Windows are more than just elements of your home’s overall design. In fact, with the right combination of style, shape, and finish, you can make the window the focal point of the room. If you think this is exactly what your home needs, consider the following ideas for your upcoming window replacement project.
1. Glass Gables – If your home has an entrance-facing gable, consider installing fixed windows to fill the gable space. While this will involve remodeling part of the attic and front entrance, the results are worth the additional work, as it makes the front entryway look much bigger, grander, and brighter.
2. Window Walls – People tend to think of modern architecture when talking about window walls, but with the right materials and grille styles, a window wall can enhance any home regardless of architectural style. In addition to capturing grand, panoramic views, it can dramatically increase the amount of indoor natural light.
3. Framed Views – Not everyone is lucky enough to have a panoramic view, but you might have a partial view—maybe a tree line against the blue sky or a west-facing wall that sees beautiful sunsets. In these cases, choose windows that “crop” the view. Choosing the position and size may take some work, but the result can be ultimately rewarding.
4. Clerestory Windows – If large windows are not an option, consider clerestory windows. These are fixed windows often installed above spaces like doorways, where natural light is needed. Clerestories are often used to provide natural lighting, but combinations of shape, grille pattern, and art glass can make them a great focal point.
5. Expand Your Existing Windows – Sometimes a certain window style would look so perfect in a room that you don’t want to replace it with anything else. Fortunately, you can still make it a focal point by adding a specialty window on top, a popular choice being half-circle specialty windows added to expand existing window shapes. We recommend replacing your existing window along with expanding it (maybe even expanding it to a Palladian window) to take full advantage of its energy efficiency benefits.
