- Backspace Living
Custom Window Designs Can Take Your Home From Ordinary to One of a Kind
by
Maria Allen
Chances are, your standard rectangular windows blend right into the side of your house. No one notices them. But installing custom-designed windows not only makes your windows stand out; it also enhances the entire look of your home. Some window companies offer custom window design and installation among their services, and you can choose from an array of window shapes or design your own based on a certain aesthetic or the needs of your space. The sky\’s the limit with custom window design.
Shape Options
If you\’re tired of rectangular and square windows and want to give your home renovation or new home construction a twist, consider windows in other shapes. Custom windows are available in circles, half circles, quarter circles, triangles, trapezoids, octagons, hexagons, and more, as well as irregular shapes, such as a square with a round top. You can install porthole windows looking out from your attic and triangular windows in every bedroom, depending on the look you\’re going for. Some window contractors will even allow you to design your own shape, although the more custom the shape, the higher the price can rise.
Architectural Considerations
If you\’ve put a lot of work into designing a unique house, standard rectangular windows can look out of place. Perhaps you want a large triangle of windows mirroring the staircase in your living room, or floor-to-ceiling picture windows overlooking the spectacular view from the master bedroom. If you\’ve built an archway over the front door, a half-circle window inside the arch can accentuate the design and let the sun stream into your foyer. In addition to the shape of the window, think about the shape/size of the room, how much light you want to let into the space, what kind of window treatments you prefer, and any other architectural features in the room that could be highlighted by an unusual window.
Beyond Shape
When you\’re customizing your windows, shape isn\’t your only decision. A custom window company will also let you select the type of glass, the style and material of the window frame, and if and how the window will open. Consider the energy efficiency of the glass options available to you. Will they prevent heat transfer, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter? Do they block and filter the sun, or let it shine through clearly? Window frames can also vary in terms of energy efficiency, based on what material is used in their construction. Certain types of frames also require more maintenance than others. Finally, if you want certain windows to open and close, you\’ll need to consider how you want that to happen: sliding up and down, sliding left and right, or an
awning window
that pushes outward to open.
It takes a lot of thought to design your own custom windows, but the result is completely worth it. You\’ll have a one-of-a-kind space, sure to be commented on by friends and guests. Even more importantly, you\’ll have the home of your dreams, inside and out.
Maria Allen is a architecture enthusiast and a senior Internet marketing strategist for the SEO firm Prospect Genius.
Article Source:
ArticleRich.com