Customization is half the fun in window replacement. With the many design options available to you, you get the opportunity to create the windows that best show off your home’s beauty and unique features. Aside from choosing frame color, hardware finish, and glass, you’re also free to add grilles to your new units, but is this actually a good idea? The trusted window installation company in the area, STL Windows Direct, offers a quick answer.

It Depends on a Few Factors
Also called a “muntin”, the grille refers to the strip of material dividing the panes of glass in your windows. Grilles used to be a necessary aspect of window design because glass manufacturing centuries ago was not only expensive to produce but also hard to transport. To prevent breakage, the glass came in several smaller panes, which were then assembled into a window unit using connecting grilles.
Window design and construction have evolved since then, and the grilles are now mostly used for aesthetic value. Our Direct windows, for example, can be customized with or without grilles. But deciding whether or not you should get them ultimately depends on your specific needs.
- Avoid window grilles if you want to maximize your home’s viewing area. If you’re fortunate enough to own a home with a stunning view, it’s best to frame them using windows without grilles. Otherwise, the dividing line created by the grille will only interrupt the view. On the other hand, a home that doesn’t have a notable outdoor view may actually benefit from windows that have grilles, which serve to distract the eye from the boring overlook.
- Get window grilles if you want to add accuracy to your home’s style. Windows with grilles are the staple in homes with a traditional architectural style. These include Colonial, Craftsman, or Farmhouse. You’ll find that having windows with grilles installed can add significantly to the overall look of your home. The same can’t be said for Modernist and Contemporary homes, which favor the sleek lines of pictures and sliding windows. In these window styles, the thin frames and expansive glass are the superstars – grilles would just look out of place with them.
Give Us a Call Today
STL Windows Direct remains the go-to company for high-quality window replacement solutions. Let us help you get the most out of your project with our exceptional products and unparalleled workmanship. We proudly serve Maryland Heights, MO, and the rest of the Greater St. Louis area. Call us today at (314) 627-0805 or fill out this contact form to schedule a window evaluation. We𠆝 love to hear from you!