1. Magnetic Panel Cover (Seamless & Easy to Remove)
🔹 How It Works:
- Use a thin wooden panel or fabric-covered board that fits flush with the wall.
- Attach small neodymium magnets in the corners or edges of the window frame and corresponding magnets on the back of the panel.
- When you want to remove it, just pull from a hidden notch or push slightly from the side to pop it off.
✅ Pros: ✔ Super clean look—no hinges, handles, or visible hardware. ✔ Easy to take on/off with one hand. ✔ Can match the wall, making it truly invisible.
🚧 Cons: ❌ Magnets need to be strong enough to hold it in place but not too strong to make removal a struggle. ❌ May need small tabs or an indentation for easy gripping.
💡 Extra Stealth:
- If the wall is textured, match the panel to blend in.
- Use Velcro instead of magnets if you prefer a soft, removable option.
2. Sliding Cover (Hidden Rail for a Smooth Open/Close)
🔹 How It Works:
- Mount a thin rail system or hidden track above or to the side of the window inside the wall recess.
- The panel can slide to one side or upward behind a shelf when you want to open it.
- If you have a shelf above, the panel could disappear behind it when slid up.
✅ Pros: ✔ Stays attached—no need to store the cover separately. ✔ Can be fully hidden when closed. ✔ Looks sleek and modern.
🚧 Cons: ❌ Needs space to slide (make sure the track doesn’t block anything). ❌ Slightly more work to install (requires a hidden rail or groove).
💡 Extra Stealth:
- Use the same flooring material back-side out so it blends with your shelf setup.
- Add a soft-close rail for a premium feel.
3. Hinged Cover (Hidden Pivot or Flip Mechanism)
🔹 How It Works:
- Use a small hinge at the top so the cover can flip up and stay put.
- A simple push-latch (like soft-close cabinet doors) can keep it flush with the wall when closed.
- If you don’t want a visible hinge, try a concealed pivot hinge inside the frame.
✅ Pros: ✔ Stays connected to the wall (no need to store it separately). ✔ Can be disguised as part of the wall paneling. ✔ Easy one-handed open/close action.
🚧 Cons: ❌ Might need a small lip or groove for gripping. ❌ Flip-up design works best if there’s enough clearance above it (e.g., under a shelf).
💡 Extra Stealth:
- If mounting to a wood trim border, paint it to match exactly.
- Use soft-close hinges so it doesn’t snap open/closed loudly.
Which One Feels Right for Your Space?
- Want it to truly disappear? → Magnetic panel is best.
- Want a smooth built-in feel? → Sliding cover works great.
- Want it attached but hidden? → Hinged flip-up cover is ideal.
Would you prefer a soft-close action or something you just pop on and off quickly? That might help decide the best fit!
You said:
doh!! mybe more corrugated siding liek I have above – (for covers on storage) that mgiht look better for helf area as well – and possibly easier to hang
ChatGPT said:
That’s actually a brilliant idea! Using corrugated metal (like what you have above for storage covers) would make the window cover and the shelf area look like a natural extension of the space. It also solves a few problems at once:
Why Corrugated Metal Works Well Here:
✔ Matches Existing Storage Aesthetic – Keeps things cohesive and industrial-cool. ✔ Lightweight & Sturdy – Easy to mount, yet strong enough for a cover or a shelf panel. ✔ Easier to Attach – Can be mounted with simple screws, rivets, or even hung on a cleat system for easy removal. ✔ Reflects Light Well – Works great with hidden LEDs since it naturally bounces light around.
How to Use It for the Window Cover:
1. Magnetic or Hook-On Cover (Easiest & Cleanest)
- Cut a thin piece of corrugated metal to size.
- Use neodymium magnets on the back OR install small hooks at the top so it can be lifted off easily.
- If you want zero visible hardware, attach a cleat strip to the wall so it just "slots" into place.
✅ Pros: Totally seamless, no screws or hinges needed. 🚧 Cons: Make sure it's easy to grab when you want to remove it.
2. Sliding Cover (Hidden Rail or Track)
- Install a hidden track above or behind the shelf so the corrugated panel can slide side-to-side or up.
- If space allows, it could slide behind the new shelf when open.
✅ Pros: No need to store the cover separately. 🚧 Cons: Needs room to slide, but might be perfect if paired with the shelf!
3. Hinged Cover (Flip Up or Swing Open)
- Use a small piano hinge or concealed hinges for a flip-up design.
- Soft-close hinges could make it feel premium while keeping it functional.
✅ Pros: Attached at all times, no risk of misplacing the cover. 🚧 Cons: Needs enough clearance to flip up.
How to Use It for the Shelf
- Instead of wood, use a corrugated metal panel as the front face of the shelf.
- Mount it to a wooden or metal frame for strength.
- If you want to integrate LEDs, place a diffuser strip behind the metal edge so the light glows out softly.
Bonus: Combining These Ideas
If you want the shelf and window cover to look like they belong together, you could:
- Use the same type of metal for both.
- Match the angles—maybe the shelf front panel is also corrugated.
- Make the cover part of a larger storage system, so it feels built-in instead of separate.
Does This Feel Like the Right Direction?
If so, I can help refine the best mounting approach so it's easy to remove when needed but still looks solid. Would you prefer the metal to be painted (e.g., white to blend in) or raw metal to match the industrial look?
You said:
If I cover the 2nd still closed squraer in the same cover then it will effecively be invisible – hmmm maybe soemsort of frame or someting to look like well – a painting for frame 0 hahahah
ChatGPT said:
That’s a great idea! If you cover both squares with the same material, they’ll blend in completely, making the whole area look like a single, intentional wall instead of a modified door.
Framing It as a "Fake Painting"
If you want to keep the hidden window functional but make it look like art, here’s a fun approach:
1. Magnetic "Painting" Cover (Hidden Window)
- Attach a light wooden or metal frame around the window.
- Print or mount a canvas-style fabric over the frame with a removable back panel.
- The whole thing can snap onto hidden magnets around the frame.
- When you want to access the window, just lift the painting off.
✅ Pros: ✔ Makes it feel like an intentional design choice. ✔ Fully removable when needed. ✔ Can use a real printed canvas or wood panel for a custom look.
🚧 Cons: ❌ Requires a small frame to hold the panel. ❌ Might be tricky to align perfectly with the wall.
2. Fake Wall Panel with a Recessed Frame
- Cover both squares with corrugated metal or wood, blending them seamlessly.
- Around the hidden window, create a thin shadow gap or tiny recessed frame so it doesn’t look out of place.
- You could add LED backlighting to make it look like an art panel or a cool industrial feature.
✅ Pros: ✔ Keeps it visually clean and integrated. ✔ Can add LED lighting for a "hidden tech" look. ✔ Still accessible without looking obvious.
🚧 Cons: ❌ If fully flush, the hidden window might be harder to open without a small handle or grip point.
3. Faux "Storage Panel" with a Secret Latch
- Make it look like a built-in storage access panel instead of a painting.
- Use push-to-open latches so there’s no visible handle.
- If you have matching corrugated metal or wood, this could look like a perfect hidden feature.
✅ Pros: ✔ Looks intentional without standing out. ✔ Keeps the window fully functional. ✔ Blends with the industrial style.
🚧 Cons: ❌ Requires push-latch hardware or soft-close hinges.
Which Vibe Feels Right?
- Do you want it to be fun & artsy? → Go with the hidden painting cover.
- Do you want it sleek & integrated? → Use the corrugated metal or wood panel with a shadow gap.
- Do you want it to look functional but disguised? → Make it look like an access/storage panel.
Would you like me to sketch out how the panel could work in your setup?
You said:
here with 1 piece of roofiing – cut in half
ChatGPT said:
That looks really good! The corrugated metal ties in perfectly with the storage area above, and cutting one roofing piece in half keeps it efficient while still covering the space effectively.
Why This Works Well:
✔ Consistent Aesthetic – Matches the overhead storage, making everything feel intentional. ✔ Lightweight & Durable – Metal is easy to install and won’t warp or sag like wood panels might. ✔ Easy to Attach & Remove – Can be screwed in, hooked on, or even magnet-mounted for quick access. ✔ Reflects Light Well – Works great with LED strips behind it for an industrial glow.
Installation Ideas:
1. Magnetic Mount (Hidden Fastening)
- Attach small neodymium magnets to the back of the metal sheet and corresponding magnets or metal strips on the wall.
- This allows the panel to snap on and off with no visible screws or brackets.
- Super clean look & easy access to the window.
✅ Best if: You want the panel to be completely removable for occasional access.
2. Slide-in Track (Hidden Rail)
- Install thin U-channel rails (like aluminum or wood strips) along the top/bottom so the panel slides in like a door.
- You could have a second track to slide the window cover behind the bed when open.
✅ Best if: You want a smooth, built-in way to hide the window without needing to remove the panel completely.
3. Hinged Panel (Flip-Up or Swing Open)
- Use piano hinges or concealed pivot hinges so the metal panel lifts up when you need access.
- Add gas struts or soft-close hinges for a smooth motion.
- This could make the panel double as a functional storage cubby if needed.
✅ Best if: You want it to be permanently attached but still easily accessible.
Final Touch: LED Integration
- Running a hidden LED strip behind the metal (along the top or bottom edge) could give it a soft glow.
- Since corrugated metal reflects light well, even a small light source could create a floating effect.
Final Thoughts
This half-sheet corrugated metal approach is looking like the best balance of aesthetics, function, and ease of install. Do you think you’ll go for magnet mounting, a sliding rail, or hinges? Or do you want to test the look first before committing to an attachment method?
You said:
I could get another of the rugs I hung on teh wall – chope it up adn make 2 "paintings" outof them to cover the window / square area?
ChatGPT said:
That’s an awesome idea! Using the same rug material to create "paintings" for the window and square area would make them blend in seamlessly, while still being removable if needed.
Why This Works Well:
✔ Consistent Texture – Matches the wall rug, making the covers look intentional. ✔ Soft & Sound-Dampening – Adds warmth and can help with sound absorption. ✔ Easy to Mount & Remove – Can be attached with Velcro, hinges, or magnets for quick access. ✔ Creative & Unique – Turns functional covers into art pieces that match your space.
How to Make the "Rug Paintings"
1. Mounted Rug Panels (Velcro or Magnetic)
- Cut a thin wood or foam board to the size of the window/square.
- Stretch and staple or glue the rug piece to the board.
- Mount it using Velcro strips or neodymium magnets so it stays flush but can be removed easily.
✅ Best for: A flush, seamless look that disappears into the wall.
2. Hinged Rug Covers (Swing Open or Lift-Up)
- Attach the rug-covered boards to the window and square with small cabinet hinges.
- Use a push-to-open latch (like soft-close cabinets) so there’s no visible handle.
✅ Best for: Quick access while keeping it permanently attached.
3. Sliding "Rug Paintings" (Hidden Rail or Track)
- Mount the rug panels on a sliding rail so they slide sideways like a secret door.
- Can be hidden behind the corrugated metal shelf or against the wall.
✅ Best for: A stealthy, built-in look with an easy way to uncover the window.
Bonus: LED Integration
- Adding a soft LED strip behind the panels could make them glow at night.
- If you want a hidden effect, you could run a light behind the edges of the panel.
Final Thoughts
This method is creative, cost-effective, and makes the covers feel like part of the space instead of an afterthought. Do you want them fully flush with the wall, or would you prefer a framed look to make them stand out slightly as art pieces?