Windows are one of the most important aspects of any home, being carefully planned and thought out right from the very beginning when coming up with the blueprint. They help provide each home with an individual style and flair, purposefully being placed in ideal locations that are not only appealing to the eye, but help fulfill the purpose of bringing in natural light, providing ventilation, and giving perfect vantage points to see out of the house from as well. When considering windows for a new construction, replacement or just a quick remodel, it is important to keep in mind that there are many different types and styles, each best suited for a particular purpose or room of the house.
Ecoline Windows is a Canadian-based window and door replacement company with locations across the country and years of experience in providing excellent customer service as well as top quality windows and doors. They suggest consulting one of their experts to help in the process of picking the perfect windows to complete the installation.
Living Room
The living room is one of the most important rooms of any house, with a majority of the time being spent awake in this room. One main consideration when placing windows in new constructions or doing renovations is furniture placement and how the room will fit together. Ecoline Windows explains that if a table is to be placed in front of the window, a simple casement type window may be useful as it can be opened and closed with a hand crank, helping provide both sunlight and ventilation to the room.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the direction of the house, as it is important to understand when and where the sun will be spreading light into the house throughout the day. If on an angle and not directly within the suns rising or setting, large bay or bow windows are also popular for living rooms as they provide much needed natural light while allowing a slight extension of the room. It is also possible to mix different styles of windows, says Ecoline Windows, giving a more unique look to the house with varying purposes. If the layout is large enough, a center picture window is perfect in providing light, while side casement double-hung windows can be opened and closed as needed. A bit of added colour to the framing can help the windows in this room pop out or blend in according the décor and style of the room.
Kitchen
Another popular room in the house where a lot of time is spent is the kitchen and it’s important that the windows here are functional. Ecoline Windows suggests using the windows to highlight the focal point of the room, which is generally the kitchen sink. Large casement or horizontal sliding windows are the most ideal in this room, as they provide ease of access over the kitchen counter and sink while also allowing for lots of light to enter. These windows are also important in the kitchen as they can easily be opened and closed when needed in the case of something being burnt while cooking. Either wood or vinyl are good options for the kitchen, both providing excellent insulation. Window placement in the kitchen should optimize the ability for cross-ventilation, with windows being placed on either sides of the room.
Bathroom
For houses lucky enough to have windows in their bathrooms, the number one consideration to take into account is privacy. Ecoline Windows suggests using vinyl windows for the bathroom as they are very durable and are able to endure shower moisture on a daily basis. It is also important to choose a window that is able to open to provide ventilation as needed, helping to protect the bathroom from build up of mold due to the humid environment. Awning windows are a great choice for the bathroom, says Ecoline Windows, as they open upwards, helping maintain privacy while also shielding from the elements outside.
Bedroom
There are a few different considerations to take into account when choosing windows for the bedroom. The most important is choosing ones that allow for sound control, providing the homeowner with a restful night’s sleep. The most popular types of windows in the bedroom are horizontal sliders and casement windows. These types of windows allow for ample light and generally also help bring the house to code, as most bedroom windows must provide ample space for an emergency exit in the case of a fire. Any assortment of frames including vinyl, wood, and newer hybrids work well in the bedroom, as they all provide insulation and many times are covered by window treatments.
Home Office
The primary job of the window in a home office is to provide large amounts of natural light for work to be able to get done. Picture windows are the most ideal, especially if working with two stories. Ecoline Windows suggests working in horizontal sliders or hung windows at the bottom to help provide the room with a fresh breeze of air when needed. In a country like Canada, gas filled picture windows can be used to help keep insulation at a maximum, providing a good source of light and heat to the room.
Final Thoughts from Ecoline Windows
While these are all general rules to follow, these are not set in stone. Sometimes the right choice for windows depends entirely on the type and overall of your home or even its location if it is in a colder climate. Ecoline Windows always suggests seeking the help of a professional if you are unsure where to start.