Which Window Hardware is Right for Your Home?

The hardware on your replacement windows can make a huge impact on the design of the room those windows are in. Hardware comes in different colors and styles, depending on the style of window that you choose. Although window hardware may seem like a small matter, it can make a big difference in the appearance of your home’s interior.

Why Window Hardware Matters

Window hardware is everything from the cranks to the hinges to the locks found on your windows. In a modern window like the kind manufactured by Renewal by Andersen, hardware can be a stand-out feature, or it can blend into the background. This all depends on the decisions you make when you’re ordering replacement windows for your home.

Types of Window Hardware

Hardware brings your window together, letting it open, close and seal effectively. Each window type has its hardware in different places — finding a window type that suits you will let you see all your hardware options. Consider the different kinds of window hardware to help you know what to look for:

• Sash locks and lifts: These locks secure the upper and lower sashes in double-hung windows. Lifts help you raise and lower the window with little strain.
• Hinges and stays: Hinges let your windows swing open. Stays keep the window open, providing support when you want a fresh breeze. You’ll see these features in casement and awning windows.
• Handles and cranks: Handles and cranks are the mechanisms used to open and close casement windows.
• Rollers and tracks: Sliding windows have tracks and rollers, which let the window open smoothly.
• Locks and latches: Most windows will have locks or latches to help with security. Crescent locks are a common lock style for sliding windows, but all locks help hold your window closed securely.
• Tilt latches: A tilt latch helps your double-hung windows tilt inwards, making them easy to clean.
• Window balances: Double and single-hung windows use window balances to help with sash movement, making it smoother and easier to operate.
• Stay bars: Stay bars are popular on transom windows. They help support these windows when they’re left open.
• Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is an essential feature on any window. It creates a tight seal, preventing gaps from letting air through. Weatherstripping helps boost your windows’ energy efficiency.

How to Pick the Best Window Hardware

Picking the best window hardware means looking over your window type, preferred colors, essential security features and more. Windows act as aesthetic and functional home focal points — you want a window that looks good and can withstand years of wear. Keep these tips in mind when looking for hardware for your windows:

1. Pick Your Window Type

Nailing down your window type is the first step in picking your window hardware. Whether you want a double-hung, casement or sliding window, each window type needs specific hardware. Choosing your window type first helps you narrow down your options and ensures you get to pick the right hardware. A good window will work seamlessly with your home’s design, and hardware that fits that window will add a subtle touch that ties everything together.

2. Consider the Window Hardware Color and Finish

The color and finish of your window hardware may stand in contrast with the window itself and match other hardware in the room or may blend into the window material so it’s barely visible. The color and finish are what matters. Renewal by Andersen window hardware comes in colors like stone, white, polished chrome, bright brass, distressed nickel, antique brass and more. When you’re trying to decide which type of finish is best for your windows, consider the following:

• Use your window frame color: The hardware will either stand out against the color of the window frame or blend in perfectly, depending on the window frame color and hardware you’ve chosen. Some homeowners strive to achieve a minimalist effect, while others want window hardware that really makes an impact and coordinates with other pieces in the room.
• Draw room other room finishes: There may be other focal points in the room, including finishes on faucets, light fixtures and more. The window hardware you choose may coordinate with those finishes, or stand out from them. For example, in a kitchen, you might want your window hardware to match the handles and pulls of your cabinets. In other rooms, you might want it to match with the entry door hardware. Either way, be aware of the way the finishes on your windows and other surfaces in the home interact with one another.

3. Keep Security in Mind

While attractive hardware makes your home look nice, always look for security-enhancing hardware as well. Prioritize security, especially for your ground-level windows and other entry points. Choose hardware with good locking mechanisms and additional security features to enhance your home’s safety. For casement windows, secure hinges help prevent forced sash removal, while quality locks prevent unauthorized access.

You should also consider hardware with tamper-resistant designs. Concealed components like screws make it harder to compromise your windows. Talk to your window professional about the best security hardware and additional features for your windows. They’ll have expert advice on the right choices for securing your home.

4. View Your Window Hardware In Person

You might start shopping for window hardware by looking at the options online, but don’t stop there. The colors you see online are not necessarily a perfect representation of the way the finishes will look in person. To ensure that the window hardware you’ve chosen looks the way you want, check out that hardware in person. Renewal by Andersen offers showrooms where you can go see in-person examples of the various window styles and their hardware.

If you’re looking at window hardware in person, remember to bring photos or hardware examples from your home. Having an actual handle or reference photo makes it much easier to color-match or find window hardware that works with your existing design. With these reference pieces, window experts can help guide you to quality pieces that reflect your vision while bringing out the best of your home.

Get Started With Replacement Windows Today

The team at Renewal by Andersen can help you choose the window style and hardware that will look the best in your home. We offer quality window options to fit all your home needs. Whether you want to update your hardware or completely overhaul your home’s windows, we’re here to help. If you want to jump-start your window update, contact us online today! Our experts will schedule an in-depth consultation to ensure you get what you need.