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Your home’s windows are one of the most important parts of your property.
Not only do they provide light to your home, but they offer occupants with a view of the outside and enhance the aesthetics of a property.
A window reveal makes up one of the most fundamental aspects of every window, offering a range of architectural and decorative functions.
If you’re having new windows installed at your property, it’s important to understand the purpose of a window reveal and the role it performs in your home.
In this article, we’ll look at the question ‘what is a window reveal?’ outlining everything you need to know about the architectural term.
What Is A Window Reveal?
So, what is a window reveal?
Well, in short, a window reveal is a term that refers to the material that surrounds the window (or a door). The bottom of this surface makes up the window ledge, and it also refers to the area that can be found between the window’s outer ledge and the wall which is adjacent to it.
Also sometimes referred to as a window liner, no two window reveals are the same.
Available in a whole host of different configurations and specifications, they’re extremely customisable and are available in different sizes, materials and more. This versatility means that there is a type of window reveal for everyone no matter their personal preferences.
What Is The Purpose Of A Window Reveal?
A window reveal serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.
In a practical sense, it helps to keep the window and its frame protected. Specifically, it can prevent moisture, drafts and other outside elements from causing damage to the window’s frame. This is because it creates a sealed, weatherproof seal.
In addition to the excellent functionality that window reveals offer, they can also act as wonderful decorative elements in a room. Window reveal detail provides people with the opportunity to enhance the appearance of their windows and doors, while also adding a unique sense of personal style.
Other purposes of a window reveal include:
- Waterproofing
- Enhancing aesthetics
- Controlling light
- Insulating sound
- Additional privacy
- Increased ventilation
- And much more
The Different Types of Window Reveal
As mentioned above, window reveals are available in a variety of materials and styles. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options.
Timber Window Reveal
The most common material used for a window reveal is timber.
Timber is fitted to the fin of windows and doors, acting as a robust frame that can keep your window well protected. Architraves are also then attached to cover gaps that are left by the plasterboard.
This style is most common in classic, period properties or those looking to make a traditional statement with their design choice. Usually, they’ll be custom-made to ensure they meet the unique specifications of the property they’re being installed in.
Brick Window Reveal
An alternative choice to timber is brickwork. These are common in properties with a bricked exterior, and they offer an extremely durable base and sleek aesthetic which can complement your home’s entire design.
While both brick and timber offer similar functional benefits, the aesthetic differs between the two materials. Which type is best for you will fully depend on your personal preferences, style and what visual impact you’re looking to achieve with your property.
Boxed Window Reveal
Now we’ve covered the materials let’s look at some of the window reveal designs.
This is when the reveal is fitted to all four sides of the window, with the timber or brick jutting out from the window’s glass on every side. Usually, this design is used if you’re looking to fit architraves around the entire perimeter of a window.
No Bottom Reveal (NBR)
You can also opt for a no bottom reveal, or NBR. This is very similar to a boxed window reveal, except the bottom of the reveal is absent.
Typically, a NBR will be used in three circumstances. These are:
- When a window needs to sit on the floor of a room
- In bathrooms where a window needs to meet the edge of a bath
- In a kitchen when the bottom of a window needs to meet a benchtop
Plaster Return Window Reveal
Similar to the boxed reveal, a plaster return window reveal appears in much the same way other than the fact that there’s no timber or brick window frame visible. This means that the plaster will be seamlessly used from the wall into the glass, creating a wonderfully blended aesthetic.
A plaster return window reveal is most commonly used in bathrooms or kitchens where tiles can be incorporated all the way up to the frame of the window. The tiling will protect the reveal from water damage, and corking and silicone can also be applied to offer a water-resistant seal.
The Dimensions Of A Window Reveal
If you’re installing or replacing a window reveal in your home, it’s important that you know the proper dimensions.
While these will vary from house to house, you can find some general measurements for window reveals below.
- Depth – This is the distance from the outer edge of a window frame to the interior wall surface. Typically, this will be between 5cm-10cm (or 2-4 inches). The thickness of the wall, insulation and the type of window being installed will all dictate the exact depth of a window reveal.
- Width – You can measure the width of your window reveal by examining the overall window frame. Standard windows will provide a width of 8cm-30cm (or up to 12 inches).
- Height – It’s also important to know the height of your window reveal. Used to determine the window opening, you can discover this dimension by measuring from the floor to the ceiling. There really is no general dimension for this, as the height of every room differs.
Looking for more helpful tips on windows, interior design and home improvements? If so, be sure to check out our range of other great blogs across our site.
