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1. Frame a Perfect Landscape with a Minimalist Cathedral Window

let’s start simple. sometimes simple works better than anything fancy.

If you have a great view—like snow-capped mountains that turn pink at dawn, a forest that goes red and gold in fall, or a coast where sky and ocean blend so you can’t tell them apart—your window shouldn’t fight with it. it should let that view shine.

A minimalist black-framed cathedral window does this. no fancy scrolls, no extra stuff—just clean lines that draw you to the beauty outside.

I used to go overboard with windows, honestly. hung curtains with tassels (so many tassels), added valances that looked like my grandma’s… like i was trying to “dress up” the view. spoiler: it didn’t need it.

This window? it’s like a living painting on your wall. it changes with the sunrise—pink light falling on your morning coffee mug, the chipped one you’ve had since college. with rain—the world turns soft gray, even your messy couch feels cozy. with golden hour—everything looks like it’s covered in honey, even your dog’s messy fur.

Suddenly, your inside space isn’t just a room. it’s a front-row seat to nature’s best. it says, “nature is the main thing here.” and anyone who walks in? they’ll get it right away.

2. The Modern Farmhouse Cathedral Window Above the Sink

Let’s be real—washing dishes will never be a hobby.

i’ve tried. played true crime podcasts (too scary, made me rush). listened to cheesy audiobooks (got so into them i forgot to rinse). even sang show tunes as loud as i could (my neighbor knocked once, swear). and it’s still just scrubbing grease off plates.

But what if it felt less like a chore? more like a little break? that’s what the modern farmhouse cathedral window above the kitchen sink does.

This style mixes cozy, rustic stuff (shiplap walls, wooden cutting boards on the counter, a mason jar of spatulas that’re mostly for looks) with clean, simple lines. and this window gets it right.

Picture sudsing plates and looking at your herb garden (basil and mint blowing in the wind, smells like summer even when it rains) or kids chasing the dog in the yard (my nephew tripped over the hose there once. i laughed so hard i dropped a sponge in the soapy water. oops.)

Light pours in. it makes the whole kitchen brighter, airier, more welcoming. it’s a small thing, but it adds a lot of character.

My sister got one last year. now she actually stops in the middle of doing dishes to watch birds. (she still complains about dishes, though—way less. progress!)

3. Create a Heavenly Reading Nook with a Cathedral Window

There are reading nooks, and then there are the good ones. The difference? A floor-to-ceiling cathedral window.

Pick a corner in your living room or bedroom. Just a small spot—maybe 2x3 feet. I squeezed mine between a bookshelf and the wall, no issue. Put a soft, stuffed armchair right next to it.

The kind with fabric fraying a little at the edges. But it’s so comfy, you’d pick it over a nice new couch every time.

The window’s tall. It makes the space feel big but cozy, too. You’re in your own little spot, but still linked to what’s outside.

The light’s perfect. You can turn pages without hurting your eyes. No more squinting at your book at 4 p.m. ‘Cause the overhead light’s too bright, and you don’t feel like changing the bulb.

Add a throw blanket. The fuzzy one your mom made, maybe. It’s too big, but it wraps around you like a hug. And a side table for tea. Or wine—no judgment. Sometimes you need a glass with your romance book.

I have one of these spots. I swear, I’ve lost hours in it. Forgot about laundry stacking up. Missed calls from my dad—sorry, Dad. Even burned a batch of cookies once, ‘cause I was so into the story. Worth it. Every time.

4. Boost Curb Appeal with a Grand Entrance Cathedral Window

First impressions matter. You know that feeling when you pull up to a house and think, “Oh, this place has personality”? A cathedral window in your entryway or on the main gable does that. It’s the ultimate “welcome” mat for your home’s exterior.

Flat facades can feel boring, right? My neighbor’s house used to be one of those—just a plain beige box that blended in with every other house on the street. You could walk past it 10 times and not remember it. Then they added a cathedral window above the front door, and suddenly it’s the most interesting house on the block. This window breaks that monotony. It adds dimension, drama, and a little old-world glamour. Before anyone even steps inside, they’re thinking, “Something special is in there.”

It’s a bold move, but it pays off. Neighbors will comment (“Love that window! Did you do it yourself?”). Guests will take photos (my friend did this at her housewarming, and half the pics on Instagram were of the entrance). And you’ll smile every time you pull into the driveway—because that’s your house, and it looks amazing. Even the mailman noticed. He said, “Nice window—makes the whole place pop.” High praise, coming from someone who sees hundreds of houses a day.

5. The Biophilic Master Bathroom Cathedral Window

Biophilic design—fancy term for “bringing nature inside”—is huge right now, and the bathroom is the perfect place for it. Think about it: most bathrooms are small, closed-off, and… well, utilitarian. A toilet, a shower, maybe a medicine cabinet crammed with expired toothpaste and lip balms you forgot you had. Not exactly relaxing. A cathedral window changes that.

Picture this: you’re soaking in a freestanding tub, candles lit (the lavender ones that smell like a spa, not the cheap ones from the dollar store that smell like chemicals), surrounded by potted ferns (the only plants I haven’t killed yet—seriously, I’ve murdered succulents, cacti, even a fake one once… don’t ask how). Above you, a massive cathedral window frames the sky—clouds drifting by in the afternoon, stars twinkling at night.

Install it facing a private garden or wooded area (no peeping Toms, please—invest in frosted glass if you need to), and suddenly your bathroom isn’t just where you shower. It’s a spa. A retreat. The line between indoors and outdoors blurs, and your nightly routine feels like a luxury. Trust me, once you’ve bathed under the clouds after a terrible day at work? You’ll never go back to a regular bathroom window. I used to rush through showers; now I linger. Just a few extra minutes, but it makes all the difference.

6. Go Industrial with a Steel-Framed Cathedral Window Wall

Who said cathedral windows have to feel old-fashioned? Not anyone who’s seen a steel-framed cathedral window wall in a loft. I saw one in a friend’s Brooklyn loft last year, and I still think about it. It was so cool—like something out of a design magazine, but actually livable (no weird “art pieces” that double as trip hazards).

Think Crittall style—those slim, dark metal frames—but scaled up to epic proportions. The grid lines add a graphic, edgy contrast to the soft light pouring through. It’s perfect for dividing a big open-plan space (say, kitchen and living room—my friend used hers to separate the two, and it feels both connected and distinct, like two rooms in one). Or as an external wall in a converted warehouse—all brick and metal and light.

It adds grit, it adds cool, and it says, “This home has personality.” No boring beige walls here. Just sleek metal and light. What more could you want? Okay, maybe a fancy espresso machine to go with it—but the window’s the star.

7. The Serene Staircase Landing Cathedral Window

Staircases are the unsung heroes of home design. We use them every day—trudging up with groceries, running down to grab our keys, carrying laundry baskets that are way too heavy for our arms—and we rarely think about making them nice. A cathedral window on the staircase landing fixes that.

Install a tall one—tall enough that you have to crane your neck a little to see the top. As you climb up or down, you’ll get a little surprise: a view of the street (the neighbor’s cat sunning itself on their porch, looking judgmental as always), the trees (leaves rustling in the wind, dropping acorns in autumn that you’ll trip over later), the sky (a random rainbow after rain that makes you stop and smile, even if you’re late).

The light cascades down the stairs, making the whole area feel open and grand. Suddenly, walking from the first floor to the second isn’t just a chore. It’s an experience. My mom installed one in her house, and now she pauses on the landing every morning to check the weather. “It’s my little moment,” she says. Sometimes she’ll even snap a photo of the sky and text it to me. “Look at this sunrise!” she’ll say. And I’ll think, yeah— that window’s doing its job.

8. Mirror, Mirror: Using a Cathedral Window-Shaped Mirror

Can’t install a real cathedral window? I feel you. Maybe you’re renting (been there—my landlord banned any “permanent changes,” which basically meant no nails, no paint, no fun. I once got a text for hanging a picture with command strips. Command strips.). Maybe the wall is load-bearing (ugh, contractors love dropping that bombshell like it’s bad news). Maybe your budget says “no” (windows are expensive, let’s be real—like, “do I want a window or a vacation” expensive). No problem—we’ve got a hack.

There’s a big, arched mirror. It looks like a cathedral window.

Designers use this trick a lot. It works really well. And it’s so easy, i still can’t believe it.

Hang it above a fireplace. Or put it in that dark hallway—you know, the one that never gets light. Mine was like that. It felt like a cave, even with the light on. I almost needed a flashlight.

Then boom: it becomes the center of attention. It bounces light around the room. It adds something interesting to the space, like better architecture. And it even tricks your brain into thinking there’s a real window there.

I used one in my old apartment’s dining room—silver frame, arched top—and guests kept asking, “Where does that window lead?” Spoiler: it didn’t lead anywhere. It just led to a reflection of my terrible dining table (the one I bought for $50 off Facebook Marketplace). But they didn’t need to know that. It looked that good. The best part? When I moved out, I just took it down and brought it with me. Renting win.

9. The Playful Kid's Room Cathedral Window Alcove

Kids’ rooms should feel like magic, right? Not just a bed and a dresser and a pile of toys that somehow multiplies overnight. A cathedral window can make that happen.

Build a cozy alcove around the base of an arched window—add a built-in bench, soft cushions in their favorite color (my niece picked neon pink, which I thought was way too bright… but she loves it, so who cares if it clashes with the walls), and shelves for books and stuffed animals. Suddenly, it’s their special spot: where they read “Goodnight Moon” for the 100th time, where they daydream about being an astronaut or a princess, where they watch rain fall on the grass and make up stories about the worms having a party.

It feels like a castle tower or a secret hideaway. And the best part? It grows with them. That alcove that holds stuffed animals now will hold textbooks later. My niece is 12 now, and she still hangs out there—just with her phone instead of teddy bears. She’ll sit there scrolling TikTok or FaceTiming her friends, and I’ll tease her about “her little tower.” She rolls her eyes, but I see her smile. Worth every penny.

10. Bring the Outside In with a Dining Room Cathedral Window

Dinner time doesn’t have to be “eat and run.” I used to scarf down food at the counter while scrolling my phone—total autopilot, barely tasting what I was eating. Half the time I’d finish and think, “Wait, did I even have broccoli?” But design your dining space around a massive cathedral window, and every meal becomes an event.

It’s even better if the window faces a patio or a landscaped garden (I planted roses outside mine, and they smell amazing in summer—so good, I sometimes pluck one and put it on the table. Don’t tell the roses.). At night, light the candles outside, and it feels like you’re dining alfresco—even when it’s cold or rainy (no more freezing your toes off in October just to “enjoy the fresh air”).

The window’s grand scale makes casual Tuesday dinners (pasta night! With way too much garlic bread) feel special, and holiday gatherings feel even more memorable. I hosted Thanksgiving here last year, and everyone kept talking about the “view with their turkey.” My aunt even said it was the “best Thanksgiving ever”—and she hates my cooking. So yeah, the window did the heavy lifting. I’m not mad about it.

11. Drape Your Cathedral Window for a Touch of Drama

Not everything has to be minimalist. Sometimes, you want a little drama. Enter custom drapes for your cathedral window. I did this in my living room, and it makes the whole space feel more polished—like I actually know what I’m doing with decor (spoiler: I don’t, but the drapes help).

Pick rich velvet (for warmth—perfect for winter, when you want the room to feel like a hug) or flowing linen (for lightness—great in summer, when you want air to move through without letting in a million bugs). Something that feels luxe, even if it’s from a budget store (I won’t tell if you won’t). The key? Mount the curtain rod high and wide. Like, way above the window frame and a few inches past the sides. When the drapes are open, they frame the window without covering any glass or blocking the view. When they’re closed, they add texture and coziness—like wrapping the room in a soft blanket.

It’s like giving your window a fancy outfit. My friend called it “window couture.” I rolled my eyes, but she’s right. Every time I open them in the morning, I think, “Wow—this looks nice.” Even on days when the rest of the room is a mess (which is most days. Let’s be honest.).

12. The Home Office Cathedral Window for Epic Inspiration

Staring at a blank wall while you work is soul-sucking. Trust me, I’ve been there. I used to work at a desk facing a beige wall, and I’d spend more time scrolling my phone than actually working. “Just five more minutes,” I’d say. Then an hour would pass, and I’d panic about the deadline. A cathedral window in your home office? It’s a game-changer.

Position your desk so you’re facing the window. Natural light floods in (science says it boosts productivity—finally, science I can get behind!), and you’ve got a dynamic view to glance at when you’re stuck. Writer’s block? Look at the trees swaying. Zoom fatigue? Watch the clouds drift by. Suddenly, your home office isn’t just a desk in a corner—it’s a creative studio.

I switched mine last year, and I swear, I’m way less likely to scroll my phone. There’s just too much to look at outside. A squirrel chasing another squirrel. A bird building a nest (spoiler: it fell apart three times before they got it right). Even rain hitting the leaves. Plus, my Zoom background now is the window—and everyone asks where I work. “Is that your backyard?” they’ll say. “It’s beautiful.” Win-win.

13. A Stained-Glass Cathedral Window for Artistic Flair

Cathedral windows first used stained glass. So why not honor that? But don’t think dark, heavy, old designs. Modern stained glass is crazy. I saw one in a boutique hotel once. I stood there 10 minutes, watching the light change. It was like art that moves.

Artists make abstract patterns now. Or geometric shapes. Even colorful gradients—like blues and purples that look like a sunset over the ocean. When the sun hits it, your room gets filled with all kinds of light. Pink at sunrise. Gold at noon. Blue at dusk. It’s art that changes every hour. No two moments look the same.

If you want a home that feels unique—yours, not a magazine copy—this works. It’s bold. It’s beautiful. And people will ask about it. My friend has one in her living room. Every guest says, “Where’d you get that?” She likes telling the story. A local artist made it. They sat down together and picked the colors. It means more than a regular window.

14. Let the Sky In with a Cathedral Window Skylight

Who said cathedral windows have to be on walls? Look up! An arched window on a vaulted or pitched ceiling makes for a spectacular skylight. I installed one in my attic-turned-guest room, and my mom now insists on staying there every time she visits. “It’s like sleeping under the sky,” she says. (She also complains about the morning light waking her up at 6 a.m., but she still picks that room over the guest room downstairs. Typical mom.)

This is genius for central spaces that don’t have exterior walls—like a hallway or an interior kitchen (my cousin has one in her kitchen, and it makes the whole space feel bigger, even though it’s tiny enough that two people can’t open the fridge at the same time). It draws your eye upward, making the space feel open and airy. And at night? You can stargaze from your couch. I’ve sat up there with my sister, drinking wine and pointing out constellations (we mostly guessed—neither of us knows anything about astronomy—but it was fun).

It’s a little piece of the sky, right in your home. Even on cloudy days, it lets in soft light that makes the room feel warm. Worth every penny, even if my mom does grumble about the early mornings.

15. The Cozy A-Frame Cabin Cathedral Window

A-frame cabins and cathedral windows work really well together. i stayed in one last winter. i barely left the couch. Why would i? The view was perfect.

The whole front of an A-frame is like a blank space for a big arched or triangular window. It follows the roofline. It makes the small, cozy inside feel bigger. No more tight spaces where you almost trip over firewood or boots. And it links you right to the woods.

Waking up to snow on the trees through that window? Unbeatable. i’d make coffee, sit on the couch with a blanket, and just look. No phones, no emails. Just snow and quiet. It felt great.

I even forgot to bring socks—rookie move, i know—but i didn’t care. The window made everything feel warm, even with cold toes.

If you have an A-frame, or want one, this window is a must. It’s why the cabin feels like a getaway, not just a small house in the woods.

16. The Transitional Living Room's Symmetrical Cathedral Windows

Transitional style is all about balance—timeless but fresh, formal but inviting. Symmetrical cathedral windows nail that. My cousin did this in her living room, and it feels both elegant and cozy—like you can sit on the couch with popcorn and watch a movie and host a fancy dinner party there. No awkward middle ground.

Place two identical, tall windows on either side of a central feature: a grand fireplace (hers has a stone surround that looks like it’s been there forever, even though it’s new), a big piece of art, even a TV (no judgment—we all watch Netflix). The symmetry feels calm and intentional. Like, someone put thought into this space. It frames the focal point perfectly, and double the windows mean double the light.

Her living room used to feel dark in the afternoon—even with all the lights on, it was like a cave. Now it’s bright until sunset. Plus, it looks amazing in photos. She posts them on Instagram all the time, and her friends comment, “Your living room is goals.” I’m low-key jealous.

17. The Sleek, Frameless Glass Cathedral Window

For the ultimate minimalist? A frameless cathedral window. This is architectural magic. I saw one in a modern home in California, and I had to do a double-take. It was so clean, so sleek, so impactful—I thought, “How did they even do that?”

Using specialized structural glass, you can create a seamless arched opening—no visible frame, no lines, just you and the view. It’s like there’s nothing between you and the outside world. My friend described it as “looking through air,” and that’s exactly it. No clutter, no distractions—just light and beauty.

If you want “less is more” done right, this is it. But be prepared for guests to gasp when they walk in. Every single one. I know I did. I stood there for a minute, just staring, and the homeowner laughed. “Everyone does that,” she said. I didn’t even care if I looked silly. It was that good.

18. An Internal Cathedral Window for Open-Concept Flow

Open-concept homes are great—no more closed-off rooms where you can’t talk to guests while cooking, no more feeling isolated when you’re cleaning the kitchen. But sometimes you want a little separation. Without closing things off entirely. Enter the internal cathedral window.

Use an arched opening (maybe with glass, maybe not—my friend did hers without, and it’s still great) between two spaces: kitchen and living room, master bedroom and ensuite, even a home office and hallway. It lets light and sightlines flow between zones, making both spaces feel bigger. And that elegant arch? Way more interesting than a standard doorway (which is basically just a rectangle. Boring.).

I did this between my kitchen and dining room, and now I can chat with guests while I cook—without feeling like I’m in the same cramped space. No more yelling over the stove! “Want another drink?” I can say, while stirring the pasta. It’s small, but it makes hosting so much easier. And it looks way fancier than a regular doorway. Win.

19. A Greenhouse or Conservatory with Cathedral Window Walls

Plant lovers, listen up. A greenhouse or conservatory with walls of repeating cathedral window panels? It’s your dream space. My friend Sarah did this, and she spends every Sunday morning in there—sipping coffee, pruning plants, just enjoying the light. It’s her happy place.

The windows let in all the light your plants need to thrive—succulents, ferns, even tropicals (she’s got a banana tree in there! In Oregon! I still can’t believe it hasn’t died). And the Gothic-inspired arches? They turn a simple greenhouse into an architectural feature. It’s like a magical glass house in your backyard.

She even added a small bench, so she can sit and watch her plants grow. “It’s my little oasis,” she says. And honestly? I’m jealous. I kill every plant I touch—seriously, I once managed to kill a cactus. A cactus. But even I want this. Just to sit there, surrounded by green, and pretend I have a green thumb.

20. The Elegant Hallway Terminated by a Cathedral Window

Long hallways can feel like dark tunnels—cold, boring, something to rush through. My old house had one that felt like walking through a cave. Even with the lights on, it was gloomy enough that I’d jog if I had to go down it at night (irrational, I know). A cathedral window at the end fixes that.

Architects have used this trick for years. put something eye-catching at the end of a long space. it pulls people toward it.

The window lets sunlight go far into the house. it also makes a nice little scene. that scene changes throughout the day.

Morning light makes it shine. evening light makes it look soft.

And walking down the hallway doesn’t feel like a chore anymore. it’s just a small, nice moment.

I’d slow down just to look at it. Even when I was late—running out the door to catch a meeting—I’d pause for two seconds, just to take it in. My mailman even commented once: “That window at the end of the hall? It’s lovely.” High praise from a mailman. And let’s be real—mailmen know best.

21. A Home Gym Cathedral Window for a Motivational View

Working out at home is hard. Let’s just admit it. I used to stare at my garage wall while on the treadmill, counting down the seconds until I could stop. “One more minute. Okay, 30 seconds. Fine, 10. I quit.” It was miserable. But a cathedral window in your home gym? It makes it easier.

Instead of staring at a blank wall, you can look out at something energizing: the city skyline (if you’re in an apartment), your garden (my roses are very motivating—“If they can grow through thorns, I can run for five more minutes”), even just the open sky. The light boosts your mood, and the view distracts you from the burn (when your legs are shaking on the elliptical, watching a bird fly by helps. Trust me.).

I installed one in my garage-turned-gym, and I actually don’t dread working out now. Okay, maybe not look forward—but I don’t hit snooze on my workout alarm as often. Baby steps. And when I do finish a workout? I stand by the window for a minute, catching my breath, and think, “That wasn’t so bad.” The window’s basically my workout buddy.

22. The Double-Height Great Room Cathedral Window Wall

If you have a double-height great room, you have extra vertical space. use it.

A wall of stacked or big cathedral windows? it’s amazing. i saw one in a nice airbnb—okay, it was a mansion—and i just stood there for a minute. open-mouthed. it made the big space feel warm and cozy, not cold and empty like some big rooms are.

It shows off the ceiling height—that’s the point of a double-height room, right? it fills the first floor and upper mezzanine with light, and makes people go “wow.” guests will walk in and say “whoa.” trust me. i did. the homeowner laughed and said, “yeah, that’s why we did it.”

It’s a big investment, but if you have the space? worth every dollar. it turns a big room into something grand. even just sitting on the couch, looking up at that wall of windows, makes you feel like you’re in a nice hotel. but it’s your home. perfect.

23. A Gothic-Inspired Black-Laced Cathedral Window

Want to highlight the cathedral window’s old roots? go Gothic style.

My neighbor did this in his home office. it feels like a cozy old library—no dusty books, no grumpy librarian. it’s moody in the best way.

Use a black frame and delicate, lacey tracery. that’s the metal or wood patterns inside the arch. think thin, filigree-like designs. it adds mood, romance, and old charm.

Great for a study—he writes novels there. fitting, like he’s a 19th-century author who drinks tea and wears a waistcoat. works for a library too, or even a bedroom if you want something a bit dramatic.

The black frame stands out against the light. when the sun hits it, the tracery makes pretty shadows on the wall. it’s like living in a storybook.

I went over once to borrow a hammer. ended up staying 20 minutes just staring at the window. “it’s inspiring,” he said. i get it. even borrowing a hammer feels fancy in that room.

24. A Mediterranean Villa's Cathedral Window Door

Why just a window when you can have a door? A custom French door that looks like a cathedral window feels romantic.

I stayed in an Italian villa with one. every evening, i sat right next to it. i watched the sunset. listened to birds. sipped cheap wine that tasted amazing. this door makes you feel like you’re on vacation—even when you’re home.

It works great for Mediterranean or Tuscan houses. think terracotta roofs, olive trees, a patio grill you use more than your indoor stove. open it on a warm day, and your living room blends with the patio or garden. breeze comes in. light floods through. suddenly you’re “outdoor dining” without getting off the couch.

The arched top looks nice. the glass lets light in even when it’s shut. i’d open it in the morning. let the breeze in. drink coffee while looking at the villa’s garden. it was great.

If you have a patio or garden, you need this door. it makes every day feel like a small escape.

25. Keep it Simple: The Single, Transom Cathedral Window

You don’t need a huge, floor-to-ceiling window to make a difference. Sometimes, small is better.

A single small cathedral window high on a wall—like one above a door or a regular window—adds nice structure without crowding the room. I put one above my front door. Every time I unlock it, I smile at that little arch.

It lets in more light. My entryway used to be dark, even with the light on. Now it’s bright, and I don’t fumble for keys anymore. It also makes the ceiling feel higher. Just a trick of the eye, but it works. And it shows you cared about the small stuff.

It’s the little things, right? My friend said it “adds character without trying.” That’s exactly what you want.

That’s proof a cathedral window’s power isn’t in its size. It’s in its shape. That tiny arch? It makes my entryway feel like mine. Not just a door, but a welcome.

And isn’t that what home is all about?

More Than Just a Window

A cathedral window isn’t just for light. It shapes rooms. It gives your home its own feel. And it links you to what’s outside.

That light above the sink? It makes the kitchen feel less tight. In the reading nook, you lose track of time. You even forget about the laundry.

Guests see it first and say, “Wow.”

In the bathroom, a quick shower feels like a spa.

And the hallway doesn’t feel like a cave anymore.

It can be grand or quiet, bold or simple. This thing that never goes out of style turns a house into a home. One that feels open, inspiring, and yours.

Which idea was your favorite? The reading nook with the fuzzy blanket? The bathroom retreat with the ferns? Or maybe the mirror hack for renters (I still love that one)? Let us know in the comments below—I’m dying to hear!

25 Breathtaking Cathedral Window Ideas to Transform Your Home