Pros and Cons of Current Window Trends

Your home’s windows are one of the most important features in terms of both functionality and appearance. Window trends can come and go, much like any other home decor element. Despite this, when picking new windows, it’s important to choose based on what you need, not what’s trendy.

Just because a particular trend looks cool on that highly curated lifestyle blog doesn’t mean it will work well in your home. Consider natural light exposure, energy efficiency, insulation, functionality, and how you’ll interact with them on a daily basis.

Are they easy to clean? Do they require complicated covers? How often will they need window maintenance?

Here are some of the pros and cons of current window trends.

Window Walls

Window walls are very much what they sound like: a wall made up exclusively of window glass or a collage of smaller windows. As technology has advanced to make installation easier and the push for modern design advances, more and more Sacramento homes feature a window wall.

Window walls that fully open to the outdoors extend your living space and make a great open floor plan for entertaining guests and family gatherings.

Bell Brother’s Pros and Cons for Window Walls:

Pros:

• Lots of natural light
• Perfect for taking advantage of a great view
• Creates a connection with the outdoors
• Living space feels larger
• Boost in curb appeal

Cons

• Difficult to keep clean
• Challenging to cover
• Potential for sun fading rugs and furniture
• Expensive to install
• Not ideal for every floor plan

If you don’t mind the extra cleaning and don’t need lots of privacy, a window wall can dramatically improve the value of your home and give an incredible visual payoff.

Floor to Ceiling Windows

Windows that extend from our toes to the ceiling aren’t just for mansions and sweeping views. They’re increasing in number of homes that are moving towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient design to optimize natural light. Different from a window wall, these are often strategically placed to soak up the sun.

Bell Brother’s Pros and Cons for Floor to Ceiling Windows:

Pros:

• Increased natural light
• Greater full-body outdoor connection
• Promotes energy efficiency and sustainability

Cons

• Lack of privacy
• Possible security threat
• Expensive to purchase and install
• Difficult to maintain cleanliness

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a beautiful design feature, but if you have tiny hands at home, you may find yourself cleaning them far more often than you’d like.

Corner Window Units

A corner window unit gives uninterrupted views from your room in what is usually a dark corner. These 90-degree angled units blur the division between home and the outdoors and are often the focal point of a room’s design.

Corner windows are built and installed using complex steelwork that supports the structure without obscuring the view.

Bell Brother’s Pros and Cons for Corner Window Units:

Pros

• Take advantage of panoramic views
• Light from multiple directions
• Greater connection with the outdoors

Cons

• The steel structure is costly
• It may be difficult or impossible to open
• Difficult to clean the corner

If you have an incredible view to take advantage of, a corner window unit is well worth the cost and potential hassle to clean.

Arched and Circular Windows

Usually associated with ancient or gothic-style structures, circular and arched windows give your home an increased level of character that standard windows don’t provide. They come in several shapes:

• Half-circle
• Quarter-circle
• Oval
• Full circle
• Elliptical
• Arches
• Full spring line

These unusual designs are a departure from the traditional form but offer a more organic shape that melds into the outdoors more naturally than sharp lines and square edges.

Bell Brother’s Pros and Cons for Circular and Arched Windows:

Pros

• Low maintenance
• Increases curb appeal
• Constructed to be energy efficient
• Offers greater security

Cons

• Expensive to install or replace
• Limited style options
• Narrow aesthetic appeal
• Limited outdoor view

 

Adding a little character to your home is always a fun prospect! But if you enjoy opening your windows to feel the breeze, a circle window may not be a good fit.

Natural Wood Window Casements

Natural wood casings are making a comeback in modern home designs. Instead of steel, vinyl, or composite casements, this natural element melds a contemporary aesthetic with a cozier feel. It’s also another way to bring the outdoors in by using mother nature’s materials.

Bell Brother’s Pros and Cons for Natural Wood Casements:

Pros

• Classic and versatile styling
• Better insulation, which means lower utility costs
• Easy and inexpensive installation
• Renewable resources

Cons

• A natural substance that requires maintenance, like paint
• Susceptible to termites
• Potential to be replaced earlier

You can’t go wrong with wood! The classic aesthetic paired with low costs is a win-win for any Sacramento homeowner.

Current Window Trends and How You Live

The most important element in choosing the best windows for your home is to consider how you will use them and how often they’ll require window maintenance. To learn more about new windows and what window styles work best for your home contact the experts at Bell Brothers today.