Windows make buildings look great, so you want to give your home or office a memorable set. What design elements should you include?
Windows come in various shapes and sizes, offering unique ways to enhance your facade. Here are 10 eye-catching ways to incorporate windows into buildings.
1. Bay Windows
Bay windows make a striking addition to many homes’ facades. They work with nearly any architectural style, from rustic farmhouse to modern ranch.
<>This window style is an excellent choice to increase natural light in your living space. It’s also great for bird and critter watchers, offering a much wider view of the outdoors.
However, they aren’t the most energy-efficient choices. You can incorporate them into commercial buildings, but you should take care, as light, heat and glare can take a toll on employees, leaving them freezing in the morning and roasting by afternoon. If buying a new home, ask the owner to see previous utility bills
to get an estimate first to avoid raising your costs above your monthly ability to pay.
2. Bow Windows
Bow windows are similar to bay windows in appearance and price, although the cost depends on how many panels you include. This style creates a curved facade that looks most at home in Victorian architecture.
These windows offer similar pros and cons as their bay cousins. They can make excellent use of natural light while providing an elegant appearance.
3. Garden Windows
Garden windows round out the list of styles that project beyond the building’s facade. As the name suggests, this type features a wide bottom shelf amid enclosed, greenhouse-like surroundings, perfect for your prized houseplants.
These windows are equivalent in price to the first two options. It’s a snap to incorporate them into nearly any building, residential or commercial. They’re great for schools with science labs, as students can practice greenhouse experiments.
4. Casement Windows
Casement windows look somewhat similar to slightly smaller patio doors. However, they open out to either side instead of sliding.
Despite their door-like appearance, casement windows offer tougher security than many other types, making them a wise choice for businesses. They also provide superior ventilation as they open out, allowing plenty of fresh breezes. You might want to incorporate these windows into commercial buildings to help improve indoor air quality — vital in a pandemic age.
5. Awning Windows
If you live somewhere like Seattle, an awning style is ideal for incorporating windows into buildings, as they offer superior rain protection. They open from the bottom out, creating what the name implies. You can keep this style open for ventilation even when the weather turns nasty without raindrops soaking your home’s carpet.
6. Egress Windows
Are you considering converting your basement into an accessory-dwelling unit? If so, you should install egress windows in your ADU. They’re required in all finished basements before you can legally convert them to living spaces.
Fortunately, egress windows aren’t expensive, as they look the same as your standard types. The only difference is that they allow an alternative escape route in case a fire or other emergency blocks the stairs.
7. Glass Block Windows
If you want natural light in your bathroom for putting on your makeup without sacrificing your privacy, glass block windows are the way to go.
These feature a frosted or patterned design to keep prying eyes at bay. They’re also moisture-resistant, making them ideal for your home’s high-humidity areas.
8. Jalousie Windows
Jalousies are a beautiful, decorative choice if you want to add windows to a Florida room. This style features tiny windows like the slats on a set of vertical blinds. Crank the lever and the windows tilt, creating gaps for airflow.
As fancy as it is, this style goes low on replacement costs. You can get away with repairing only the cracked section of glass instead of the entire unit.
9. Picture Windows
Picture windows offer the ultimate view without quite as much energy drainage as bays or bows. You can incorporate them into buildings to add flair, offering family and guests a sweeping view of the outdoors that may take up nearly your entire living room wall.
To increase energy efficiency further, look for a one-way window film. This stuff blocks light and heat from UV rays, also protecting your furniture and floor.
10. Skylights
Consider skylights if you don’t have more room for windows but still want more natural light. These are installed in your ceiling, letting the sunshine in from above.
Believe it or not, you might be able to DIY this home improvement project. However, depending on the joist placement in your roof, you may have to call in the pros.
Incorporate Windows Into Buildings
How can you enhance your property’s facade? Consider its eyes when looking to upgrade.
Choose any of the styles above to incorporate windows into buildings. You’ll see more clearly and create a pleasant exterior for passersby to admire.
