Not Just Glass: Focus on Window Accents to Complement your Home

Choosing the right windows for your home or office project is just as important as picking out a wall color, light fittings or finishings to complement your space. Windows contribute to the look and feel of your home, both inside and out. There is more to consider than just the frame material and size. From hardware to the types of finishes, window details add style and functionality to a room and even contribute positively to the equity of your home. 

Window Hardware

When selecting hardware for your windows, keeping functionality in mind is key. Look for quality hardware that is made from highly durable materials. This will ensure your windows will open and close, (or slide) smoothly and latch tightly for years to come.

Choosing the right style of hardware is just as important as getting the right finishings on door handles and cupboards in the rest of your house. White is popular, but it’s certainly not the only option! Finishes like brass, nickel, and bronze will complement rooms with traditional styles while matte black and chrome can give a modern edge to your room.

Divided Lites

If you haven’t heard of divided lites before you have probably seen them on historic or traditional-style homes. Divided lites give the look of multiple individual panes of glass within a single window. These are sometimes divided into sections diagonally or include horizontal and vertical lines in a crosshatch design. While these two options are common in historical architecture, there is no limit to the design pattern divided lites can be arranged in. Designs can include horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved and circular patterns.

There are two ways of constructing divided lites in a window. The traditional option is for separate pieces of glass to sit between the patterned bars so that each individual shape houses its own pane of glass. A more modern option is simulated divided lites. These mimic the look of authentic divided lites but only use one panel of glass. The patterned bar design sits on top of the glass. 

Simulated divided lites are great for producing a traditional look while being more efficient and less expensive. Generally, the traditional option for divides lites are reserved for historic reproductions.

Shades and Screens

Fully integrated shades can add an elegant touch to your room and save you from having to measure and install traditional curtains or blinds. Integrated shades can give your room a cleaner look as they have no visible cords or pulleys distracting from the shade design. The shade stack can also be hidden at the top by a cover for when your shades are raised. Integrated interior shades can be operated from the top or bottom giving you more control of light and view than traditional window covers. The design also eliminates flapping or banging of the shades meaning air flowing from other parts of the room won’t cause disruption. 

Finishes

Choosing a finish for your window surrounds can have a big impact on the final look of your house and rooms. Here are the most popular types of finishes and the benefits:

Wood Window Frames

Wood is a timeless option and will always be a popular look for window treatments. Whether painted or stained, the finishing options are endless and can complement almost any design. Pine, Douglas fir, mahogany and red cedar are high-quality exterior options. Look for exterior woods that have been treated for protection against moisture and the elements. Wood requires some amount of maintenance to keep it in the best condition for years to come.

Aluminum-clad Wood Frames

This is a great option for a maintenance-free exterior while enjoying the traditional look of wood on the interior. Look for finishes that meet the American Architectural Manufacturers Association standards as these are guaranteed to resist fading and chalking even in harsh or extreme conditions. This link describes the finishes Marvin offers https://www.marvin.com/products/design-options/exterior-finish

Vinyl Frames

This is a low-maintenance, affordable and energy-efficient choice for any home or business. Vinyl windows can offer better heat saving capabilities than wood or aluminum and don’t require painting or staining. Vinyl windows don’t always have a wide range of colors or styles so you may have to settle for what is available.

Fiberglass Frames

For strength and durability over the long haul, you can’t go past fiberglass finishes. There’s a reason boat builders choose this material to stand up against years of saltwater corrosion. More energy efficient than aluminum cladding, fiberglass frames are also stronger than vinyl finishing and don’t expand or contract in heat or cold. Expect to get fifty years out of well-cared-for fiberglass frames. 

Glass Glazing and Panes

Window glass can have a huge effect on the insulation of your home. Choosing wisely and spending the money upfront can help save on energy bills further down the line. Many glass providers now offer dual-pane glass with low-E and argon gas between the panes as standard. Dual-pane glass cuts down on energy costs as they retain heat better than a single pane of glass. Low-E glass coatings can also help manage how much light and heat are conducted or reflected away through your windows. 

With so many options to consider, finding the perfect detailings for your windows is an exciting process. At CCL our experts are happy to help answer your questions, from fit to finish. Check out our CCL Window Comparison Guide for more information or get in touch with us today.