by Roberta Velyn

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: September 07, 2010

You look out your side window and see, just six feet away, the side of the house next door. How dull. You want to let light in the window, but there's no reason to look out because there's nothing to see. One way to improve the view is to replace the clear window glass with textured or frosted glass which comes in a wide variety of patterns ranging from clear with texture to translucent. If you don't want to go to that expense, look for an adhesive-backed vinyl that can be cut to size and placed on the glass from the inside. Choices will be more limited, but with care you can achieve a very similar appearance.

Looking for more interest? Search out a stained glass artwork that you can hang inside the window frame. Any sunlight coming directly through the colored glass will produce a dazzling visual effect, and if some of the pieces are beveled, light rays will be broken into bits of rainbow and cast across the room.

Elegant sheer curtains or drapes will obscure an unpleasant view while adding softness to your room. They are available in a wide range of colors, textures and patterns to complement any decor. A simpler treatment can be created by hemming a piece of dramatic fabric to hang inside the window frame. This can be a lace panel, a mesh, or a heavier fabric, depending on how much light you want to have coming through. An easy way to mount it is to sew at the top, a channel in which to insert a piece of wooden dowel. A couple of small hooks screwed inside the top of the window frame will support the dowel nicely. The rainbow-producing quality of beveled glass can be achieved by stitching some crystal beads onto a lace panel. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, but if you're not feeling creative, go shopping for a bead curtain to hang instead. Even shower curtains are worth considering.

If there's some yard space or a balcony outside the window, you might consider installing a trellis and planting a vine that will climb and add interest to your view. Virginia Creeper, wisteria, bougainvillea, grape vines, climbing roses, and clematis are just a few perennials to consider, depending on your climate. Annuals that will grow quickly include scarlet runner beans and morning glories.

If you can't change the view outside, a good alternative is to way to draw the eye away from the unpleasant view by placing something attractive inside the window. This could be an array of crystals or an interesting wind chime hung inside the window frame, or it could be a number of narrow shelves mounted to display a collection of colored glass. A web of mini-lights can make your otherwise boring window into a glittering display.

Don't be discouraged by a window with an unpleasant view; think of it as an opportunity to express your personality by creating a thing of beauty.

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