Matching Your Windows: Is It Necessary?

Windows play a crucial role in the design and functionality of your home. They contribute to how your property looks from the outside, help establish the border between your home exterior and interior and let sunlight and air indoors while protecting against moisture and other harsh elements. With proper planning and correct placement, your windows can help you enjoy the look and feel of your home both inside and out.

When it comes to designing your home, mixing and matching can make things better and more interesting. You can combine different patterns, colors and other interior and exterior elements to create an aesthetic that is visually pleasing and stunning, but does the same thing apply to windows? You might have been wondering whether matching all of them would be a great idea. Let your trusted window installation contractor, STL Windows Direct, discuss this further.

Front Windows Don’t Have to Be the Same for the Other Sides

Your home’s facade should be pleasing to the eye, conveying a sense of what the occupants inside it are all about. This means adhering to a certain style as indicated within the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) of your homeowner’s association or mandated by the local building code. However, the windows on the front of your house shouldn’t dictate what the other windows will be on all the other sides.

You are free to choose and use different windows styles to better meet varying needs. Here’s a look at the myriad of window styles you can incorporate into your home:

• Sliding Windows – These windows don’t take considerable effort to open and close, making them a great choice if you want to achieve a safer and more accessible home.
• Awning Windows – Installing one in your bathroom allows you to ventilate the space and get rid of humidity that can lead to moisture issues. As long as it is installed high up the wall, you won’t have to worry about prying eyes.
• Double-Hung/Casement Windows – These windows also provide adequate ventilation and sufficient daylighting for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms and other high-utility areas of your home.
• Picture Windows – Despite being fixed to your home’s opening, these windows have a large glass area that allows for an unobstructed view of the outside. These are best placed in areas that can immediately face beautiful scenery such as a garden or patio.

Design Considerations to Keep in Mind

While matching all your windows isn’t necessary, it still pays to take a few design considerations into account. Make sure you keep the following in mind when tackling a window installation project:

• Match the Trim Color and Style – Even if you do end up installing different window styles on one side of your home, be sure to keep the trim color and style the same for consistency. In doing so, you don’t compromise the integrity of your home’s design. More importantly, you avoid the problem of having windows that look out of place, especially when viewed from the outside.
• Never Mix Windows That Look TOO Different – Setting a small plate-glass window directly adjacent to a big double-hung window with an intricate grille pattern will turn that side of your home into an eyesore. A quick look at this placement and you’ll immediately see the mismatch between these two styles. As much as possible, use the same window style on one side of the home or combine two different styles that make sense when juxtaposed. For instance, a large casement window can have casements on both of its sides or an awning window on top.

Making the Most of Your Window Replacement Project

You’d want to ensure the success of your window replacement project. After all, like any other major home improvement, it is an important investment that requires time, effort and money. A lot of factors go into tackling it that if you fail to follow a few essential tips, you may not get the results you want. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Do Your Research – Thorough research is imperative when planning any home improvement project. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the upgrade allows you to move forward with the endeavor. The internet is a helpful tool in finding the necessary information regarding window replacement, including the different styles and materials available in the market today and the various ways to build a budget. Ask your family, friends, neighbors or colleagues for recommendations. If possible, discuss what the window replacement experience was like for them.
• Take Advantage of Customization – To make sure your new windows will both look good and perform efficiently upon installation, consider customizing them in terms of measurement, style and color. It is also the best time to consult a window specialist who can guide you through the entire process and help you find the right window that fits your preferences, home architecture and budget.
• Keep Energy Efficiency Top-of-Mind – Apart from enhancing your home’s curb appeal, one of the many reasons why homeowners tackle window replacement is to boost energy efficiency while cutting down on energy consumption. Check if the windows have the ENERGY STAR® and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels. These are indications of the level of energy efficiency they can provide for your home.
• Work With a Reliable Contractor – Having your old windows replaced is one thing, but making sure the new ones are fitted properly and installed correctly is just as important. Replacement windows are only as good as the quality of the installation behind them, so be sure to choose a reliable contractor with the right credentials and experience.

For your window replacement needs, turn to STL Windows Direct. We are a division of STL Design and Build, with a focus on providing premium quality replacement windows. Our Direct windows are made of vinyl frames and feature triple-pane glass, krypton gas fill and SmartCore foam insulation, among others. When you choose us as your installer, you’re not only choosing a better window. You’re choosing a more comfortable home that allows you to enjoy increased energy savings and a lifetime return on investment.

To learn more about your options and our window replacement process, give us a call at (314) 690-5800. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.