Your windows are aging, difficult to open, and starting to leak. There’s no question that your Cincinnati home needs new windows — but which windows? These days, especially, there are so many choices. If you’re struggling to choose attractive replacement windows, follow these five steps to discover a picture-perfect option.
1. Choose between keeping the same look or getting a new one.
While many Cincinnati home owners use window replacement as a chance to create a new look, some do want to keep the same, exact look with their new windows. If you love the way your home looks and want to keep it as authentic as possible, have a window replacement technician look at your existing windows. They can recommend replacement windows that look very similar, if not identical. Even if you choose a more efficient window material, like Fibrex®, the windows can be made to look like they’re constructed from natural wood — like your old windows. On the other hand, if you’ve grown tired of your home’s current look, then your plan should be to give your home a new persona with its new windows. You can then focus your search on replacement windows that look quite different from your old ones.
2. Consider the architecture.
Maybe you want to add new character with a different color or thinner window frames, but do keep your home’s architectural style in mind. Certain architectural styles call for certain kinds of windows. For example, a Craftsman home would look out-of-place with anything other than double-hung windows. A Victorian home is not a good fit for awning windows. Take a drive around your neighborhood, and look at homes with similar architectural styles to your own. What kind of windows do they have? Take notes, and focus your search on similar styles.
3. Decide between bold and subdued options.
The next big decision has more to do with the inside of your home than the outside. Decide whether you want your windows to stand out against the rest of your decor, or whether you’d rather they blend in. If you want them to blend in, choose frames that are the same color as your walls, or maybe a light color with a similar tone. If you want the windows to stand out, choose a bold color that contrasts your wall color. For instance, if you have beige walls, cream windows would blend in — but forest green ones would stand out.
4. Experiment with grille options.
Grilles can completely transform the look of your windows, and there are many options. If you want to create a quaint, cozy look, consider a prairie-style grille. For a really modern look, diamond grilles or fractional grilles are a good choice. Colonial grilles are a nice choice for more traditional homes.
5. Use a visualization tool.
Once you have a few window styles in mind, use a visualization tool, like Andersen’s Window & Door Visualizer, to see what your home will look like with the various styles. You can upload a photo of your actual home, and plug in different window styles for a preview.
Start by following the steps above, and then contact Renewal by Andersen for a free, in-home consultation. Our knowledgeable technicians will meet with you in your Cincinnati home and recommend replacement window styles that look stunning.
