Windows are the eyes to your home’s soul.
They’re more than functional—they’re part of the statement. Windows can complement a room, frame your front or backyard just right, restore natural lighting, stand in as artwork. They can make a room appear bigger, brighter, homier, cozier.
Beyond the windows themselves, there are endless ways to dress up your windows, too: drapes, curtains, shades, and more. There’s no lack of ways to update your home using some well-curated panes of glass.
Knowing how influential a part your windows play in decor, it’s crucial to go with a modern window design that’ll serve you now and later—something unique, timeless, and a testament to your tastes. Something that looks good from the interior and exterior POV.
What to Consider in Choosing a Modern Window Design?
Modern windows may significantly alter the appearance of an existing home, whether you want to create a new addition with custom-designed large windows or replace older windows with new, thin-framed aluminum systems. Here are some things you might want to consider when choosing a window design.
- The first thing to consider when expanding small windows is the building codes. Having an architect or contractor review your designs is advisable to ensure that the modifications won’t weaken the structure, which could later result in issues like water damage.
- The environment, altitude, and weather are crucial considerations when choosing a window design. For instance, areas that experience tropical monsoons need windows that can survive strong winds and heavy rain.
- If your house is located in places with extreme heat or cold climates, consider a window design, which can help with temperature management to some extent. Think of UV-resistant fabrics that won’t fade over time or deform due to temperature changes.
- Sound insulation is crucial if you reside in an area with a lot of noise.
- Consider purchasing windows with double-pane insulated glass, heat-resistant coatings, and airtight frames to reduce your long-term energy bills.
Check out the following ideas for inspiration.
1.Lighten up Your Space With Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
If you have an outdoor space you love and appreciate, floor-to-ceiling windows are an excellent option. They allow you to see everything outside, such as your prized rose bushes, new pond installation, or view of the mountains (or the beach, or the hills—you get it).
With this grand view comes a lot more natural light, bringing the outdoors in. This also grants the appearance of more space, as the boundaries between in and out are thinner.
With the right curtains, you could easily manage the sunlight and give your windows a decorative, stylish appearance.
2. Double-Hung Windows: Double the Appeal
Why get a single-hung window when you can double the fun?
Double-hung windows allow you to open them from the top, bottom, or both at once. It achieves this thanks to its two sashes, both of which open and tilt. The two panels can be accessed and manipulated individually, giving you the most options.
The two panels allow for an easier cleaning session and also provide maximum ventilation. Each frame proves to be durable and supportive, offering plenty of safety. There are also several options when it comes to style and architectural design.
All these features are likely why double-hung windows are the most popular replacement windows in the country! Don’t forget to call a professional for the job, such as those at Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement.
3. For Smaller Spaces, Awning Windows Might Be the Answer
Like an awning hanging over a storefront, awning windows open from the bottom out, hinging from the top.
These windows are particularly good for small spaces, such as the bathroom, because they make the room look larger. These windows don’t obstruct your view when their single pane opens. In addition to this spaciousness, awning windows also provide excellent ventilation.
If you need a larger window—such as for your living room—you might consider another option. But for smaller rooms, like your bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, for example, awning windows are worthy of consideration.
4. Consider a Contemporary Option Like Casement Windows
When talking about new windows, casement windows deserve a spot on the list. This type of window set-up is incredibly modern and comes with a handful of benefits to the homeowner.
Casement windows, like awning windows, provide a clear and unobstructed view of whatever’s outside. There’s simply a pane of glass and that’s it—no frame or wood structure to hold it in place. The glass is held into place by a hinge on its side rather than a sash.
The difference is that casement windows open from the sides instead of the top. You can even use one of the flaps to angle a breeze into your home. Casement windows are also better in places where the windows will be taller than they are wider.
5. Create Spaciousness With Bay Windows
You’ve probably heard of bay windows before, but that doesn’t mean they’re not still trending. Bay windows are just as modern as they are classic and might be the perfect option for your home.
Bay windows come in three—three window panels in one overall structure. The usual set-up is one large picture window in the center flanked by two smaller windows on each side, which looks like a curved nook area. Usually, all three windows will have some option to open.
Bay windows work wonders when it comes to creating the illusion of space—and they don’t have to be large themselves to do so.
6. For Cleaner Lines, Go for Bow Windows
On the flip side, you might go for something a little less curved looking but just as bright, such as bow windows.
Bow windows also contain multiple windows—anywhere from four to six—but their angles to each other are less sharp. Where bay windows are offset, bow windows are in-line.
Like bay windows, bow windows make your space look larger, and maybe even more so. That’s likely because bow windows naturally require more width to install.
7. Sliding Windows Keep It Current, Too
Sliding windows do exactly as the name suggests—they have the option to slide open horizontally along a built-in track in the frame. Sliding windows are versatile in that they can fit many sizes and shapes, no matter how large or small you want them to be.
They also boast several advantages, such as durability, energy efficiency, and easy maintenance. With these perks, plus its array of modern looks, sliding windows are a top contender.
Modern Window Design Makes a Night and Day Difference
Windows are a unique feature of the home that can be seen from inside and outside—making the aesthetics doubly important. They’re the one upgrade you shouldn’t skimp on when it comes to planning and execution.
Because, with the right modern window design, your home will never look better. Consider your space and surroundings carefully and plan a window design to match. Let your interior decorator come out to play!
Once you’re done with your latest project, be sure to come back for more real estate and home advice.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Window Design
When selecting windows, you need to consider the pros and cons of each design. Energy efficiency, glass choices, and frame materials are all significant factors. Nevertheless, before you can make that choice, you must consider the fundamental operating principles of the windows, each of which has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
1. Double Hung Windows
This window type features two sizable sashes that slide up and down along vertical tracks. Although they can be found in traditional-modern homes, double-hung windows are most frequently used in classic traditional homes. Many manufacturers make double-hung windows, so your selection is extensive.
Due to the wide availability of Double Hung Window, it is a great choice, for its prices are generally reasonable. It also has a spring weight, making it easy to open and close. Another good thing about double-hung windows is that they have vertical tracks, so they generally don’t fill up with dirt.
However, its sash cords and counterbalance springs may become worn out or damaged over time. These windows all need constant maintenance to keep these windows functioning correctly. This window style can also be a break-in risk for burglars due to its large opening.
2. Casement Windows
The popularity of casement windows is second only to that of double-hung windows. In addition to having a more contemporary appearance than double-hung windows, casement windows can be strategically placed to collect and direct cooling air into the house.
Since casement windows often have a tighter window seal than double-hung windows, they are thought to be more effective in blocking air. Because casement windows have a minimal open area when they are open, they tend to be reasonably secure against burglars.
However, casement windows are vulnerable to breaking off when completely opened by powerful gusts. Mechanical cranking mechanisms have a high failure rate and are prone to wear.
3. Garden Windows
Garden windows resemble tiny greenhouses. They frequently have shelves where plants are kept. This type of window is commonly placed in kitchens, serving as a great place to grow fresh herbs for cooking. One advantage of this window type is that you can grow year-round indoors in garden windows. The vents on its sides also help enhance ventilation. However, garden windows may not be ideal in places adjacent to patios, porches, or walkways because of their outward extension.
4. French windows
French windows can separate rooms inside a house or open out onto patios, terraces, balconies, and other outdoor spaces. This design gives the décor a timeless and exquisite appearance. It is typically constructed of glass panels enclosed in wooden frames. They permit light to pass through and a visual link between two locations. It also creates an impression that the room is more prominent. However, the swing radius must be considered because this traditional style requires more space. They frequently cost more money as well.
5. Bow or Bay
Bow windows protrude from the wall and out over the lawn. They are usually angled or curved to create a bench-like space inside the home; bow windows are comparable to bay windows. It can ideally be placed in any room with plenty of space and a window with a beautiful view.
One of the advantages of a bow or bay window is that it is made of more glass, allowing much light in the house. These windows may curve over corners and provide improved airflow. For functionality purposes, you may add a bench near the bay window. However, because of their unique configurations and sizes, both windows can be expensive.