Sure, they’ll fill a room with mood-boosting sunshine and save you some 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. But can we talk about how installing new windows packs such an architectural punch that you’ll feel like you just walked into a whole new room? Architect Jeffrey Dungan, known for building homes around inspiring vistas, puts it this way: “Windows are the eyes to the soul of a house.” Keep reading to learn all about what goes into window design and renovation ahead and discover what you need to know before embarking on your own project.
Find the Right Style
First and foremost, let's break down the most common styles of home and what types of windows are associated with each. If you're replacing windows or starting from the ground up on, you'll want to choose windows that harmonize with the interior and exterior architecture of your home.
Know Your Options
Single- or Double-Hung
Classic in style, these open by sliding up and down.
Slider
The pocket door of the window world, these glide horizontally.
Casement
These use a crank mechanism to open outward like a door.
Awning
The top-hinged design provides ventilation while keeping rain out.
Bay
These create a recessed space ideal for a window seat or a breakfast room banquette.
TREND FORECAST
Open your dinner table to the outdoors with a bifold pass-through window. Extend a table on both sides, as in this room by Kingston Lafferty Design, or simply add one by a patio to simplify serving.
Memorize These Terms
FYI
Most new windows offer some degree of UV protection, which helps filter out harmful rays and prevents fabrics and furniture from fading—no blinds required.
Know When to Replace
Take this quick test.
1. Count the panes.
Are there multiple layers of glass or just a single one? If it’s the latter, you might want to upgrade. “Double- and triple-paned glass will reduce energy consumption and cost,” says architect R D Gentzler.
2. Feel for a breeze.
A drafty room means you’re spending more on heating and cooling, says Gentzler. One telltale sign is if your curtains move even when a window is closed (you can let your resident ghost off the hook for this one).
3. Check for rot.
Bubbled, peeling paint and swollen wood that’s not flush with the wall point to signs of rot. If you’re not sure, a basic home inspection will clear things up.
4. Open it up.
An obvious—but often overlooked—test: Simply see if the window is operable. If it’s difficult to open or completely sealed shut, it could be indicative of other issues.
Consider These New Features
Make your windows work harder.
What About Shutters?
Though nowadays often purely decorative, shutters should be “wide enough to be able to fully cover the window, even if you don’t plan to close them,” Dungan says. Add hardware to complete the look.
Standard
These come in an array of different styles, from simple panels to slat-like louvers or rustic board-and-batten
Atlantic Architectural Raised Panel shutters, decorativeshutters.com
Interior
These block out light from inside the window, similar to blinds or curtains, but fold open like exterior shutters.
NewStyle Hybrid shutters, hunterdouglas.com
Keep Your Windows Squeaky Clean
Blueland The Clean Essentials
CM Concepts Window Cleaning Kit
Garden Works Latex-Free Gloves
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
