My basement windows are very close to the ground. Depending on the window, the wash is about 1-3 inches from ground level. Should I add small window wells like the one in the picture below? If so, what options are out there as far as better looks? Thanks.

I would dig out from the bottom of the window staight out into the back yard. Have the floor of this new excavation slope away from the house and make side walls with flag stone or whatever looks good to you. It would look a bit like a walkout basement doorway. Hope this video loads for you. Look at how he did his doorway http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-build-a-walkout-basement-74431/