with wallpaper. If you want to focus attention on the area of the picture, you can choose the lightest possible shade of wallpaper. To achieve a unified picture in the interior, the color of the wallpaper should have a common color palette with the photo panel; the tonality may differ slightly.
- Painting the walls will be a good option due to the variety of shades. You can choose the desired tone that will perfectly match the photo panel.
- Frescoes, arches and landscapes will look harmonious with plaster. They can form a single picture with blurred boundaries.
Photo wallpapers help expand the boundaries of imagination and provide more opportunities for creating a unique apartment design. Different images can affect the visual perception of a room, making it larger or smaller.
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
Choosing a place for a false window
To turn your idea into reality, there must be enough space in the room. An imitation window can be of any size and shape. Before choosing the future design of the composition, you need to take measurements on the wall and decide on the location of the false window. Let's consider popular options where the composition would be appropriate:
- A room without natural light due to improper building layout.
- Ground floor, wine cellar, basement, attic, attics.
- A small distance between two windows, which does not look aesthetically pleasing.
- Dark corridor.
- A small room with low ceilings, when you need to visually increase its height and add a feeling of freedom.
A chic view of the sea city in a wooden false window frame will appeal to lovers of retro interiors Source postroika.biz
After choosing the location, we decide on the material for the frame. More often it is made of polyurethane moldings, wood or metal. You can even add a window sill or curtains for a more believable look.
The placement of a false window between two natural ones adds an atmosphere of freedom to the room Source roomester.ru
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
False windows: photo and device
When thinking through the design of a living space, everyone strives to achieve the greatest ergonomics of space and hide design flaws. For this purpose, many little tricks have been invented, among which false windows are particularly elegant. With their help, you can not only visually expand the space, but also create a certain atmosphere.
Panoramic window made of photo wallpaper with a landscape
Using a false window with backlight, you can illuminate a dark area of the room
The main problem that a false window can solve is the lack of window openings, which is typical for basements. An original optical illusion will allow you to decorate a bare, boring wall, creating an amazing, vibrant world that matches your desires and inclinations.
See also: Do it yourself: decorate the mirror.
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
Features of accommodation
To determine where the placement of a false window in the interior would be appropriate on your own, we advise you to look at the experience of designers who know exactly in which cases imitation is necessary:
- A room without windows. For example, if you zoned a one-room apartment and the place to sleep was far from the real opening, simulating a window in the bedroom will make it more comfortable. A false window in a bathroom or hallway also compensates for the absence of a real one.
- Small room. Any semblance of a window visually expands the space, making it brighter and more comfortable.
- Lack of light. An imitation of an illuminated window will come to the rescue - a parody of a natural light source looks relaxed and is appropriate in any interior style.
In addition to walls, false windows are often located on ceilings. Stained glass overhead compensates for the low walls, and illuminated false windows replace conventional ceiling lights.
The photo shows a realistic window in the nursery
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.
Other types of false windows
Photo wallpaper. The most economical option for decorating a false window is photo wallpaper. In this case, you can do without a frame. It may already be included in the drawing. The choice of photo wallpapers is large, so choosing the right picture will not be difficult. It is enough to decide on the design of the room and your own imagination. There will 100% be something interesting in the building materials store.
The view of the tropical sea from your home becomes a reality with a false window from photo wallpaper Source www.allstick.ru
A false window made from photo wallpaper in the bedroom looks beautiful and realistic Source zen.yandex.ru
Artistic painting. Art lovers will love painted false windows. If your creativity allows, you can draw an imitation of a window yourself. If there is no creative talent, you will have to invite an artist. The frame in this case is attached to the top of the picture or drawn by hand. For a more original look, the following are added to the illustration: cornice, curtains and window sill. The latter can accommodate: a fluffy cat, flower pots, candlesticks or a stack of books.
The drawing on the false window of the Italian city looks very cute and original Source roomester.ru
Ceiling. The owner of a small apartment will definitely like the false window on the ceiling. Such a simple move completely changes the perception of the room, making it larger and taller. Especially if you take as a basis a drawing with a starry sky or cosmic abstraction. This is how a one-room studio turns into a whole laboratory or a romantic island somewhere in the Caribbean.
You can place a mirror sheet on the ceiling. This option also increases the space and looks very original and unique. Plasterboard sheets are often used as framing.
A false window on the ceiling visually makes the ceiling higher, and stained glass style adds mystery to the room Source s-potolok.com.ua
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
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 alsoDo-it-yourself bedroom design - is it possible?
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.
Application in the interior
Every person wants to see beautiful landscapes from their windows in the morning. But not everyone has such an opportunity. Most city apartment windows overlook other buildings or city roads. You can transform the interior of a room with the help of a false structure, which will open up to sea beaches, picturesque valleys, and flower fields.
Modern designers are able to realize any wishes of clients. They intelligently expand the space of the rooms, making blank walls look into another world.
Thanks to the variety of materials when creating false windows, structures of any shape and size can be made. The use of 3D technologies makes it possible to create realistic pictures that change the perception of housing.
Interior decoration using window imitation
Most creative people use false structures in their homes to lift their spirits in the morning and as decoration. The advantages of installing them include the ability to:
- admire the beautiful view from your room;
- visually enlarge the space and bring maximum light into it;
- highlight the interior of the house, make it original and as comfortable as possible for living.
With the help of false window openings, you can conveniently use non-functional niches, corners, and problem areas in the house. By decorating the imitation with curtains, you will make it more realistic.
Hiding design flaws
In addition to decorative functions, false windows will help hide minor wall defects and mistakes made in construction. Sometimes situations develop in such a way that you simply cannot do without them. This happens if:
- The space between the windows is inappropriate and non-functional. In this case, mirror false structures are used;
- The room (library, study) is located in a bad place and in a dark corner of the apartment. The false structure will fill the room with additional light;
- small room. It is important to use photographic images here;
- The corridor is too dark, some light needs to be brought in.
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.
Texture Features
It is very important to choose photo wallpaper that harmoniously fits into the interior of your room. And this will depend not only on the quality and color of the image, but also on their texture. Texture wallpapers are divided into a large number of categories.
The following types of photo wallpaper for walls are distinguished depending on the texture:
- photo wallpaper with a smooth texture . There is no embossing on such a surface. These photo wallpapers are glossy, pleasant to the touch, they have a smooth surface, and therefore are used for printing images with a large number of details and shades;
- imitation plaster . These are embossed photo wallpapers that have slight roughness on the surface of the design. Such photo wallpapers are made on a vinyl or non-woven basis and imitate frescoes and architectural scenes, therefore they are very popular among art lovers;
- textures of photo wallpaper in the form of sand . Such photo wallpapers have a matte surface consisting of large or small grains of sand . This type of surface is quite difficult to care for, but these photo wallpapers perform a reinforcing function and hide wall defects;
- canvas . As you may have guessed, these photo wallpapers feel like special canvases for painting. Some textures of this type imitate the work of an artist, that is, on the outer layer of photo wallpaper there may be brush marks or characteristic strokes, which gives gloss and uniqueness to the image;
- imitation linen . This texture of photo wallpaper imitates linen fabric, and therefore is not suitable for all styles and images. Typically, photo wallpapers with landscapes, floral arrangements or antique drawings are printed on linen texture.
There are also a huge number of textures, for example, frost, painting, tiles, wood and many others. Manufacturers independently choose the texture for their designs, but if you are making textured photo wallpaper to order, we advise you to think carefully about this issue.
Some companies that print photo wallpapers do not provide a wide selection of textures, so do not rush to settle on their services without checking out the offers of other companies.
Tip: when you order photo wallpaper, discuss the possibility of creating an additional protective layer. You can order laminated photo wallpapers or arrange to cover them with a special film.
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.
