Replacement windows are a major investment for your home. You want to give careful thought to each window, its required function, and how it relates to each room. Windows are a unique home feature because they affect both your interior and exterior. Here we help you choose the best type of windows to use for each room to ensure you make the most of your investment.
The Most Important Considerations For Your Windows
Regardless of the room, there are a few common considerations when choosing your windows:
- Style and Colour: The style and colour of your windows affects the curb appeal of your home. You need to ensure the windows complement the rest of your home, including garage doors, eavestroughs, shutters, roof, and the façade. Many homeowners put more emphasis on the front-facing windows and invest less on windows at the back to save money.
- View: If your home overlooks a pleasing view, expanding your windows makes sense. You can benefit from more natural light, while also capturing the beautiful scenery.
- Opening: Opening is important. For example, a casing window opens out so if you have something blocking the areas outside, this can limit how wide you can open the window. Awning windows open out and up, providing protection when it’s raining. Sliding windows take up zero space when open.
- Privacy: Windows come with different glass selections. This allows you to provide privacy for rooms like the bathroom, or windows that overlook a busy street where the views aren’t as important.
- Energy Efficiency: New window technology offers glass coatings and double- or triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills.
Thought to these details will help you make the right window choices for each room of your home.
Best Type Of Windows Room By Room
Living Room Windows
Most families use their living room as a gathering place, as well as a place to watch TV, do homework, and entertain. Living rooms also tend to be larger, which means you can accommodate larger windows. This is your chance to consider opening up a wall to let in more light or take advantage of nice views. You can also use windows to create architectural interest both from the outside and the interior.
Some upgrades to your windows might include a bay or bow window, customized cathedral windows, or floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also mix and match window shapes to create an interesting array such as two slimmer casement windows flanking a larger picture window, or adding an arched window over a larger window. To save money you can also include both functioning and fixed windows so you can still let fresh air in to create a nice cross breeze, or have some windows with decorative grills and some without.
Kitchen Windows
If your family considers the kitchen the heart of your home, the same considerations for the living room apply. However, in the kitchen function becomes more important. For example, could you install a window above the sink, so you have more natural light when washing the dishes or rinsing fruits and vegetables? Is there a window near your cooking area that should open with an awning so you can keep it open regardless of the weather to reduce odours or clear smoke?
Is a window over the counter difficult to open as a slider, so a casement or awning window might make more sense? Casement and awning windows are easier to open, so they are ideal for these harder-to-reach spots near the sink or above the counter. Maybe you’d like a specialty bay window with shelves where you can grow fresh herbs? Bay windows also work well for breakfast nooks.
Bathroom Windows
While we usually associate bathrooms with privacy, they are also a room where natural light comes in handy. For example, shaving and putting on makeup is detailed work and can be made easier when you can see what you’re doing. Special coatings can be added like frosting, satin, or glue chip for privacy, allowing you to take advantage of wall space. Even a small sliver of a window above the bathtub can bring in more light while preventing people from peeking inside. If your bathroom is not well ventilated, a small window can help reduce humidity when people shower or take a bath. Larger bathrooms can use frosted single-hung or casement windows for light and ventilation.
Bedroom Windows
Bedrooms offer a private retreat where you can relax and unwind from the day. They are quiet spaces where you sleep, so having good air circulation is always important. You can create an idyllic space using windows for interest, or go for classic choices including double-hung, single-hung and casement windows. They look good and provide excellent air circulation. Many people install bow or bay windows to create a window seat for reading, or a strip of fixed windows near the ceiling above the bed to welcome the day with natural light.
Dining Room Windows
Families use their dining rooms in different ways. For some, it is a formal room used only for entertaining and special occasions, while for others every meal is enjoyed in the room. If you have a lovely view from your dining room, installing a large picture window allows you to take advantage of natural light and scenery. If you want more room, a bay window extension creates a nook for extra seating when your dining table is fully expanded. Picture windows also work well in larger dining rooms.
For spaces without views where you want more natural light, a narrow strip of windows across the top of the wall maintains privacy and blocks out unpleasant views, yet still lets natural light stream into the room. Remember you can also mix and match window types so your large picture window can be paired with operating casement windows. Dining rooms at the front of the house can also benefit from a series of double- or single-hung windows for ventilation and to create a classic look for your façade.
Basement Windows
Basement windows can be tricky due to their location. It’s always difficult to have natural light and good air circulation below ground. However, you also need to consider safety in case you are trapped in the basement and the windows are your only way of escape. Therefore, your basement requires egress windows large enough to provide an exit for an adult. Typically, basement windows are longer and narrower, but egress windows can be customized for your needs.
Speaking to a window installation expert is the best place to start. They will make suggestions on the best types of windows to improve the look, light, value, and energy efficiency of your home, going through your windows room by room.
For more information on the best type of windows to use in your home exterior upgrades, speak to our team or click here for a quote.