Window Details: Customize Your New Windows

If you're considering new windows, beside choosing the actual windows types, such as casement, awning, bay, bow, double hung, or picture windows, you'll want to pick the exact window details that match your home's exterior style and your interior décor. Whether the feel is traditional, or you're hungering for a fresh midcentury or contemporary style, windows can add architectural detail and enhance the look you want to achieve. So before remodeling, redecorating, or installing replacement windows, here are some decorating ideas and interior design tips.

Of course, you'll want to choose a window material that reflects your style. For traditional homes, wood windows are your best bet. Imagine romantic French windows that swing open to give you an unobstructed view in a beautiful stained wood. Aluminum windows are available that resemble wood in every way, but offer a carefree exterior. Aluminum windows can also fit perfectly in more contemporary décor. For bathroom renovations, fiberglass windows can be a great choice, especially if the window is within a shower stall or in an extremely damp environment.

Be sure not to overlook window shapes as another interesting detail. Adding a round window as an architectural feature can create interest on a plain wall or bring daylight to a stairwell. Many midcentury homes feature corner windows and large picture windows with little or no window trim. Certain window manufacturers, such as Marvin Windows and Doors, can make any custom shape you have in mind, while ensuring they're high quality, energy efficient, and beautiful down to the last detail.

Your choice of glass dividers can make an important statement. Glass dividers are the bars that separate the glass panes in windows. Traditional windows more often have glass dividers, also known as divided lites. Typically, modern windows have fewer dividers, or possibly dividers that are round or that create strong horizontal or vertical lines, not squares or rectangles. As with window shapes, window manufacturers, such as Marvin Windows and Doors, can create any custom divided lite patterns that you can dream up.

How your new windows open will also affect the look and feel of the area where they are installed. Double hung and glider windows feature bypass operation, meaning the two sashes slide past each other to open, as opposed to awning, hopper, and tilt-turn windows, which tilt from the top or bottom for ventilation. Tilt-turn windows are unusual, because they both tilt from the top and swing open like a door. Unique to the Marvin brand are venting picture windows, which push out slightly on all sides to allow ventilation, while maintaining the look of a picture window. They even have a clever, patented hidden screen that keeps insects out.

Finally, window hardware can add a distinctive finishing touch. Choosing hardware with high contrast to stand out from window frames, or match the window color with hardware that blends. Designer architectural hardware can be as beautiful as jewelry, dressing up a room like accessories complete a well-chosen outfit.

Regardless of the style you have in mind, expert consultants are ready to help you choose the right window options to succeed in bringing both your interior design and replacement window goals to life. Your home will be beautiful, comfortable, energy efficient, and you'll appreciate the increase in your home value and curb appeal, as well. Contact the experts at AVI, a Marvin Design Gallery for more information.