When you change your windows, you change the look and feel of your home. Windows can be one of the most important elements of a home's overall décor. They can drastically improve exterior curb appeal and brighten up interior spaces. If you’re remodeling your home and looking for new window renovation ideas, read on.
Why Trending Windows Are the Key to a Successful Home Remodel
Your windows are one of the first things people notice about your home. When you're planning a home remodel, looking at trending windows helps you make design choices that will look fresh and welcome visitors with style for years to come.
Window renovation trends can also help you appeal to potential buyers if you plan to sell your home. For example, the move toward indoor-outdoor living means floor-to-ceiling windows and sunrooms are popular. And energy-efficient features that help lower utility bills, like Low-E glass, never go out of style.
If you’re going for a modern style home, window trends are even more important. For example, you’ll want to be up-to-date on trending modern window ideas like black windows, which create bold contrast that works well with this architectural style.
6 Replacement Window Ideas to Get You Inspired
Modern replacement windows offer so many options with glass, frame colors, grids and hardware that you’ll be able to easily create any look in your home. To get you started, here are our favorite window renovation ideas.
Idea #1: Arch Top, Radius or Gable Style Window
Adding a half or full radius window over the top of a door or window is a clever way to increase natural light and create an elegant look at the same time. The curved lines bring softness to a room, and when balanced against the straight corners of standard rectangular windows, create an aesthetically appealing result. It’s one of the best new window ideas when you’re looking to completely renovate your space rather than just swap out your windows.
Idea #2: Colored Window Frames
Did you know that there’s a world of color to explore for exterior vinyl window frames? In addition to white, tan or clay frame colors, bold colors that stand out against your home’s existing trim are one of the most popular window frame ideas. Painted vinyl window frames can really enhance the look of your home and help you achieve the home you deserve, plus vinyl is energy efficient and low maintenance.
Idea #3: Window Walls and Transoms
A long, narrow window used over the top of a door or another window is called a transom. Consider using it in repetition to create floor-to-ceiling windows or a window wall. These designs utilize the full height and width of the wall to bring in as much light as possible. If you’re remodeling the kitchen, consider adding transom windows above the cabinets or shelves. This window renovation idea also works well in bathrooms, above bathtubs and showers.
Idea #4: Replace Windows with French Doors
For a totally new take on window replacement ideas, consider this: Replace your windows with doors. Replacing windows with French doors can elevate the look of a home and add more character. One way to truly create a panoramic view is to insert a series of French doors into a wall. This design embraces indoor outdoor living and helps expand your living space.
The French door style has become so popular that it has even made its way beyond patio doors to other areas of the home, such as garages and glass-door refrigerators. If this look appeals to you, see how you can mirror it throughout your home with both door and window renovations.
Idea #5: Sidelites
This idea is both a door and window renovation: Architects and designers often combine windows and doors together to create a distinct effect. A sidelite is a narrow, vertical window next to a door. It helps bring additional light into tight profile spaces and if you choose to make it operable, it can also allow more fresh air to flow into your home.
Idea #6: Bow and Bay Windows
Looking for bigger house window ideas? Bow and bay windows can be used to add architectural interest both inside and out and look great in living rooms, dining rooms and master bedrooms. They not only provide extra seating space, but can be flanked with casement or single hung windows for additional ventilation and light.
A bow window is composed of a series of windows (generally four or more of the same width) that are joined at equal angles to form a curved arch. A bay window is a combination of three windows of varying widths that create a more angled look as they extend from the wall. Installing these styles in an existing opening can be a larger window renovation project, but the end result is worth it.
Get Expert Advice for Successful Window Renovation
A successful window renovation depends on making smart choices about materials, measurements and installation methods. Whether you’re looking at replacement window ideas for one window or all of them, these tips will help your renovation go smoothly:
- Familiarize yourself with the parts of a window and measure your existing windows carefully to get the most accurate size for replacements. Take width and height measurements from three spots and use the largest measurement.
- Choose your window frame materials and glass options based on your climate. Vinyl works well in most areas, while fiberglass offers extra durability in extreme temperatures.
- Get quotes from multiple dealers to compare prices, but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value when it comes to windows.
- Work with professional installers instead of attempting DIY. Proper window installation affects energy efficiency, operation, and whether your warranty stays valid.
Ready to start your window project? A MILGARD Certified Dealer can help you pick the right windows and plan your window renovation. They know our products inside and out and can give you expert advice about what will work best for your home. Find a dealer near you to get a quote and see window samples in person.
