What to do with window after enclosing outside patio?

Jea13273433
by Jea13273433
We had an outside patio that is now enclosed leaving this once outside window frame in place. We don’t want to make it a full wall or a door but need ideas how to case it or any creative design ideas to keep the area open to allow the daylight in.
  14 answers
  • Sandra Allen Sandra Allen on Feb 14, 2018

    The first thing that comes to might is a faux stained glass. You could do it on the glass or make one almost the same size and hang it. You could also frost it to keep even more light in. Glass nuggets, even contact paper can make the corner uniquely your own.


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  • Melbrooks Melbrooks on Feb 15, 2018

    I think it would look good with a couple glass shelves there, maybe with a plant or two. It would look open and bright, and i see you have a planter hung there already...

  • Pat Miller Pat Miller on Feb 15, 2018

    when we moved into our current home, the folks before us put staggered open shelving. We left it because it helps in heating and cooling circulation.

  • Christina Christina on Feb 15, 2018

    A stained glass salvage piece would look lovely.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 15, 2018

    Plate glass shelves with displayed items, so you could change to suit the occasion or decor

  • QBSF QBSF on Feb 15, 2018

    Open shelving would be nice.

    My first thought however would take a little more work, depend on how you used the patio, and what room is on the other side of the patio.

    If you use the new patio for eating or hanging out, chances are that a buffet counter or pass-thru would be convenient.

    From the photo of the chair next to the window opening, it looks like the old window sill is close to table or counter height.

    You could have a new deeper window sill built that would provide counter/table space to set drinks, snacks ...

    We actually did something similar, but we also had the vertical section (where you're light switch is) removed. This gave us a larger opening and more counter space. In our case, your patio room was a family room right off the kitchen.

    Good luck!

  • Mri17775697 Mri17775697 on Feb 15, 2018

    I am a plant person and like the idea of a few glass shelves with plants , perhaps some that trail. Plants help cleanse the air and are a calming influence as you enjoy your new enclosed patio!

  • V Smith V Smith on Feb 15, 2018

    Dress it as a window on both sides, if you can.

  • Debbie Brasher Debbie Brasher on Feb 15, 2018

    Stained glass was the first thing I thought of. How about an aquarium to tie the two rooms together with an illuminating light, if you dont want to do shelving. Or if you are artistic, cover with a masterpiece of your own either on canvas or burlap.

  • Barb Barb on Feb 15, 2018

    I totally agree stained glass would look amazing

  • Suzanne Suzanne on Feb 20, 2018

    If it's near the kitchen, glass shelves and hanging herb garden? Fresh stuff cheap in the winter.

  • Judy Judy on Feb 24, 2018

    I would add a fall picture, on one side,and a spring picture on the other side. This way, you can accent each season, as they go from season to season. Of course, in the heat of summer, I would add winter to the side that faces outside, just for a train of thought change, and summer in the side on the inner side. These are only suggestions, but you can always use pics from used calanders, for this would brighten up the area, and still be changed as you choose. Enjoy, and let us know how your choice goes. Have a special day, we are expecting floods, so out comes the emerg. clothes and meds. Be happy !!!


  • Jodie Woods Jodie Woods on Feb 24, 2018

    I know you said you didn’t want to make a doorway but I have to ask why? If you put shelves in it, you’ll end up filling the shelves and diminishing the light. What if you took out the door and window (not the whole wall) and have a wider doorway? The odd window space would be gone, the passageway would be wider and lots more light would come in.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jodie Woods Jodie Woods on Feb 25, 2018

      To bad about the French doors! I agree it would be beautiful. If the window hole and the door hole was combined into one 6’ wide cased opening, you’d have that view to the canal and a ton of light. No shelves, no French doors, but a brilliant gorgeous view. Hope you find what you’re looking for! 😉

  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 06, 2023

    Use book cases as a room divider of sorts. It would give you more storage, a place to highlight special pieces but still allow light and fresh air thru.