Today we’d like to discuss an often-overlooked window style: the picture window. There was an era when most living rooms had a picture window, but they became less popular. We think it’s time to revisit this window style, because they have some great advantages you might not have considered.
Because picture windows are fixed and there are no air gaps, they are the most energy-efficient styles. If you’ve got a room with exposure to a north wind, a picture window might just be what you need to take care of those cold winter drafts.
The large glass area a picture window offers (since it has no sash to break up the glass) means you get the most possible light coming in through the window opening. That could help reduce your electric bill since you’ll likely need to turn on your lights indoors less. That means picture windows save energy on two fronts – heating and cooling as well as electric lighting.
And then of course there are the home decor options a picture window offers. The window frame acts just like a picture frame does, so if you’ve got a great view, why not show it off? Often interior designers work with a picture window as the focal point of a room, staging the furniture placement to show off that view. And because there is no need for access to open the window, things can be placed near a picture window.
And then there’s home security. Since picture windows are fixed, they can’t be inadvertently left unlocked or jimmied open by a would-be home invader.
There’s less maintenance, too – no window tracks to clean, no hardware to fuss with; just a great view!
Picture windows are available in many sizes and shapes. They work well in combination with other window styles, and sometimes they are the perfect window solution for a spot you’d like some light but an operable window isn’t a good option. Take a look at the great end-of-the-hall picture window from our friends at Marvin. The almost floor-to-ceiling glass just about brings the outdoors inside. It floods the whole hall with natural light during the day, and we can almost imagine what the view looks like in the moonlight!
The homeowners could have opted for a door in this spot, but if you don’t need access to the outdoors, a door here might present a security risk. Plus that chair about invites you to just take a break and enjoy nature. You couldn’t put a chair there if it were a door.
To find out just what’s available in picture windows from our manufacturer partners like Marvin and others, reach out to us today for a free in-home consultation or a private appointment at our newly-expanded showroom in Savage. We serve the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul area. And we are a Marvin Authorized Replacement Contractor.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
