Whether you’re building your own house or planning to replace the windows of your current home, which windows you choose makes a difference. Not only do you want your home to look beautiful, but different houses need different types of windows. It wouldn’t make sense for a small ranch home to have one large picture window that takes up the entire front of the house. Or vice versa, a large, picturesque house wouldn’t have tiny windows that under use the space. While those may be extreme examples, choosing windows for your home does matter.

Top Window Design Trends

Some trends are always in style, and that extends to your windows. From natural lighting to window panels with a pop of color, here are some of today’s trendiest window designs on the market.

Black or Bronze Window Frames

Want make a statement with your windows, but don’t know where to start? Try using black window paneling instead of traditional white panels. The black panels can give a modern look and feel that will make your house stand out from the rest. If black doesn’t fit your color scheme, try bronze and gold tones to give your windows a unique look. They can complement other decorative touches like outdoor sconces or number plates.

Pass-Through Windows

A pass-through window is the perfect synthesis of outdoor and indoor space. Whether you choose a garage-style or folding window, pass-through windows blur the lines between your backyard, patio, or even between rooms. The most common application is a slider from the kitchen to the patio, but don’t be afraid to get creative with pass-through windows.

Energy Efficient Windows

It seems commonplace now, but energy efficient windows have become popular only in the last ten years or so. People usually ask for energy efficient windows in their homes, which makes sense, since they can save money in the long run. If you have older, inefficient windows, maybe it’s time to consider upgrading to double or triple-pane.

Natural Light

Windows are designed to let in the light, so why not use their purpose to your advantage? Bigger windows give your rooms more natural light during peak times of the day. The only downside to larger windows is that more heat can escape, so consider an excellent insulating window if you’re leaning towards large windows. Some of the better insulating windows are wood-based.

Vinyl Windows Versus Wood Windows

As with the design of your windows, there are plenty of popular trends in the materials that people use for windows. A few of those current trends are using vinyl or wood materials for your windows.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are one of the most common types of windows available and are also some of the least expensive options. While the lower cost may seem like a good thing, Better Homes & Gardens cautions that if the materials are of lower quality, they’ll be prone to breaking. If you choose to go with vinyl windows, you can paint them, but they will need to be redone every few years.

Wood Windows

Wood is another popular material to use for windows and is going to cost more than vinyl. A perk of wood windows is the variety available, such as mahogany, maple, and oak, although pine tends to be the most common. Using wood materials for your windows insulates the room naturally. However, you will need to need to reseal wood windows every so often to prevent rot and sun damage.

Choosing windows for your home doesn’t have to be tedious. Pick the windows you think you’ll be able to care for, whether it’s the task of cleaning them or keeping them finished to prevent natural wear and tear. Enjoy letting the light shine in on your life.

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