Oriel windows are polygonal windows which extend out from a structure, without coming into contact with the ground. They typically appear in the upper stories of a structure, although they are sometimes situated on the ground floor, and they are often viewed as a selling point in a home. Oriel windows most commonly appear in homes built in either the Queen Anne or Gothic Revival style of architecture, although they are increasingly common in modern design, and examples of oriels dating back to the 15th century are readily visible in Europe today.
There are a number of advantages to an oriel window when compared to a regular window. Oriels bring much more light into a structure, by expanding the total area of exposure to the outdoors, and they can also significantly improve ventilation for the same reason. Oriels can also be convenient for expanding the floorspace of a structure without increasing the surface area, which may be why they are so common in cities especially.
Depending on the design, oriel windows may go all the way to the floor, like a bay window, or they may start partway up the wall. Oriels are commonly installed over sinks in the kitchen, providing a nice view for people while they work in the kitchen and also creating a space for drying dishes or growing kitchen herbs. Depending on the design, the supports may be seamlessly integrated into the structure, or they may be used to add decorative ornamentation to the building.
On stone buildings, oriel windows are usually supported with corbels, pieces of weight-bearing stone which may be carved so that they are ornamental as well as functional. Oriel windows can also be supported with the use of wooden or metal brackets, which may be carved or cast into particular shapes. Given that oriels often appear on homes with a lavish decorating style, the ornamentation associated with the supports can sometimes be quite decorative.
In addition to being common in 18th and 19th century Western architecture, oriel windows are also common in the Middle East, because women can look out from shaded oriel windows without being seen. In communities where rules of isolation are observed for women, oriels can provide more of a sense of freedom, allowing women to see what's going on in their community without fear of being seen by passerby. An oriel may be known as a mashrabiya by Middle Eastern architects.
