On the surface, the role of home windows is easy to define. They let you see out and let light shine in while keeping you protected from the elements.
But dig a bit deeper, and the real significance of home windows is far from an open and shut case.
Perhaps the best illustration of this can be found in everyday phrases that incorporate home windows.
“When fate closes a door, it always opens a window”
This quote is all about the window as opportunity and joy-bringer, and there are a number of home windows that fit the description that made this metaphor a go-to cliché. If you want to model your home life after the wisdom of this quote, consider one of the following.
If you want the chance to render a small space pleasant and practical, horizontal sliding home windows may be just what you need. Instead of opening outward, the operable sash slides in the plane of the frame. It’s a space saving alternative where there’s little room to walk on the other side of home windows. Also, if you enjoy outdoor entertaining or backyard barbeques, you can remove the screen and move easily from one area to the next while balancing trays, plates or conversations.
Picture home windows are an opportunity to maximize your view and the amount of light entering the room. At the same time, they offer something that many homeowners appreciate: Versatility. Not only will they work equally well in the dining room, living room and master bedroom, but picture home windows can be adapted to any home style from modern to traditional to somewhere in between.
For those who enjoy the perception of being outdoors without the reality of bug bites or frostbite, home windows comprising a sunroom are the perfect balance. With the many options for window composition afforded by modern technology, you can minimize summer heat and winter chill while bathing yourself in light, regardless of the climate or time of year.
“A Window to the World”
Often used metaphorically, “A Window to the World” means that something gives you a broader perspective of the world than you would otherwise have, expanding your view, your big picture or your understanding. If this is what you want to live by, here are some great options.
In a literal sense, bay home windows are an excellent way to expand your view, framing stunning vistas or tranquil seascapes with equal flair. In the process, they provide plenty of natural light and the option for some intriguing extras like a cozy window seat or additional storage. The choices for incorporating bay home windows are numerous, including arched, cottage style and sink windows to brighten the kitchen.
For a truly broader perspective, you might choose a skylight or other high window. It’s perfect for boosting the natural light in a room while preserving your privacy, not to mention your wall or storage space. It can make a bathroom bright and airy or an entryway welcoming and stylish. Place it in a cramped hallway to give it a more open feel or in the dining room ceiling for romantic meals beneath the moon and stars.
Of course, if you want to experience the essence of “a window to the world”, nothing beats a dramatic window wall. How better to capture a view in all its glory and the natural light that accompanies it than with a wall of glass running from floor to ceiling? Wanting to blend modern with traditional? Try a window wall with arches and muntins (strips of wood or metal separating and holding panes of glass in a window) for a sleek look that simulates classic window shapes. If you wish to merge form and function, opt for a curving window wall with French doors for light-filled dining and easy access to a wall or patio.