Internal windows in stairwell (photo)

[MaraScottie]

Hi there
I'm having work done to add velux windows to our attic stairwell and you can see the lovely light spilling down through the hall!

I had asked the builder to cut out some of the stairwell wall to let more of that light through (there's a rectangular one there which he'll be putting glass into next week)

My question is would you add a second internal 'window' or is less more? The second one could be any shape but would be smaller due to the stairs rising behind it. Would you leave it or add another triangle/square/rectangle? Would it be tacky?

A I'm seeing is that dark shadows and all that light hidden behind it!

Thanks for you comments 😊

Could you remove the stairwell wall completely and just have a banister?

Like on the (hopefully) attached photo?

We did think of that but it wouldn't work from the other side, you'd end up with a small section of bannister at the bottom and then a large section of wall on top of it! It's hard to describe! I think structurally there are battons that shouldn't be removed either

I will double-check that with the builder tomorrow though! Thanks

I think more light would look lovely, maybe another smaller rectangle for symmetry. You do need to make sure it works for the stairs though - you would need some really strong, safe glass if it's at a height where people could accidentally kick it or fall onto it if falling down the stairs.

An alternative that I've seen work effectively is little motion-detecting lights set into the skirting boards of the dark area - here the landing.

Yeah, thanks - it's reinforced safety glass we're getting, massive consideration with 2 young kids.

Really only concerned with the natural light atm, not mad on those skirting lights etc The photo is a bit misleading, the hall is not that dark, just a bit glum due to the only window looking into a side passage.

I would get one smaller rectangular window next to that, but wouldn’t veer into triangular territory as in my opinion that’s when you stray into tacky.

I'd be inclined to add another window but ask for it do a digital simulation first to see how it looks.

I would extend a triangle window off the current rectangle to make it all of that wall. I would get rid of the banister on the other side too.

Modestandatinybitsexy can't do that unfortunately. We need the batton between the two windows for stability.

What do you mean by get rid of the banister?

sophandbridge I'm not sure he could go a digital simulation any better than we could, but we were planning on drawing the options directly into the wall later!

This is the other side of that wall for context. The bar in the middle of that rectangle is going btw!

I would avoid triangular but would think about another couple of rectangular ones with the bottom edge angled to echo the bannisters. Excuse the terrible editing of your photo but get the gist.

Obviously sides would be straight, and top edges of new windows on a level with the existing one!

I was going to suggest you do one the same size but going across rather than up and down but @MargotLovedTom1 is a much better idea.

@MargotLovedTom1 love it! Thanks for mocking that up. I was afraid 3 would look too much but it's actually really pleasant on the eye!

Controversially I wouldn't do either. I think you have ruined the line of the other side by including for not much additional light.

I dont care about the other side. It's a home office space up there and I'd rather bathe in more natural light on the landing tbh!

I think the mock up by @MargotLovedTom1 looks great, go with that OP for maximum light.

Thanks. We did a real life mock up last night, drew the window out on the wall. I think with the positions of the batons, we likely won't get 3 windows in, but we can fit two - they'll be 40cm wide, and positioned 30 or 40cm apart - hopefully it will look well (my drawing is not as accurate as it should be btw!)

Depending on budget I'm not sure I would bother with another window - it probably still not be flooded with light & actually bits of stair cases usually have lighter and darker bits & once done - just how they are ( unless that is a landing you will linger on. . Could you put a mirror opposite that window to reflect some of that light.

Ah , your choice obviously - am sure with this much thought it will look lovely & as you want it. All best @MaraScottie

I would definitely go with the two windows to make it look like a conscious design choice, rather than having a random single window in that wall.

I

How about a round window ? A touch of art deco...