Living room windows make your indoor space appear brighter, bigger, and welcoming. Since this is where most group activities take place, it’s only natural to choose stylish and efficient windows for the living room. Now the question is—which of the types of living room windows best fit your needs?
We’ve prepared a guide to help you choose the best living room windows. Before we introduce you to them, know more about the factors to consider first so you can decide without a doubt about which type best matches your requirements.
What to Consider When Selecting Windows for Living Room
Before choosing which window to put in your space, consider your living room needs and the purposes you want it to serve.
Let’s go into more detail on these factors below so you can decide what living room window style fits your vision best:
Regional Environment
Living room windows in Canadian homes need to accommodate the climate which differs per province. Homeowners in northern provinces may require medium-sized windows with multiple window treatments to accommodate the harsher, chilly weather. Homes in southern Canadian provinces can opt to have large windows for the living room with fewer treatments.
Before you shop windows for the living room, check your home’s altitude, moisture, and temperature levels first. These help you choose the correct living room window.
Remember that windows can’t self-regulate or adjust to the environment, causing them to break under high pressure or moisten due to humid air.
Energy Efficiency
Shopping for windows is more than just improving the interior design; it’s also about keeping your space comfortable no matter the season. Make your home more energy efficient by basing your purchases on window energy ratings. These guidelines inform you of the overall performance of windows and how they lose or retain heat.
Image Source: Canva
Natural Light Direction
Natural light comes from specific directions, which you’ll need to consider when choosing window placements to let the right amount of light in. Large windows in your living room won’t matter if they don’t get sun exposure. Select the correct window placements and size to make the room brighter.
Window Frame Material
Did you know the frame’s material affects a window’s energy efficiency and durability? Not all windows have the same attributes, and it’s vital you know what features you need to make your living room comfortable. Let’s learn the unique characteristics of each window frame material below:
Window Frame Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Wood | ✔️ Good insulator |
✖️ Weakens over time
✖️ Forms gaps for air to leak
|
Aluminum | ✔️ Adds to home curb appeal |
✖️ Doesn’t resist corrosion and heat as well as the others
|
Fibreglass |
✔️ Resists weathering
✔️ Good energy efficiency
|
✖️ Few customizable options
✖️ More expensive
|
Vinyl |
✔️ Most affordable window material
✔️ Doesn’t require maintenance
✔️ Can lower energy costs
|
✖️ Lacks visual variety
|
Types of Living Room Windows
Aside from practical considerations, you should also consider how your living room windows will match your home’s aesthetic. Explore the different design and style options available below:
1. Casement Windows
If you’re looking for living room windows that open, a casement window fits the bill perfectly. This window type has one or more hinges attached to its side and opens outwardly. It’s a common choice among homeowners for being energy-efficient windows with a simple and versatile design.
Casement windows make living rooms more comfortable or fresher because their ability to open lets in a lot of fresh air. It makes you feel more relaxed with much of the outdoors visible and within reach.
2. Double Hung Windows
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Continuing with the “living room windows that open” category, we have the double-hung windows. These have two operable sashes you can slide up and down, letting air in freely. Old souls who want to achieve a vintage or traditional home aesthetic might choose this window style!
In summer, keep your living room cool by opening the top section and letting hot air escape. Doing so allows cooler air to settle in longer before it absorbs heat and rises to the ceiling.
3. Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows are similar, except bay windows have three panels while bow windows have four or five window panels. These form a large arc inside the living room, creating a sense of spaciousness. It becomes an extension perfect for a reading nook, mini greenhouse, or display area for your trinket collections.
4. Picture Windows
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You can also keep things simple by adding picture windows for the living room. This fixed window type is non-operable because it’s only a glass inserted into the wall. Its main feature is to add abundant light indoors and provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
Homeowners can combine a picture window with living room windows that open, especially if they want to make the space bigger and well-ventilated!
5. Sliding Windows
Sliding windows can be the focal point of your living room due to their expansive size. These operable windows are the best choice if you have a garden or patio outdoors. Simply slide them to the left or right, and you can let air in and see the view outside.
Most homeowners choose other types of living room windows over sliding windows as sliding windows can also let in pests and insects along with fresh air. However, that won’t be a problem if you install window screens—these keep the bugs out while letting in plenty of fresh air!
Choose Burano Doors as Your Living Room Windows Provider
What kind of living room window styles would you like in your home? Whether you need living room windows that open or fixed picture windows, Burano Doors offers a wide range of products you can choose from.
Our team is with you the entire time—from in-home estimation to window installation. We ensure you get stylish and energy-efficient window treatments to turn your living room vision into reality—we won’t let you down!
Book a consultation with us today.