Say Ahoy to Porthole Style at Home

Sometimes standard rectangular mirrors or windows just don’t give your room the feel you were hoping for. In those cases round or oval porthole windows or mirrors might be just what you need. Here’s how to tap into their maritime charm without being kitschy or gaudy.

The term “porthole” is thought to have surfaced sometime in the 1400s. Portholes were once used mainly on ocean vessels to pull light and air into their deep, dark hulls. Then they moved into homes and stuck around, becoming wonderful additions to beach houses, lakeside cottages and other homes.

The porthole windows shown here were a perfect addition to this beautifully remodeled 1930s beach house; they invite the morning sun in to brighten the sleek and comfy entryway.


These porthole-style windows are just what this bedroom needed to give it a nautical feel. The navy blue ceiling is pretty great, too.


Porthole mirrors and bathrooms seem to go hand in hand. You can give a small space an entirely different feel just by using a slightly different type of mirror, like this one.


Look how much character this door’s porthole window brings to the traditional front porch.


The porthole window on this gorgeous glossy red door offers a peek inside the lakeside cottage.


With all the lines in this bathroom, a square or rectangular mirror might have felt too boxy. The round mirror is just the right touch.


Seattle artists Jethaniel Peterka and Yvette Endrijautzki quickly noticed the potential of this small, ship-like space and turned it into Nautilus Studio. They found the great antique porthole for the door at The Seattle Antiques Market.


In case you didn’t notice the tiny window at the bottom of the Nautilus Studio door in the previous photo, here’s a closer look. This is Gobi peering out his very own porthole.

Buying tips: If you are looking for a true functioning porthole that you can use as an exterior window, your best bet is to order directly from a marine supplier, such as Trinity Marine in the U.K. (Finding one from a traditional window supplier may be a challenge.) The great part about buying from a marine supplier is that the porthole is guaranteed to be waterproof. A contractor can help install it.

If you want an antique, you can search on eBay, but be sure that what you’re considering purchasing will fit your needs. Also, note that many antiques are not waterproof, so an interior setting may be best.

More: Find porthole mirrors and more in the Product section

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