Windows play a critical role in the appearance of your home. The right window design adds curb appeal and can increase your home’s resale value.
Roof windows bring natural light into rooms with a ceiling and can deliver up to twice as much light as vertical windows. They also create a ventilation channel that transports indoor odors outside.
Arched Windows
Arched windows are a stunning architectural feature in any home or building. However, finding the right window treatments that will highlight these gorgeous architectural designs can be challenging. There are many different ways to dress up your arched windows, from the traditional to the contemporary. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Drapery is one of the most popular options for covering arched windows. It allows you to show off the beauty of the arch while still providing privacy and light control. There are several different drapery styles you can choose from, including sheer fabrics, non-operational swags of fabric, and flowing draperies that sweep the arched frame like a sunburst. These types of window treatments are great for creating a dramatic effect in any space and complement the arched shape with their own unique style.
Another great option for covering arched windows is to use a decorative window scarf. This is a simple and affordable way to add a beautiful touch of elegance to your arched windows. You can hang these window scarves from attractive hooks or drapery ornaments that you install on the wall above your windows.
You can also use a window valance for your arched windows. This is a great option for blending in your windows with the rest of your room. You can choose from a variety of valances to match your room’s decor. You can also find valances that are made of woven wood or a material that is similar to your window frames.
Another way to add some flair to your arched windows is to use a curved window covering. These can be either blinds or curtains. You can hang them from attractive curtain rods that you install on the wall above your arched windows. This will help to create a beautiful contrast with the straight lines of your home’s architecture.
If you want to save money on your energy bills, you can try a vinyl clad arched window. This type of window is inexpensive and provides good insulation. It is also easy to clean and doesn’t require much maintenance. You can also choose to clad your arched window with wood or fiberglass for a more luxurious look. You can also choose to customize your arched windows with custom grids that simulate divided lites. This will make it easier to clean the glass while still allowing natural light into your home.
Sliding Windows
If you want a window that lets in plenty of natural light and offers expansive views of your surroundings, sliding windows might be the perfect choice for you. They’re available in a wide range of sizes, so you can select the right size to fit your home and meet your unique needs. These windows have fewer bars that break up the view and are easier to operate than other traditional window styles. They also offer fresh air capabilities, allowing you to open them and enjoy the outdoors’ fresh air.
Sliding windows are typically made from vinyl, PVC, aluminum or wood, depending on your preferences and budget. They come in a variety of colors and finishes to complement your home’s design and exterior style.
These windows are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, allowing you to save time and money on cleaning and repair costs. However, they’re not as energy-efficient as double-hung windows because they don’t seal as tightly.
Aesthetically, sliding windows work well with colonial, ranch and mid-century homes but can also be incorporated into modern and art deco designs. They’re sleek and elegant, and they can add a contemporary touch to any room.
Another advantage of sliding windows is that they can be opened fully from either side, which allows for a high level of ventilation and can help to reduce your energy bills. This type of window is particularly suited to climates that experience hot summers because it can provide natural cooling and eliminate musty odors.
Sliding windows come in two styles: single-hung and double-hung. They are characterized by how many sashes (or panes) that they allow to slide open along the window sill and jambs. Single-hung windows have one sash that can slide open, while double-hung windows have two sashes that can both open and close.
Sliding windows are known for their durability and longevity, but the lifespan of a window is largely dependent on the framing material that is used. Aluminum and fiberglass frames generally have the longest lifespans while wood and vinyl frames tend to last the shortest amount of time.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are beautiful and elegant additions to your home. They provide a sense of added space and allow natural light to fill the room, which gives it an inviting atmosphere. They also add a touch of class and enhance your curb appeal. These windows are popular among homeowners because they can improve your home’s design and raise its value.
A bay window consists of three windows that protrude from the house, giving it a more expansive look than traditional flat windows. They’re often found in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, and are a great way to bring more natural light into the space. A bow window, on the other hand, consists of four to six windows that are joined together and create a gentle curve.
Bay and bow windows can also enhance your home’s ventilation. Since they have side panels that can open and close, you can easily let in fresh air. This makes them a good choice for people who want to save money on energy bills. They’re also a nice alternative to standard window blinds, which can be difficult to open and close.
If you’re considering adding a bay or bow window to your home, be sure to work with a professional window installation company. They’ll be able to help you decide the best options for your needs and install them correctly. In addition, they’ll be able to ensure that your new windows are properly sealed to keep out the elements and moisture.
Modern bay and bow windows can transform any room into a cozy reading nook or relaxing lounge. You can add a daybed, built-in shelves, or storage units to make the most of this versatile window style. With the right décor, you can turn your bay windows into a focal point of your home and increase its value.
If you’re looking for a more traditional bay window, consider choosing one that includes a large picture window with thinner casement or double hung windows for the side panels. This combination provides a classic aesthetic and offers an expansive view of your backyard. You can also choose a box bay window, which is smaller but still provides ample seating and reading space.
Picture Windows
The beauty of a picture window is that it frames nature outside your home. They are most often seen in living rooms, family rooms, great rooms and bathrooms, but they can be added to any room in the house that needs more natural light or a view of a backyard pool or lush garden. When used in large numbers, they can create a whole wall of glass that is incredibly beautiful and also helps to increase the amount of sunlight that enters a space. You can also use a combination of rectangular and square picture windows along with shaped windows for a unique look that is sure to impress.
The biggest drawback to a picture window is that it does not open like other types of windows, so it cannot provide ventilation or air flow. Because of this, homeowners often pair them with windows that do open, such as a double-hung or sliding window. This allows for a bit more ventilation while still providing the beauty and light that a picture window brings to a space.
Because they do not have moving parts, these windows are extremely easy to clean and maintain. There are no hard-to-reach nooks or corners to sanitize, and they generally cost less than other windows that require mechanical parts to operate.
They do, however, let in a lot of natural light that can cause heat gain during the winter, so they must be properly insulated to avoid higher energy bills. When choosing a picture window, make sure it has an insulated frame and the proper U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values to protect your home from unwanted temperature fluctuations.
You can further enhance the aesthetic of a picture window by adding upgrades like grilles and shutters. You can even add a casement or awning window on either side to allow for ventilation and additional light without sacrificing the overall design of your new picture window. If you would like to add even more functionality, consider pairing your picture window with a bay window configuration. This allows for ventilation while creating a larger, more interesting design that makes your house look bigger and more spacious.