Choosing the Right Window Style for Your Home

The perfect window can bring the outdoors in and enhance your home’s exterior for added safety and security. But which window is perfect for you? Whether you are replacing old windows in an existing home for a more attractive view, choosing new windows for an addition, or starting a self-build, these four tips will help you select the style that looks most authentic and appealing for the architecture of your home.

1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture

One of the first things to consider when choosing the right window style for your home is your home’s specific architectural style. You want windows that will complement your home’s style, not fight it.

Window Styles for Modern Homes

If you have a modern-style home, consider the sleek lines of casement windows to increase ventilation in your home, which helps to decrease energy costs. Like casement windows, awning windows open using a hinge on the top or bottom instead of the side and are perfect for saving indoor space while providing light and ventilation. Picture windows, which are fixed instead of operable, have become increasingly popular, as they too offer natural light, can help reduce energy bills, and can be designed to match other window styles in your home. Special shape windows are also popular for contemporary homes.

Window Styles for Traditional Homes

If you have a more traditional home, you can’t go wrong with double-hung windows. Their timeless look makes them suitable for nearly any home style, which is why they’re by far the most popular window style. A double-hung window is contained in a single casement and features an upper and lower window sash that slides vertically past one another. With a large portion of the window’s area available for ventilation, double-hung windows are great for creating breezes. When they’re closed, they provide insulation for improved energy efficiency and UV protection, and they’re easy to clean because of their tilt-in feature. Bay and bow windows often blend well with vintage homes, and their three-dimensional shape adds interest both inside and out.

2. Decide What Functionality You Want From Your Windows

When choosing a window style, consider the room where it will be located. Do you want natural light, ventilation, or both? One of the most important purposes of a window is to allow air to move in and out of your rooms. Garden windows not only allow natural light and beauty to your home, but they also allow great insulation and distribution of air within your room.

Are you looking for a window that lets more light in? Slider and bay windows are perfect choices for brightening up your home. Slider windows are a good choice when you need to constantly open and close windows, and bay windows can serve as a visual centerpiece in large living rooms or family rooms.

Do you need windows that offer greater security? Casement windows tend to be relatively secure against intruders because the open space is narrow when the windows are open. Awning windows also have a small opening, providing an extra layer of security at an affordable price.

3. Evaluate How Much Ventilation You Want

Operable windows are the ideal choice when you want to catch and direct cool breezes into your home. The two openings on double-hung windows make them excellent for room ventilation, and they are typically easy to open and close because of their springs or weights. Bay and bow windows add immediate charm to any property, as they offer additional space inside the room and maximize the amount of light by the increased number of panes without compromising on security. Even better, their close-set panes create an effective cross-breeze.

If you want light but no ventilation, picture windows are your best bet. They’re fixed, meaning they’re designed not to open. With no openings, you’re guaranteed no air leakage.

4. Bring Color In through Zen Window Frames

Depending on the color and style of your home’s architecture, you may choose window frames that lend color to the exterior of your home. Vinyl windows are popular with Zen Windows customers because of their efficiency, affordability, and low maintenance. Some Zen locations also offer fiberglass windows. Whether you choose vinyl or fiberglass frames, our window manufacturers offer factory colors already infused into the frame material. We can help you choose the aesthetic features that best meet your needs, including decorative glass, colored frames, and advanced screens.

Enlist Zen Windows Pros to Help Choose Your Window Style

The best window style for your home depends on your needs and wants as a homeowner. At Zen Windows, our team can help you find the style of window that will best achieve your vision. If you’re unsure how to get started or feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process, we suggest scheduling a free consultation with one of our team members, who will answer any questions you may have about a window style or project idea.

To schedule your free consultation today, give us a call to learn more about how we can help you. You can also find your nearest Zen Windows location and reach out directly.

Can You Mix Window Styles?

New window installation on your home can create instant curb appeal and transform its appearance. Whether you are replacing the windows in your home, building an addition, or starting a new construction project, there are many window options and styles to choose from. It can be hard to choose one, so you find yourself asking: Can I mix and match different window styles throughout my home? The short answer is yes – if you do it carefully.

Many homeowners don’t realize that they have a choice in window style variations because many homes are built with windows of the same style throughout the entire home. However, windows are the eyes of your home!  Not only do they add to your everyday enjoyment, but they also provide character and convey your personality and style.

To mix and match correctly requires a bit of knowledge about your home’s style, window trends, your likes, and your dislikes. So how do you mix window styles for your project? Before updating your windows, consider these guidelines on choosing the right window styles that will best complement your home.

Understand Your Home’s Style

Choosing a window style that suits your home’s architecture is an important element to keep in mind. Certain window styles are often associated with particular architectural styles. The theme is important to consider when mixing and matching window styles since it will keep your curb appeal seamless and appealing.

Window Styles for a Traditional Home

Traditional home styles like Victorian, Colonial, or Cape Cod fare better with a mix of double-hung, bay, or bow windows to help achieve a timeless look. These window styles come in different sizes and shapes that you can mix without making your home look unusual.

Window Styles for a Modern Home

Contemporary or modern home styles work best with windows that have clean lines and asymmetrical designs. If you have a modern home, you should ideally consider windows with a modern and sleek appearance. For example, casement windows are made from a large expanse of glass, provide a clear view of your surrounding property, and have a minimalist look. You could also consider slider windows, which are perfect if there is not enough room for casement windows to open correctly. They also have a sleek and stylish appearance as they slide open, therefore, saving space and adding ample light and ventilation to your home.

The main rule here is when you are choosing windows for your home, try and stick to an overall theme that matches the style of the property.

Window Trends for Your Home

According to Redfin’s top 8 home design trends in 2021, floor-to-ceiling windows become the focal point of any room. On-trend with indoor/outdoor living, garden windows allow light to pour into your space without the need to step foot outside.

Energy-efficiency replacement windows have become increasingly popular because they are designed to save you money on your heating and cooling bills while preventing drafts and reducing stress on your HVAC system.

Special shape windows are an excellent choice for any homeowner looking to add interesting and unique architectural styling to their home. Special shape windows accentuate other window styles and create a unique architectural style all their own. With design shapes like circles, half-circles, trapezoids, triangles, and virtually any other shape you can imagine, the design possibilities for your window project are nearly endless. In addition to the many shapes offered, our special shape windows come in several styles, finishing options, colors, and materials.

Express Your Style

Whether you are shopping for windows for new construction or replacing the windows in your existing home, one thing will immediately become crystal clear — there are many decisions to make! When installing new windows on your home, the general idea is to stick to a theme or style, but that doesn’t mean you need to stick to one specific type of window. If your house is a modern or traditional style, you can match the style of your home in your choice of windows. However, you don’t want to mix things up too much, as it could end up looking a bit odd. If you plan to mix and match window styles, staying within an overall theme will allow you to express yourself while boosting curb appeal.

Rather than be overwhelmed, you can always ask us for advice to help you make the right choices for your home and family. No matter how you want to mix and match your windows, Zen Windows can help you select the perfect window combination for your home.

Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you, or find your nearest Zen Windows location and reach out directly.

You Have So Many Options When Choosing Windows

Whether you’re looking at the interior or exterior, the aesthetic of any home is heavily shaped by the appearance of its windows. The right window in the right place can transform a room, draw the eye from the street, or add utility and comfort; the wrong windows can, conversely, leave a home with a lackluster, boring, or outright ugly appearance. It’s no surprise that homeowners can be overwhelmed by the idea of choosing windows in the right style, with the right customization, the right material, the right everything.

Today, we’ll walk you through the options you’ll consider — ideally, with the help of the Zen Windows team — as you choose and design windows for your home, so you can understand the decisions you’ll make and feel a little less intimidated. After all, shopping for windows shouldn’t be scary; it should be exciting and fun!

What Can Be Customized on a Window?

When you’re buying new windows, nearly every component can be customized to a greater or lesser degree, from something as major as the shape of the window and how it operates to the final coating on the finished installation.

Most homeowners start with a window style, such as casement, or picture windows, and work from there — but you can start from a brand, material, color, or glass if you have something specific you’re aiming for.

In most cases, your decisions for window design and customization will look include:

• Window style
• Window material
• Window color
• Grid type
• Glass type
• Hardware

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Window Style

There are countless window styles to start with, from simple single- or double-hung windows to elaborate bay and bow windows. How unique or attention-grabbing do you want your windows to be in the room or from the street? Do you want them to be operable? If so, do you have a preference as to whether they slide open, open like a door, open in or out, etc.?

This can be the hardest decision to make since it governs so much of the final effect — but you can just as easily choose simple double-hung windows or replace your windows with whatever style you currently have and move on immediately to other questions.

Window Material

When you think of windows, you probably think of glass, but of course, any window design is made up of much more than the panes themselves — you also need to consider window materials. If you want to enjoy flexibility in all other options, vinyl is a great choice — it’s Zen Windows’ best seller, and for good reason. Vinyl windows are durable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective.

Some Zen Windows locations also sell fiberglass windows, which are beloved for their variety of finishes.

Window Color

Once you’ve settled on a material, you’ll be able to explore your options for more than color, but the final aesthetic of your window isn’t just about the shade of white. Whether you want your window to resemble a slick modern plastic, rustic painted wood, or something else entirely, you must also consider the finish.

In some cases, you’ll choose multiple colors, as you can independently color the exterior materials, interior materials, and grid for many windows. Make sure to explore all the options available for a particular material, as you might be surprised by what you can do with color, paint, and coatings.

Grid Type

Grids or grilles can add a lot of character to any window. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a grid is a decorative insert fixed either outside of your window or between the panes; if you’ve seen wood or plastic that goes over the glass in a decorative pattern, that’s a grid.

If you truly want your windows to have character, you’re going to want to consider what — if any — grid you’re using. A bare unobstructed pane can be easier to clean and more practical for letting in light, but it may look unfinished in a larger frame.

Glass Type

Choosing glass can be quite an important part of the window design process. A window’s efficiency is largely determined by the nature of its glass — and you’re not just choosing the specific make of glass and its coatings for energy efficiency; you’ll also decide how many panes the window has.

A triple-paned window with the right low-emissivity glass and appropriate spacing can be impervious to the elements, more secure, and more reliable in a disaster. However, of course, premium windows like this will cost more.

Hardware and Other Accessories

You won’t always have hardware and accessories to think about, but some window designs will have handles, locks, screens, and other fittings you may be able to customize. You might choose the color or even the material — and these little bits of character can have a transformative effect on the final product.

You Don’t Need to Choose On Your Own

Hopefully, when it comes time to shop for replacement windows, this knowledge will help you fully explore your options and work with a design team to find the perfect fit for your home. Seeing the possibilities in our idea gallery or having an interesting option revealed to you when you request available patterns, materials, and colors from your local Zen Windows can result in something completely unexpected and beautiful.

If you’d like to learn more about customizing options or hear what Zen Windows could do for your home, reach out to our team!

Choose a Window to Match Your Home’s Style

Replacing outdated windows is an excellent way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and appearance. Choosing the most appropriate window style is an important first step in the window replacement process. If you’re ready to replace your existing windows or are designing a new home, keep these useful tips in mind when making your choices.

Functional Considerations When Choosing Window Styles

Different windows provide different benefits. As you choose your new replacement windows, think about each one you’re replacing and what purpose the new one will serve, even if it’s just from an aesthetic point of view. For instance, slider windows beautifully complement ranch-style homes but look out of place on the front of a Victorian. If you live in a rainy area, hopper windows are probably not a good idea. Start by asking yourself these five questions:

1. Which direction does my home face?
2. Do I want to replace the existing windows with new ones that are the same size?
3. Will I be adding more windows than I currently have?
4. Do I want any custom-sized windows?
5. Do I need all the new windows to provide ventilation, or will there also be some fixed models like picture and bow windows?

Keep in mind that aesthetically, windows make both an exterior and interior impact.

• While you have a lot more creative freedom with rear-facing windows, those on the front of your house should improve its curb appeal and make the house look welcoming.
• Interior-wise, think about what you wish each window to do. People often want plenty of natural light and airflow in the kitchen. However, in family rooms and dens with big-screen monitors, you might want to consider how much glare there will be.

Lastly, to ensure you get maximum energy efficiency from your new windows, keep your home’s orientation to the sun and wind in mind. For example, placing ventilating or operable windows in areas where the wind blows most can help keep your home cooler and save you on air-conditioning costs. In rooms that get a lot of sun, low-E windows block up to 75% of UV rays, protecting furniture, carpets, and artwork from fading. Low-Es can also reduce energy loss by 30% to 50%.

Choosing Replacement Windows That Complement Your Home’s Architecture

While there are no hard and fast rules about which windows go best with different architectural styles, there’s no denying some look better than others. The choice is always yours!

Here’s a brief guide to choosing windows for common home architectural styles.

• With their steep roofs and side gables, Cape Cod homes traditionally sport multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters. Casement windows are another great choice. Accent windows might include sidelights and transoms.
• Craftsman bungalows feature deep porches, mixed material facades, and shallow-pitched roofs. Vertically proportioned double-hung and casement windows, typically placed on either side of a fireplace, are popular choices for bungalows. Picture, dormer, and transom windows are appealing accent window styles.
• Two-story homes such as Georgian Federals generally have two or more chimneys, medium pitched roofs, and multi-panel front doors. Upper-floor windows in these homes tend to be shorter and narrower than those on the ground level. Double-hung windows with Colonial grids are the window of choice, with half-circle transoms, oval windows, and quarter-circle windows on either side of the chimney commonly seen.
• Industrial modern houses have simple asymmetrical forms, flat roofs, and varied-material facades. Casement and picture windows tend to emphasize the glass over sashes and grids. And while accent windows aren’t generally used with this architectural style, custom shapes often are.
• Arched entries, asymmetrical window compositions, and steeply pitched roofs define Tudor homes. Diamond and Colonial pattern grids are used with casement, bay, and double-hung windows. Transom and smaller casement windows are attractive accent window styles.

Zen Windows: Always the Right Choice

With three product lines to choose from and various options and features available, Zen Windows’ precision-built, energy-efficient, and affordable replacement windows offer versatility, durability, and reliability few other windows can match. You’re sure to find one or more versions that match your home’s architecture and your personal style.

Find your nearest location and start a conversation with our team today!