6 Unique Jharokha Wallpaper Patterns for a Luxurious Living Room

When walking through some streets in Rajasthan, a city swarming with palaces and havelis, you notice a repetitive element adorning all of these structures: an ornamental, projecting window. This marvellous, detailed architecture is known as Jharokhas and is commonly found in the desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Traditionally, these oriel windows served the purpose of privacy, ventilation and a medium of social interaction. With time, their role has evolved from functional to decorative, making them a statement piece in modern homes.

Therefore, in this blog, we shall explore 7 unique Jharokha wallpaper designs for a timeless and luxurious living room.

What Are Jharokhas and How Did They Come About?

The term ‘Jharokhas’ is believed to have evolved from ‘jala gavaska’, which translates to an ornately designed window with roots stretching back to the Mauryan Empire in 300 BCE.

The concept of Jharokhas evolved as both an architectural necessity and a cultural expression. Primarily due to the harsh climate of these regions, these projecting windows were cleverly designed to shield residents from merciless sun rays while letting gentle breeze flow in.

As centuries passed, Persian, Rajput and Mughal influences layered new meanings onto the purpose of Jharokhas.

Emperor Akbar himself made ‘jharokha darshan’ famous using these ornate windows as a way to address his subjects. What was once a window now became a stage for power.

Later, many women from the royal household would watch festivities, court gatherings and other public commotion through jharokhas without ever being seen.

Now these architectural designs still stand tall in Rajasthan and Gujarat, a witness to history and Indian culture. While modern homes found their new cultural decorative pieces.

Architectural Features of Jharokhas

One might mistake a Jharokha for an element of Gothic architecture, with their similar intricate detailing and ornate carvings. Yets, jharokhas embody their own architectural features and these are some you may find in a typical Rajasthani jharokha:-

1. Intricate Carvings: If you closely observe the jharokhas, there are intricate motifs and fine cravings that aren’t random but rather carry mythology and every day scenario elements, all crafted by Rajasthani artisans.

2. Structure: Traditionally, jharokhas protrude from the main wall which results in the formation of a balcony. These enclosures are supported by brackets which are also intricately carved into animal figures.

3. Latticework: Also known as jaali or net, they are an essential feature of jharokhas, made in various geometrical shapes and motifs. They function for both aeration and privacy.

4. Domes & Arches: The Mughal-inspired jharokhas will consist of domes and arches that make them more magnificent. This feature though simple makes the jharokhas more spellbinding.

Did you know? The Hawa Mahal in Rajasthan has 953 Jharokhas with honeycomb-shaped lattices or jaali.

6 Unique Jharokha Wallpaper Designs For A Luxurious Living Room

Considering placing jharokha design wallpapers in your living room? Explore these six unique jharokha patterns:-

1. Rajasthani Jharokha

As the name suggests, this jharokha pattern is inspired by the royalty in Rajasthan. Carved out of sandstone and heavy on jaali work, as seen in the Hawa Mahal, these Jharokha patterns are a hallmark of Rajasthani havelis and palaces.

For your living room, you do not need sandstone walls to bring this beauty home when Magicdecor’s Jaisalmer Haveli Jharokha Mural Wallpaper offers a contemporary finish.

2. Mughal-Style Jharokha

Mughal-inspired jharokha primarily consists of the Islamic dome-like arch and the usage of white raw materials as seen in the Taj Mahal. These jharokha architectures are usually a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences.

To bring this majestic feature in your living room, a Gulistan Jharokha mughal inspired wallpaper would make an excellent backdrop.

3. Antique Jharokha

Antique jharokhas stay true to their origins, showcasing intricate craftsmanship that almost gives an old rugged vibe. If you appreciate history or you’re an enthusiast for decor containing mythology or historical characters, antique jharokha wallpapers are a match for your home. They almost depict the real essence of the century-old jharokhas.

4. Contemporary Jharokha

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Contemporary patterns of jharokhas strip away the heavy ornamentation and focus on simple geometry.Typically, they feature a single opening framed by the jaali work.

If your decor leans more towards minimalist, then contemporary Jharokha wallpaper designs such as Magicdecor’s Aangan Jharokha Wallpaper Mural offer a simpler and cleaner look.

5. Fusion Jharokha

If you love incorporating both modern and traditional elements of jharokhas, then a fusion of jharokha wallpapers creates a luxurious living room. These styles often combine traditional jharokhas with modern elements like flowers or birds. Oftentimes, these consist of Moroccan-inspired jaali work that beautifully fuses the two.

6. Mirror-Style Jharokha

For a while now, many artisans have replaced the traditional opening of the jharokha with mirrors, turning them into a bold decorative accent.

For wallpapers, the mirror is reimagined into stunning landscapes and other 3D visuals that are placed at the center of the jharokha frame. Magicdecor’s Manzar Indian inspired wallpaper gives the impression of looking out onto a scenic view.

Tracing the History of Jharokha on Your Walls

Jharokhas are no doubt unique to Rajasthan, yet they have found their decorative purpose in many Indian homes, reviving the history and culture that was once present.

They are truly ancient architectural treasures that continue to inspire artisans, designers and homeowners alike. And as they evolve from stone-carved balconies to wooden fixtures and now wallpapers murals, they prove their timeless beauty.

If you are choosing Jharokha wallpapers for your living room, look no further than Magicdecor. We have a diverse collection of Jharokha wallpapers from traditional to contemporary, all offering a rich and timeless backdrop for your home.