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The Best Window Designs For Your Home

As your Minneapolis window experts, we’re here to help you find the best window designs that will give you the best views of the outdoors this summer. Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for windows that offer excellent outdoor visibility and plenty of natural light. 

Bay Windows

When it comes to elegant outdoor views, there are few better options than bay windows. Made up of three windows set at angles that extend away from your home, bay windows create the illusion that you’re closer to the outdoors while remaining in the comfort of your home. Classic and timeless, bay windows will enhance your outdoor views this summer. 

There’s no denying that bay windows provide exceptional aesthetic value. But, there are also functional benefits afforded by this window type. These include:

  • Enhanced ventilation

The side windows included in a bay window can open and close, allowing for excellent ventilation in your home. Whether you need to cool down your home, let in a breeze, eliminate odors, or simply usher in some fresh air, bay windows give you the option. 

  • Greater natural light

With three large sections, bay windows can be used to maximize the natural light in your home. Natural light is important to brighten up any space, especially here in Minnesota. This is another reason why bay windows are a great choice for window installation.  

  • Additional space

A perk of bay windows that people don’t always consider is the additional space that they provide. Since bay windows protrude from your home, they provide a little bit of extra room in your interior. This nook can be used as a cozy place to read, enjoy your coffee in the morning, and, of course, take in the gorgeous view. 

Sliding Windows

Simple but effective, sliding windows are one of the best window choices for fantastic views not only in summer, but throughout the year. You can think of sliding windows are double-hung windows that are turned sideways. The panes slide left or right to open, providing easy operation for all of the members of your household. Since both sides of a sliding window can be opened simultaneously, this window allows for stellar ventilation that will come in handy this summer.

Sliding windows often feature a floor-to-ceiling style. So, the window will span much of one wall in the room. This will turn the wall into a full view of the outdoors. So, sliding windows are generally the best choice for homeowners who want as much natural light as possible streaming into their homes.  

Picture Windows

Picture windows are known for creating unobstructed views of the outdoors. This, in fact, is why the design is called a “picture” window – it provides a clear picture of the scenery outside your home. Picture windows can be any size, but they’re often large to pack the biggest punch. When it comes to maximizing the views in your home this summer, big picture windows are beautiful and effective. This window design will complement virtually any aesthetic and can go in various rooms throughout your home.

The main downside to picture windows is that they’re often fixed. This means that you won’t be able to open them to allow ventilation in your home. You’ll need to rely on other windows in your home for this purpose. Or, you could opt for a combination picture window, with which a picture window is placed in between two functioning windows. This provides the aesthetic benefit of the picture window with the benefit of ventilation from the operable windows. 

When it comes to your windows, it’s important to select the style that will best complement your home. All homeowners are unique, and the windows that will suit your home through every season may vary from your neighbor’s windows.

If you’re eager to get your windows ready for this summer, contact Superior Windows today. We provide trusted professional window installation services in the Twin Cities.

Categories Blog

Discover Which Window Style is Right For You!

If you’re planning to have new windows installed for your home, the window style is a crucial consideration. The residential window styles available for installation are abundant, giving you many options to weigh. Before you schedule your window installation, learning more about the available window styles can ensure that you know which window style is right for your home and budget. 

Here, we’ll learn all about the top window styles for modern homes. All of these window styles have varying pros and cons, which can help you narrow down the list. 

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows feature horizontal sashes that slide from side to side. This is different from conventional windows, which slide up and down. 

The main benefit that sliding windows provide is a clear view of the outdoors without obstructions. This window design is simple and clean, providing an ideal look for those who want plenty of natural light in their homes. Sliding windows are also extremely easy to operate, making them a smart choice for homeowners with dexterity concerns or for installation in hard-to-reach areas. 

The key drawback of sliding windows is that the outside of them is difficult to clean. Since sliding windows can’t be tilted for convenient cleaning from the inside of your home, as other window designs can be, you’ll need to put some extra effort into maintaining this window style. 

Bay Windows 

For a classic yet eye-catching window design, bay windows are a stellar option. This window type is made up of three windows connected to create a more expansive window unit. Bay windows are set at angles so that the unit extends out past the walls of your home. This creates the effect that you’re closer to the outdoors, and it adds a bit of extra space inside any room. With that extra space, you can install seating, storage drawers, or any other moderately-sized fixture that will benefit your home. 

Bay windows provide a high amount of natural light, additional space, and a unique style point for your home. However, bay windows are a comparatively pricey window design option, and they can develop structural problems if improperly installed. This is why it’s crucial to enlist the help of an expert team for window installation

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows feature an upper and lower sash. These two sashes, stacked vertically, can both be moved up and down to open the window. Double hung windows look very much like single hung windows, but both sashes can be used to open the window. With a single hung window, only one of the sashes can be moved. 

Convenient operation, affordability, and color options are among the top benefits of double hung windows. Since double hung windows are a highly popular residential window design option, you can typically find them in the broadest range of colors. That said, double hung windows do create a higher risk of air leakage than other window types. This is because the windows aren’t as airtight as other models, creating the possibility of a leak as the window ages. 

Awning Windows

Awning windows aren’t the most popular residential window choice for window installation in Minneapolis. However, this window type offers a striking look with singular functionality, making it the best option in specific applications. 

Awning windows have hinges at the top of the sash. From this hinge, the window opens outward, away from the home. With this design, which opens from the bottom, homeowners can protect their homes against water damage while keeping the window open in a rainstorm. The rain will fall onto the open window, then flow down and away from your home. 

Since awning windows open outward, they’re typically a good choice for upper levels of a home. Installed on a lower level, an awning window may obstruct patio space and other features outside your home. Additionally, awning windows can be difficult to keep clean. Since these windows open outward, reaching the pane that faces outside can be tricky to reach.

If you’re considering installing new windows or replacing your windows, contact Superior Windows for window installation services. Our expert team will help you select the perfect window style for your home and budget.