Why Ribbon Windows Could Be the Right Design For You, Building long horizontal fenestration, Short vertical frames

Why Ribbon Windows Could Be the Right Design For You

Stylish Architectural Features for Houses – Architectural Article by Houzz

post updated 13 February 2024

Horizontal ribbon windows pull in masses of light while giving you a panoramic view – and are a stylish design feature, too

Article first published on Houzz

Rebecca Gross

5 Jan 2017

Why Ribbon Windows Could Be the Right Design For You

Ribbon windows – with long horizontal and short vertical frames – are a great way to emphasise the shape of any room, enhance your view to the outside, and let natural light flood in. They bring a modern touch to the kitchen, bedroom, office or living area and can double as a splashback or bookshelf, or even take the place of artwork or other decorative features.

So today, let’s take a look through the ribbon window…

Photo by Jasmine McClelland Design – More contemporary exterior ideas

Ribbon windows are set within the structural facade of the wall. They are generally at eye level rather than at the very top or bottom of the wall.

Modernist architect Le Corbusier first recommended the use of ribbon windows in his 1920s manifesto Five Points of Architecture, as long strips of windows, he proposed, would illuminate spaces equally.

In the kitchen
Ribbon windows are a great way to enhance your view of the outdoors. Their elongated shape affords uninterrupted panoramic vision and lets in plenty of natural light, illuminating worktops and dining areas.

See bedrooms with dazzling views

Photo by LSA Architects – Discover contemporary kitchen design inspiration

Behind the kitchen sink, worktop and hob, ribbon windows can double as an easy-to-clean splashback. In this kitchen, cabinets above the benchtop provide for additional lighting and an extractor, without interrupting the openness of the ribbon windows.

Even if your house is right on the boundary and you’re in close quarters to your neighbours, a thin ribbon window will still pull in light, while maintaining your privacy. Play with colours and frames to make them a decorative feature.

Photo by Incorporated – Search eclectic bedroom pictures

In the living area
Who needs artwork when you can create a panoramic picture on your wall by incorporating a ribbon window? Although in this room they’ve gone for both, with a ribbon window providing a view of the changing seasons outside, and as a dominant aspect for arranging objects along and on the wall. The room has a sense of being curated, with the view out of the ribbon window the central masterpiece.

Photo by Amitzi Architects – More contemporary home design ideas

This ribbon window takes a turn as it connects with a skinny vertical window at the corner of the room. This L-shaped window allows extra light into the space, while opaque glass on the horizontal strip protects the occupants’ privacy.

Photo by Jasmine McClelland Design – Look for contemporary bedroom design inspiration

In the bedroom
In this contemporary bedroom with graphic wallpaper, a large ribbon window is a breath of fresh air. It provides a visual rest and brings uniform light across the bed. The black frame accentuates the composition of the view outside.

Discover more ways to use bold wallpaper

Recessing your ribbon window gives you a usable ledge on which to display items such as books, pot plants and ornaments. It saves on additional furniture and valuable floor space, and is a visually interesting touch in any room. If you’re close to your neighbours, then having a slightly higher and deeply recessed ribbon window means that vision into the room from the outside is limited.

Photo by Bertram Architects – Search contemporary home office and library design ideas

In the office
Brighten up your days in the office with a ribbon window running the length of your desk. Lots of natural illumination will help your sight and will also mean you don’t have to clutter your desk with additional lamp lighting. And with a view to inspire, you may be more productive than ever before.

Find more great design ideas for your home office

Photo by Campos Leckie Studio – Browse contemporary staircase photos

On the stairwell
In this multi-level town house, a ribbon window on the stairwell is a great visual feature with a view to the garden outside. There is no need for artwork or photographs when you’ve carefully crafted your outdoor area.

Photo by Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes – More contemporary bathroom photos

From the outside
Recessing your ribbon window externally provides a functional ledge for pot plants and other small items – in this case, atmospheric candles for an intimate outdoor en suite.