First floor windows, not happening

by brae Email

Even with the success I had getting two out of three windows working for the front bay window, the two regular first floor windows are just ... er ... garbage.  The wood is beyond bad and the pieces just don't fit at all.  I'd be better off cutting new ones from scratch than even attempting to reshape and repair.  And, if I am going to go through that sort of hassle, why not just get some ready-made components?

Enter the Houseworks traditional working window and double working window.  Since these components have more depth to them than the original wall thickness, I'll need to build up the outer frame and pad the interior walls but that's easy to do.

To get the traditional single window to work, I had to make the hole off the front porch narrower.  This was made easier since I had leftover siding pieces from eliminating the side bay window.  I took the original wall apart, cut new pieces from the side wall leftovers and put the wall back together.  Since these pieces were already painted and aged, they didn't need any finishing other than a few touchups.

I think it looks like it belongs.  :D

To get the double working window to fit, I had to make the existing hole larger.

I think this was perhaps meant to be since the pieces I had removed from the front wall were the exact width I needed to get the window to fit.  So, I took this wall apart, took out the existing pieces and replaced them with the narrower ones.  I'll keep the originals in my stash of spares.

This new window matches so much better with the working casement window I already added to this wall than the original would have.

It's a rather large window, but I remember the windows in my childhood house being large, too.  I think it works, and there's enough room for the kitchen appliances even with the added window width.

I love side windows in a dollhouse.  Most often the side walls are solid since you already have the open back removing a wall to place furniture against.

Since I removed the side bay window and the only other window on the chimney wall is a small round window in the bathroom, I am considering adding another traditional single working window around the corner from the first.  Of course, it wouldn't be crooked and slightly lower than it's neighbor like it is in this photo.  :D

I just can't tell if this additional window would detract from the fireplace.  For now, I leave this new wall uncut.

Categories: Dollhouses, The Haunted Heritage
Permalink09/28/11 05:38:00 pm,

6 comments

Comment from: Dale [Visitor]
Looking amazing and I'm loving the windows. I think you should add the window on the side by the fireplace. Real houses have windows and the likelyhood of there being a window around the corner are good. go for it!
09/28/11 @ 19:01
Comment from: Tabitha Corsica [Visitor]
Love how this house is turning out! I'd not add that window on the fireplace wall. It disrupts the symmetry and, I think, will detract from that fabulous fireplace.

I'm not sure of the time period of your house but my grandmothers house had small, high windows on either side of the fireplace. They were more than head height and shaped like a rectangle on its side. THe point,I guess, was light but privacy. I have even seen these done in stained glass.

Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be beautifully executed.
09/29/11 @ 03:45
Comment from: Keli [Visitor]
Hmmm...that's a thinker.

I like the idea of a window on the side wall, and I think that if the wall were longer a window next to the fireplace would look good, but that it would look too cluttered as is, especially by the time you add curtains. There's not enough room on the wall for two focal points.
09/29/11 @ 04:16
Comment from: Lyssa [Visitor]
After much thought, I am mostly with Keli. I would still like to see a wider shot. Wondering, Have you cut the holes for the fireplace/chimney yet? If you have some play room to shift the fireplace, then you could do it, but as it sits now, it's too much. Which sucks! I like the idea of side windows, too. You get to see so much more detail that way - and the exterior of this house (all of your houses, really) is so beautiful, it would be a shame for the front to be hidden just to see inside. :( I have the utmost confidence that you will figure it out.
09/29/11 @ 08:25
Comment from: Lucille [Visitor]
Personally, I would not add a window because your fireplace is the focal point on that wall. You need only one focal point. A window would detract because the eye would wonder from the fireplace to the window. You worked so hard on that fireplace, it should be the star on that wall.
09/29/11 @ 09:10
Comment from: brae [Member] Email
I think not adding the second corner window is the clear winner. That wall is so short to begin with. The fireplace has to stay precisely where it is for the chimney to clear the round upstairs window on the gable and to make room for the cellar doors on the foundation. I have side by side corner windows in the kitchen/dining area, which looks really nice. So, I'll save this idea for next time...I think it would be smashing in the Alpine Chalet. :yes:
09/29/11 @ 09:27