20 Windows with Drywall Returns Ideas for Your Home

Last updated on February 27, 2024

Uncover compelling reasons to choose windows with drywall returns because they infuse subtle elegance into your living spaces.

These are my unique design concepts made using design tools. I hope you find them inspiring!

Windows with drywall returns are more than just functional; they can dramatically influence the interior aesthetics of your home.

You might be aware of some classic ideas, and sure, they’re great, but aren’t you intrigued to experiment with something a bit different?

This article aims to inspire you with a fresh, unique list of ideas to bring a new angle and perspective to your windows, catapulting them from mundane to mesmerizing.

And yes, for those who appreciate the classics, we haven’t forgotten about you.

At the end of this article, you’ll find resources to the very best of those existing ideas, too.

Let’s plunge into this innovative world of windows with drywall returns and unleash the design potential they hold.

What's Inside

Create a Sleek Modern Look With Painted Drywall Returns

Painting your drywall returns brings out a modern, sleek appearance that can transform the typical ambiance of any home. A well-chosen color can elevate the aesthetic value of the room and enhance the architectural elements.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

1. Select a paint color that complements your design scheme. Neutral colors like whites, grays, or beiges are popular for their ability to blend seamlessly with most color palettes.
2. Consider the sheen of your paint. A paint with a slight sheen can reflect light and make your window area look more open and bright.
3. Hiring a professional painter can give you a flawless finish, but if you’re doing it yourself, be sure to apply a primer first to get the best results.
4. Don’t forget to use painter’s tape to get clean, professional-looking lines. This will make your drywall returns stand out in a sophisticated, subtle way.

Remember, a sleek modern look is all about simplicity, neutrality, and flawless execution. So keep these points in mind when you’re considering painting your drywall returns. They can really make a significant difference in your interior styling.

Illuminate Your Space By Pairing Drywall Returns With Recessed Lighting Near Windows

To elevate the aesthetic appeal of your interiors, consider integrating recessed lighting into the design. This will not only emphasize the smart framing of your windows with drywall returns but also enhance the illumination of your space.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Adjacent Placement: Position the lights close to the window, focusing the glow towards the drywall’s edge.
Proper Spacing: Ensure a balanced look by symmetrically spacing the lights around the window.
Dimmer Switches: Use them for versatile lighting control and to set different moods.
Indirect Light: This prevents harsh shadows and creates a soft, inviting ambiance.
Energy-Efficient Bulbs: Opt for them not just for their longevity but also their reduced energy use.
Safety Precautions: Always consult an electrician to ensure safe installation avoiding any electrical mishaps.

Highlight Unique Architecture With Angled Drywall Returns

Taking advantage of the distinct features of your home can truly make a difference in creating an engaging decor. For structures with vaulted ceilings, beamed archways or unique nooks and corners, it might be a great idea to utilize those elements.

To accomplish this, you can follow the natural lines of the architecture with custom-cut drywall. Made at various angles, these precision cuts can highlight unusual shapes and angles in the home’s structure. The instrumentation needed is basic, such as a plasterer’s trowel, sandpaper, and a custom-cut miter box.

An important point to remember here is that the drywall not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also works as a support structure. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure it’s properly secured.

Texture can play a significant role in elevating the look of your drywall returns, adding visual depth and interest. Lightly sand the surface for a subtle rustic feel, or opt for a matte finish for a sleek modern take.

Lastly, play with colors. They can effectively emphasize the architectural features you’re trying to highlight. Choose a contrasting hue for a bold statement or the same color as your walls for a seamless, elegant look.

Try a Minimalist Design Approach With Simple White Drywall Returns Around Your Windows

Embracing Roman architect Vitruvius’s principle of simplicity as a key element of good design, minimalist window dressing methods are increasingly popular. To achieve this look, paint the drywall return the same color as your wall, particularly white, which offers a clean, bright aesthetic.

This approach effectively eliminates the visual boundary between the window and the rest of the room, creating a unified, open feel. The clean lines and uncluttered appearance appeal to our innate preference for order and symmetry, creating a calm and soothing environment.

A few tips can help perfect this method. Ensure the corners are crisp and straight for a seamless look. Also, keep the window glass sparkling clean as any imperfections will be magnified by the minimalist design. It also provides the perfect backdrop to highlight any impressive views or lush greens outside, reminiscent of a white-framed picturesque painting.

Lastly, remember to pair this concept with minimal and functional furniture and décor to fully manifest the “less is more” philosophy in your space.

Add Depth With Tiered Drywall Returns

Tiered drywall returns add an intriguing element to any room by creating an illusion of increased depth, enhancing spatial perception. The concept behind this design is fairly simple:

1. Select multiple layers: This involves using two or more layers of drywall around your windows. The more layers you add, the deeper the return appears.

2. Create visual interest: Tiered drywall returns can break the monotony of a wall and make your windows a focal point. Carefully select colors and textures for each tier to maintain harmony with the overall room theme.

3. Ensure smooth finish: Each tier should smoothly transition into the next to maintain a professional and clean appearance.

4. Accommodate shades or blinds: Keep in mind, tiering might affect the placement of any window treatments. So, plan accordingly to ensure your curtains or blinds fit well.

5. Remember safety: While installing multiple layers, pay careful attention to not compromise the window frame’s structural integrity.

Overall, tiered drywall returns are a fabulous way to showcase your creativity and make your windows undoubtedly unique.

Using Drywall Returns to Create a Seamless Transition Between Windows and Walls

Similar color schemes and textures for both your windows and walls help in achieving an effortless and visually appealing transition. A consistent paint finish can make the borders around your windows fade into the walls, building a unified and comforting space. Remember, the key is in the details; accurate measurements and careful cutting of the drywall can create a perfect fit for the windows.

Apart from aesthetic charm, this transition also simplifies the cleaning process. Dust and debris can no longer hide in ornate woodwork or bulky frames, reducing maintenance efforts. Drywall is also relatively inexpensive and readily available, making this design choice not only attractive but also practical. Be sure to hire a skilled professional or if you’re confident and handy, you could consider doing it yourself using the proper safety measures.

If there is an intention of hanging curtains or blinds in the future, you should plan ahead and install necessary hardware beforehand, as fastening them directly onto drywall is usually not advisable. From minimalist designs to more extravagant setups, the options of integrating your windows with drywall are diverse and exciting. With careful planning and execution, your own unique vision can be realized.

Combine Drywall Returns With Deep Window Sills for a Cozy Reading Nook

With a few intentional choices, you can easily translate this design concept into your own space.

First, select a window with a sill that is wide enough to serve as a seat – around 18″ is optimal. For comfort and charm, add a custom-made cushion and pillows that complement your overall decor.

Next, extend the drywall returns inward from the walls to meet the edge of the sill, effectively creating a recessed space around the window. This design amplifies the depth of the window and creates an inviting, enclosed feel for your nook.

For additional functionality, consider integrating shelves or drawers into the drywall return under the sill. Not only will this provide storage for books, it will also help ground the nook and further define it as a separate space.

Lastly, add soft lighting overhead or at the side to cap off your cozy haven. A sleek, recessed light or a small, stylish lamp will provide the perfect ambiance for evening reading.

Remember, the key lies in pairing aesthetic appeal with comfort and functionality. The result will be a welcoming space that beckons you to curl up with a good book.

Create a Statement With Bold Colored Drywall Returns

Bold hues can instantly transform drywall returns into a stunning focal point of any room. Consider a striking contrast color, such as black or navy, against a light-colored wall, or opt for a vivid jewel tone, like emerald or ruby, to add a touch of luxury.

1. A bold color selection can break the visual monotony of the room.

2. Contrasting colors accentuate the windows while adding depth to the room.

3. To ensure color harmony, pick a daring color already present in your room decor as your drywall return color.

4. When choosing a bold color, consider the natural lighting of the room. Bright, vibrant colors can reflect natural light beautifully, enhancing room illumination.

5. This is not a permanent choice; you can repaint over bold drywall returns to change your room’s style in future.

6. Utilize this decoration method to emphasize a window with a beautiful external view.

7. Bright colors can psychologically uplift your mood and energize the environment, making them a perfect choice for your home office or living space.

Make Small Rooms Look Larger By Extending Drywall Returns Around Large Windows

Extending the drywall returns can be a game-changer in smaller rooms, and with large windows, it’s even more impactful. Here are some key points:

Optical Illusion: In essence, an extended drywall return creates an illusion of a recessed window, increasing perceived depth and making a room feel more spacious.
Elastic Space: When the window looks further away, it tricks the eye into seeing the room as larger and longer than it is.
Uniformity: Creating an extended drywall return up to the edge of the window, in the same color scheme as the room, provides a seamless surface which allows the eye to travel smoothly across the room. This plays a key role in modifying the perception of room size.
Brighten It Up: Large windows invite a lot of light; using extended drywall returns to frame this light, especially brighter light, can magnify the feeling of space even more.

Pairing room-optical tricks with natural light benefits, extended drywall returns greatly contribute to making smaller spaces feel airy and expansive.

Reinvent Classic Designs With Decorative Drywall Returns

Decorative drywall returns present a unique opportunity to update traditional designs while maintaining their innate appeal. Consider applying decorative moldings or trims that accentuate and enhance the window’s existing features.

For a more pronounced effect, you might experiment with texture. Stucco or Venetian plaster applied to the return can mimic traditional plasterwork and provide a stunning visual impact.

A little touch of pattern is another creative avenue to explore. For instance, a subtle, stenciled design gives the drywall return a tapestry feel, while damask or geometric patterns present a more modern twist on the classic.

In the realm of color, muted hues help reinforce a vintage aesthetic. At the same time, bold colors juxtaposed against neutral walls can take your window design from classic to contemporary.

Remember, no matter the design direction you take, keep it aligned with your overall home style and aesthetics to ensure your newly decorated window complements, rather than competes with, your interior décor.

Enhance Energy Efficiency By Sealing Off Windows With Drywall Returns

Sealing gaps around properties can significantly improve energy efficiency. This is where the strategic use of drywall returns comes into play.

1. Reduction of Heat Loss: Insulated drywall returns create a barrier to reduce heat loss during winters and maintain a chill during summers, leading to a reduced need for heating and cooling appliances.

2. Air Leak Prevention: Thoroughly sealed windows with drywall returns prevent leakages that can spike your energy bills.

3. Double Duty: By painting drywall returns in light colors, it can further reflect sunlight into the room, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

4. Strategic Positioning: Installing these returns on north and south-side windows can significantly aid in regulating temperature, making your home more comfortable and conserving energy.

Simply stated, apart from its aesthetic benefits, drywall returns help create a well-insulated and energy-efficient home, contributing to significant savings in the long run.

Achieve a Clean, Streamlined Look By Matching Drywall Returns to Wall Color

Our walls play a big part in setting the tone for overall room aesthetics. And choosing the right color for your drywall returns can significantly enhance this visual impact while maintaining a uniform and polished look.

Here’s how you can go about it:

Opt for the Same Color: To maintain continuity, use the same paint color for both your dryball returns and walls. This lends an unbroken flow, making your room appear larger and more cohesive.
Play with Textures: Even when using the same color, you can experiment with different paint finishes. A glossy paint for the returns contrasted against a flat wall finish can add subtle interest.
Use Light Shades: Lighter shades are a safe bet. Not only do they blend easily with most décor schemes, but they also make the room feel airy and spacious.

Remember, the key is to retain harmony and enhance architectural elements. Matching drywall returns to your wall color can create a subtle and stylish statement without being overpowering.

Blend Rustic and Modern Design With Wood-finished Drywall Returns

Implementing wood-finished drywall returns can strike an appealing balance between rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The warmth and texture of natural wood bring to mind countryside living, whilst the clean, sharp lines of the drywall return provide a modern twist.

Here are some key points to consider:

Choose from a variety of wood finishes: From the rich, dark tones of walnut to the pale, minimalist look of birch, there’s a finish to suit every interior.
Mind the grain of the wood: A straight grain gives a cleaner, more modern look, whereas a more complex grain suggests rustic charm.
Consider a stain: A transparent wood stain can deepen the natural color of the wood while protecting and enhancing the grain.
Match your interior: Be sure to choose a wood that complements your existing fixtures, furniture and color scheme.
Remember to seal your wood: A good sealant will protect your wood finish from sun and moisture damage and ensure it lasts longer.

By keeping these points in mind, you can create a stunning modern-rustic aesthetic that transcends design norms, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with character.

Incorporate Drywall Returns With a Circular Window for a Unique Architectural Feature

Circular windows are undeniably eye-catching on their own, but the styling does not need to stop there. By incorporating drywall returns, an added layer of charm can be infused into a room’s design.

First, consider the appeal of continuity. Drywall returns help streamline the appearance of your circular windows, effectively blending them into the wall. It achieves a smooth, uninterrupted visual flow, emphasizing the window’s round silhouette without the interruption of traditional molding or trim.

In addition, this design approach allows for a uniquely clean and subtle frame, especially when the drywall and wall paint match. This understatement in framing places the focus squarely on the form and function of the window.

Finally, remember that lighting creates mood. A circular window paired with drywall returns has the capacity to capture and propagate more natural light, enhancing the ambiance of the room.

In essence, incorporating drywall returns with a circular window can provide a contemporary feel while maximising both form and function. You manage to highlight the window’s uniqueness while maintaining design cohesion.

Try a Geometric Pattern in Drywall Returns for an Artisan Look

Boldly imaginative, the application of geometric patterns in your window’s drywall returns can truly elevate a room’s aesthetic. A few steps can help you achieve this bespoke artistry:

1. Identify your preference in geometric patterns.
Choose a pattern that complements your existing decor. Quirkier choices like hexagons or chevrons can add some fun eclecticism.

2. Consider scale and proportion.
Understand that larger-scale patterns may be more striking but could also overwhelm smaller windows. Smaller patterns look discreet and require fine craftsmanship to execute.

3. Hire proficient craftsmen or DIY if you’re adept.
Executing geometric patterns accurately requires precision, so select your builder wisely. DIY kits can be a great option for those with the right skills.

4. Choose to paint or leave as is.
You can opt to paint your geometric patterned drywall returns to match your room color or stain it for a subtle contrast.

5. Maintain the geometric theme throughout your room.
A lone geometric element can look out of place. Tie in your geometric-themed feature window with smaller matching elements throughout your room such as framed art, rug designs, or cushion patterns. This approach can create a cohesive and professionally designed space.

Design an Art-Deco Inspired Window With Stepped Drywall Return

Embodying an Art-Deco aesthetic in your home can be as simple as updating your window design. Focus on the hallmark geometric patterns and steps of this iconic era for a lush, opulent look.

First, draw out your intended design. Think sunburst shapes, chevron patterns and repeated steps. Your window could have a stepped arch or include parallel lines curving outward.

Next, plan your drywall return. Here you would incorporate the steps and angles. While traditional Art-Deco colors are bold, choose hues that match the existing tones in your room.

When executing your design, precision is key. Each angle and line, despite being hidden in the return, can greatly contribute to the overall appeal of your Art-Deco window.

Lastly, consider decorative touches. You might add a metallic finish, similar to the chrome and gold tones popular in the era, for a sleek, modern touch.

Remember, being bold is typically what defines Art-Deco. Don’t be afraid to stray from the normal when it comes to creating a design that is as much a work of art as it is a functional home feature.

Create a Dramatic Feature Wall With a Large Window Framed By Bold, Black Drywall Returns

To achieve this striking aesthetic, begin by painting the drywall returns a bold, black color. This contrast against the lighter hues of your wall and window gives an alluring depth and a modern twist to your feature wall.

Ensure the window chosen is large and ideally, the work of art of your room. By enhancing the frame with a black drywall return, this will naturally draw the eye towards the view outside, turning it into a living, dynamic painting.

When it comes to choosing the shade of black, a rich ebony or a deep charcoal can create a sophisticated atmosphere that can complement any interior decor style.

Remember, the size of your drywall return should correlate with your window size for balanced aesthetics. Thicker returns also mean more prominent frames, thus pushing up the contrast.

Ensure the drywall is expertly installed and finished, for any flaws become more visible with dark colors. Incorporate this feature wall in a spacious room, where natural light is abundant, to avoid the risk of your room feeling confined or smaller.

Lighting plays an essential role in this ambit; play with wall washers, ceiling lights, or even floor lights to create pleasing shadows and highlights on your dark-colored drywall returns.

Interestingly, the bold, black color can also have its practical benefits. It can help hide scuffs and dirt over time, putting less pressure on you to maintain perfect, blemish-free walls.

Your final visual effect will be an enticing blend of drama and elegance, transforming an everyday living space into a contemporary masterpiece.

Pair Drywall Returns With Floor-to-ceiling Windows for a Panoramic View

When utilizing floor-to-ceiling windows, the incorporation of drywall returns can enhance visual excitement and drama in the space. They provide a crisp, clean-edged finish, allowing the majestic panorama outside to become the hero of the room.

1. Sleek Edges: Drywall returns aligned with these towering windows can create a seamless wall-window interface, drawing the eyes towards stunning outdoor views.

2. Emphasize Light: They can also aid in light optimization, further brightening your room. Thus, you not only utilize natural light more efficiently, but can also capture sunrise to sunset transitions in all their glory.

3. Spatial Illusion: Drywall returns framing a tall window can elevate the sense of room height, making the indoors feel as expansive as the outsides.

Remember, keeping it simple lets nature do the talking! The key is balance, allowing each design element to complement the others without overshadowing.

Use Drywall Returns for a Seamless Integration of Skylights Into Your Ceiling Design

In the world of design, the devil is truly in the details. Skylights, the eye-catching windows of the ceiling, aren’t exempt from this rule. Identifying how to blend them seamlessly is an art often achieved through drywall returns. Here’s how to do it:

1. Frame the skylights: It’s all about the frame. A well-placed drywall frame gives the skylight an elevated, built-in appearance.

2. Create a smooth transition: Use the same material and color as the ceiling for the drywall returns. This allows for a seamless visual flow, minimizing any visual interruption between the skylight and ceiling surface.

3. Enhance the natural light: By angling the drywall return, you can amplify the natural light streaming in from your skylight, enhancing the luminance in the room.

Remember, a meticulously designed skylight can augment your room’s overall ambiance, lending an element of sophistication, only if it’s well-integrated. And that’s where the right design and installation of drywall returns come into play.

Incorporate Floating Shelves Into Your Drywall Returns for Additional Display Space

Innovatively, floating shelves can be integrated into your drywall returns, offering a brilliant solution for those running low on storage or display space. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your room, but they also serve a functional purpose.

1. Practicality: These shelves create extra room for displaying your cherished collectibles, books, or lush indoor plants.

2. Artful Display: Carefully arranged objects on these shelves can act as a visual treat, enhancing the appeal of the window area.

3. Space Optimization: In smaller homes or cramped apartments, this clever hack can be a lifesaver, making the most of unused space.

4. Personalization: Display items that reflect your personality, transforming the window area into a personal tableau.

So, it’s not just about looking good. You’re adding function to the form, making every inch count!