They say a house without books is like a room without windows, and Manhattan apartments seems to have a severe lack of windows – the literal kind. Over the past few months I have noticed a very popular trend which gives the illusion of light and space in apartments: hanging window frames on solid walls. This sure beats the price of actually installing a window and seems to always trick me into thinking there is actually a window there! Gullible? Perhaps. Never the less, I love the idea!
My friends Scott and Kelly live in a large loft style apartment in New York which only has one window, so they have collected old window frames from antique stores, attached chains to them and hung them on various walls that could do with a window. The effect is amazing – it really feels like you are walking into a very airy and light-filled space! This first frame was bought for $25 from an antique store, then chain was simply attached at the back for hanging.
Another cute idea they have adopted is to mount scenery behind the glass, this way you can actually hand pick the view from your bedroom window!
On a much grander scale, sourcing over-sized frames and mounting them on a large, blank wall can become a real feature piece in your home and a talking point! These two fabulous frames were found at a beautiful store in New York called ABC Home. I am coveting the gorgeous arched window, I think it would look wonderful hanging on the tall wall beside a staircase!
For the Sydney-siders, Chippendale Restorations in Rozelle, Sydney, is a treasure trove of used windows – you’re sure to find a great piece for your home!
Penny xo
