Being in the basement can be dreary if there isn’t enough natural light. Egress windows have helped solve that problem by clearing out space in the ground, installing a window in the basement, and supporting the surrounding ground with a window well. The problem is, these still don’t always allow tons of light in AND, let’s face it, they’re just kind of ugly. So get out of the box, or should I say, window well, and design a window well solution that will let in the light! Here are some ideas to get you started:

To start, don’t forget that you can make your window well square, rectangular, or rounded AND you can do it small or large (it doesn’t have to just span the length of the window)—whatever lets in the most light!

Build a terraced window well. Allows more light in, provides a nice view of beautiful landscaping, and also provides an escape route in case of emergency! Handyman has a tutorial on how to do it yourself. 

Rock wall window wells are another beautiful alternative to metal wells. You won’t be ashamed to open the blinds and let in the light if you have a gorgeous rock wall as a backdrop! You can use stone pavers, brick, or more naturally-shaped rocks.

Plant ivy or another clinging plant on the wall of an egress window well. Once it has all grown over, you’ll have some greenery to look out on!

Remember, if you have a straight drop-down window well, make sure you have a covering over it like a metal grating or a clear, plastic cover (plastic ones aren’t such an eye-sore, let in more light, and are more easily removed in case of emergency—just so ya know). A covering protects people from falling in and keeps unwelcome critters out.

Add some small steps in your window well. It makes it safer to escape in case of emergency, or even just to climb in when a ball or something else falls down there! Also I love the beautiful look of the stone in this one.

Here is another example of steps in the window well..this time in a white vinyl one.

Build a beautiful stone wall. This definitely is much better to look at that a plain old window well.

Add some decor for each of the holidays! Here is some Halloween decor from Halloween Forum. You could also put some trees down there for Christmas…get creative!

Make it a planter box with some plants or flowers that will survive down there! This idea is from Redi-Exit.