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What Is a Picture Window, and Why Should You Have One?
Need to replace several windows on the same wall? Or are you looking to open up a room with one big window instead of a few smaller ones? In these cases and more, a replacement picture window could be the perfect addition to your home.
Not only do picture windows bring lots of light indoors, but they also bring extra benefits with each installation. Today, let's explain what picture windows are and take a look at some reasons why you might consider placing this popular window type throughout your house. You can also reach out online to talk to an expert at Window World of the Blue Ridge about the upsides of picture windows.
Picture windows defined
Picture windows get their names from their rectangular shapes and lack of moving parts. They’re large, fixed, and unobstructed by additional casement framing or designs on their glass surfaces. Like framed artwork, picture windows showcase dazzling views – but those views are of your front or back yard, so they’re ideal for homes with picturesque landscapes to enjoy.
In many homes, picture windows are set in the center of a long wall, like one side of a dining room. They might be flanked by smaller windows, like single-hung or double-hung windows. In any case, picture windows create beautiful focal points for any room.
Do picture windows open?
No, picture windows don’t open because they don’t have movable sashes. Though they don’t open, large picture windows remain popular among homeowners around the country because their tight seal minimizes air leaks and maximizes natural light and visibility to the outside.
Types of picture window variations
Picture windows don’t just come in basic rectangular shapes, although a long rectangle is the default picture window type. There are plenty of picture window styles when it comes to sizes and shapes, including:
- Round picture windows
- Diamond picture windows
- Square picture windows
- And more
Benefits of picture windows
There are several good reasons to think about replacing old windows with new picture windows. Here are just a few!
They’re energy-efficient windows
For starters, modern picture windows are energy-efficient. Several picture window models regularly make Energy Star’s Most Efficient list. Energy-efficient picture windows are usually constructed with two panes of glass that have a gas layer between them, making them better insulators than their single-paned counterparts.
Not only do these windows prevent your home from heating up too much in the summer, but they also prevent air-conditioned or heated air from escaping outside. That's sure to save you significantly on your utility bill. It’s a good thing picture windows can be energy efficient, too, since they’re larger than most other window types!
Picture windows let in lots of natural light
Given their sizes, it’s no surprise that picture windows let in a ton of natural light. For this reason alone, picture windows are smart replacement windows if you want to make a smaller room feel more open or expansive.
Having a lot of natural light means you won’t have to turn on electric lights nearly as often, and you’ll be able to enjoy more of each day’s light cycle while working or relaxing indoors.
They offer unbeatable views
Put a picture window in front of your perfectly-cared-for lawn or beautiful backyard, and you’ll be able to sit and sip coffee in peace while enjoying the landscape, no matter the weather outside. Picture windows are stellar additions to any Blue Ridge home with great views, like homes atop verdant hills or houses tucked into cozy neighborhood streets.
Picture windows are customizable
As we pointed out earlier, you can customize picture windows beyond the basic rectangular shape. So, if your home has a unique architectural twist, or you want to install a picture window within a smaller-than-average wall, you can still do so. A large circular picture window, for example, could be perfect for an upstairs bedroom or game room with a vaulted ceiling.
Picture window frames can also be chosen or customized to fit your room’s aesthetic or style. As an example, the 7700 Series Picture Window from Wincore has a beveled frame with a wood dimension. Meanwhile, the V4000 Sunrise Series Picture Window from MI Windows is available with many different interior and exterior frame colors. It’s a good choice for master bedrooms that face east to catch the sunrise every morning.
Aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl picture windows are just a few possibilities. With so many different choices available, there are sure to be several picture window ideas that can fit into your renovation plan.
They enhance curb appeal
In the long run, picture window replacements could bring big benefits to your wallet. Homebuyers usually love picture windows. The more picture windows you install, the more you’ll boost curb appeal and the more money you’ll receive for your Blue Ridge property if you ever decide to sell.
Even if you don’t decide to sell, your home will look that much more elegant and impressive with a few picture windows along its front. You’ll see warmth beaming out of your Blue Ridge house as you come home from work each day. Then, when you want privacy, you can draw long shades over the windows.
Where to put picture windows
By far, the two most popular places to install picture windows are the living room and dining room. Having a living room picture window brings natural beauty to the heart of your house. Meanwhile, many homeowners love picture windows in their dining rooms so they can look outside while they converse with friends and family members over shared meals.
Picture windows can also be excellent additions to the kitchen. For example, if you never find yourself opening it, consider replacing a casement window over your kitchen sink with a picture window. That replacement will open up the view you enjoy from your kitchen as you cook dinner.
Alternatively, you can replace your old master bedroom window(s) with a picture window. More natural light means your bedroom will feel bigger and more spacious than ever, and you can hang luxurious drapes on the window’s side for decorative elegance and practical privacy.
How much do picture windows cost?
The cost to install or replace a picture window can range from a few hundred dollars and up. Several factors affect the price of picture windows:
- The window’s material and size
- The type of glass
- How many windows you’re installing
- Labor and other project costs
Remember that you can always explore offers and financing options on new windows. Window World of the Blue Ridge provides free quotes on all window installation projects, and that includes picture windows and whole-home exterior remodels.
Contact Window World of the Blue Ridge to Request Your Quote
No matter where you plan to put your picture windows, you'll want an expert local window company to handle the installation. Window World of the Blue Ridge is ready to help you customize your new or replacement picture window. Stop by our Wilkesboro, NC showroom today, call 336-838-9393, or request a quote online to start your upgrade today!