Windows come in many shapes and sizes, but did you know that you can also order windows in combinations? Whether your goal is to improve your view, bring in more light or add ventilation, mixing and matching window operating styles provides endless possibilities for your home.
What Are Combination Windows?
Combination windows combine multiple window types within a single frame, offering both functionality and design versatility. For example, you might pair a large, fixed picture window with operable windows like casement, awning, or double-hung styles.
Combination windows let you enjoy unobstructed views while also providing ventilation. They’re highly customizable, allowing you to choose different shapes, sizes, and materials to match your home’s architectural style.
Benefits of Window Combinations
Combination windows maximize natural light, offer flexible ventilation options, and can complement the design of any room. Whether you’re seeking a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional feel, like Cape Cod combination windows, you can find a design that fits.
Ventilation
Combination windows give you more control over airflow. You can pair fixed windows with operable ones like casement, awning, or sliding windows. Casement and awning windows are especially effective because they open wide, allowing more air to circulate. Awning windows open outward from the bottom, so you can leave them open even when it’s raining. In rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, where airflow is crucial, combination windows can improve air quality and help reduce moisture buildup.
Natural Light
Combination windows are ideal for maximizing natural light, which can highlight interior details, boost mood, and reduce the need for artificial lighting. A large picture window can fill a room with sunlight, while smaller operable windows provide airflow. This makes combination windows perfect for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. By strategically placing combination windows in key areas, you can brighten up your home without sacrificing privacy or comfort.
Aesthetics
Combination windows create a unique visual appeal. The right combination can add character and help tie your home’s interior and exterior design together. For example, a modern home might benefit from pairing sleek, expansive picture windows with narrow, functional sliding windows. You can also match different materials and finishes to your existing décor and add custom grids for even more design options.
Combination Window Design Ideas
If you're looking for design inspiration, here are some creative ideas for using combination windows in your home.
Combination picture window with two side windows
Also known as a bay window, this design features a large center picture window flanked by two operable windows. It projects outside your exterior wall and can make a cozy window seat inside. This design is perfect for kitchens and dining areas because it adds extra seating, lets in plenty of light, and provides a panoramic view of the outdoors.
Single-hung or double-hung picture window combinations are especially popular in the bay window style. You can also go with casement and picture window combinations. In this example, the side windows are a single-hung style and open for ventilation.
Awning and picture window combination
Combining picture windows with awning windows is a popular design choice that offers the best of two worlds. Awning windows are often installed above or below picture windows. This gives you the clear, unobstructed view that a picture window offers, while still allowing for ventilation when needed.
Casement windows can also be used in place of picture windows. Because they don’t have rails or sashes, a casement window is essentially a picture window that opens, offering the same expansive view, but also providing ventilation. Below is an example of casement windows with awning windows above them, using four Tuscany® Series vinyl replacement windows. This adds a beautiful style to the room.
Glass Window Walls
Homeowners who want to bring the outdoors inside can pair windows with sliding glass doors to extend the seamless indoor-outdoor connection. This combination is perfect if your home has a stunning view. In spaces like living rooms or sunrooms, glass window walls can make the room feel more spacious and flood it with natural light.
This soaring glass wall created with MILGARD aluminum windows brings in an abundance of natural light and really expands the view. Aluminum is especially good for combination windows because the frames are strong. Plus, they have thin profiles that achieve a contemporary look.
Picture and slider combination windows
This combination places narrow horizontal sliding windows at the bottom and a fixed picture window on top. It’s perfect for smaller rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, where you need ventilation but also want natural light. Horizontal sliders are easy to operate and come in a variety of sizes, making them a versatile option for many types of spaces.
In this example, a horizontal slider is used in combination with a picture window above it. This helps provide ventilation close to the floor without breaking up your view.
Tips for designing with combination windows
Feeling inspired? Here are a few tips to help you make the most of combination windows in your home design.
Window Function
Think about the primary purpose of your windows. For airflow, choose operable styles like casement or sliding windows. If maximizing views or light is the priority, pair fixed picture windows with smaller, functional ones. In bathrooms or bedrooms, consider frosted glass, which provides privacy while still allowing natural light to enter.
Window Placement
The placement of your combination windows affects the style you choose. In high or hard-to-reach areas, opt for windows that are simple to open, such as sliders or awnings. On second or third stories, double-hung windows are easiest to clean. And you may want to avoid outward-opening windows near walkways or patios, where they might interfere with outdoor space.
Design Style
Match the window combination to your home’s architecture. Bay or double-hung windows fit traditional styles, while large picture windows or transom windows suit modern, minimalist designs. Aluminum frames provide a sleek look for contemporary homes, while vinyl frames complement classic or rustic designs. Choose combinations that enhance your home’s overall aesthetic.
Discover your perfect window combination
When you’re ready to order windows for replacement or new construction, visit your local MILGARD dealer and ask about window combinations that could improve your view, bring in light, and add ventilation to your home. You may be surprised at the possibilities.
Our dealers can help you design and plan your project and visualize how the windows will look in your home. You can select frame materials like vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, along with plenty of glass options. Just find a MILGARD Certified Dealer near you or get a quote online to get started.
