A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in interior design. When choosing new custom windows for home, it’s important to consider the primary function and overarching design of the room where the windows will be installed.
To help you choose the right type of window for a room, Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville compiled this step-by-step guide.
Identify the Architectural Style of Your Home
There’s a reason why certain window designs have traditionally been used in architectural styles. It’s because they all work so well together, design-wise.
Here’s an overview of the most popular window styles as well as the architectural styles that feature them:
- Casement windows – Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward fully, providing maximum ventilation and great views of the outside scenery. This type of window is often used in European architectural styles, but can also be customized to suit a wide variety of architectural styles.
- Bay windows – Bay windows have large window panes that let in ample amounts of sunlight, which can brighten the mood inside your home. And since they protrude from the walls, bay windows can also add extra square footage to your home. Bay windows are often used in Queen Anne homes, which use an asymmetrical exterior design, mansions, and large homes. However, bay windows are also versatile and would be a great addition to more modest homes.
- Double-hung windows – The sashes of double-hung windows can be tilted outward to allow homeowners to clean the exterior window panes from inside their home. Design-wise, double-hung windows—along with paneled, centered front doors, gable roofs, and cornice moldings—are a prominent feature of Georgian-style homes, which are popular in Tennessee.
- Sliding windows – Sliding windows are basically double-hung windows that have been turned on the side. Design-wise, they’re often featured in mid-century modern architectural styles. Some homeowners find their design too dull, but what they lack in flair, they more than make up for with their ease of operation (a gentle push is all it takes to slide them open) and the unobstructed views they provide.
Mixing and Matching Window Styles
When it comes to interior or exterior design, consistency is key. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no room for customization. Keep in mind mixing and matching window styles can be tricky. As such, if you’re thinking of tweaking a few elements a bit, it would be helpful to consult a professional window contractor.
Choose a Window Finish
Matte finishes absorb more light and make window colors seem darker, but they’re not the easiest to clean. A gloss finish, on the other hand, reflects light, making window colors seem lighter.
Choose a Color
While choosing a color for your window is mostly a matter of preference, you need to make sure the color of your window doesn’t clash with the rest of your interior or exterior. Coordinating different colors can be tricky, but black, pure white, anodized silver and neutral colors are always a safe bet. That’s because they never go out of style, not to mention they complement a wide variety of colors.
Consider the Room’s Primary Function
Don’t forget to take into account the room’s primary function and their corresponding needs. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Living rooms – Casement and bay windows, or any window that can provide ample natural lighting and ventilation, are a great choice for living rooms and other areas for entertaining guests.
- Bathroom – Bathrooms should have adequate ventilation. Otherwise, they’ll turn into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. There are a wide variety of windows that can provide ventilation while maintaining your privacy. Whichever style you choose, we recommend installing ones with moisture-resistant vinyl frames.
- Kitchen – Sliding windows are easy-to-open and provide enough ventilation to allow steam and cooking smells to exit your home.
Having trouble choosing a window? You can always consult a window contractor.
Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville offers a wide variety of custom windows. To schedule a free consultation with one of our design experts, call us at (866) 609-5033 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Oak Ridge, TN, as well as the surrounding communities in Tennessee.
