How attractive your home looks from the street is very important especially if you are one who knows the value of first impressions. Even when you’re not looking to sell, nothing beats having a home you can be proud of because of how beautiful it is.
There are a number of factors that can make or break your home’s curb appeal, and these include your windows and doors. In this post, we’ll be talking about how you can use the two to your home’s advantage.
THE VIEW FROM AFAR. A mix of carefully chosen windows and doors can make or break your home’s curb appeal.
Different Window Types and Their Unique Aesthetic Qualities
There is a wide range of window options available to suit every functional need and aesthetic requirement. However, before you get into more intricate design details, you first have to learn about the basics: the different types of windows and how they look in general.
Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows are known for their traditional look. Characterized by two vertical sashes, both of which can be opened, they provide your home with increased ventilation. Their simplicity and classic look, as well as their practicality when it comes to function, make them flexible enough to suit different home styles. Newer double hungs are also easier to clean because they have sashes that tilt in.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are hinged on the side, opening horizontally in the direction opposite the hinge. They can be made with minimalist design in mind, with sashes consisting mostly of glass, but they can also be customized to look more traditional with grilles. Casements are also considered as the second most energy-efficient windows, as they completely seal when closed, but they also allow maximum ventilation and let in as much light in as possible.
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows can easily be considered as the most beautiful of all window types because they can turn any room into a masterpiece. Both protrude from the home’s exterior wall and are differentiated by the number of panels they have: bay windows have three and appear angled or polygonal, while bow windows usually have four to six and are more arched and circular. Because bay and bow windows protrude, they extend floor space that can make way for a variety of purposes like a breakfast nook or storage space.
Sliding Windows
As the name suggests, sliding windows have a sash or two that slide horizontally. They use more glass and less frame, actually featuring the biggest glass area among operable windows. They are the best choice if you want to frame a good outdoor view and save space, while having sufficient ventilation as needed.
Picture Windows
A LIVE PICTURE. Picture windows are great for framing a natural, scenic outdoor view.
Just like sliding windows, picture windows are great for framing outdoor views and letting lots of light in. However, these are fixed windows, meaning they are inoperable, and this makes them ideal for installation in areas where ventilation is not a primary concern. This also makes them very energy-efficient, limiting air leakage that can get in the way of indoor temperature stability.
Specialty Windows
If you want more freedom when it comes to customization, specialty windows may be the best choice for you. These come in a number of styles, sizes, and shapes and can be fitted with a wide variety of grille and hardware options. Want a circular window? Looking for an octagon one to use as a focal point for your home? The sky is the limit when it comes to specialty windows.
Making Windows Work for Curb Appeal: Quick Tips
To make sure that your windows enhance your home’s curb appeal, check out the following tips:
- Match windows with architectural style
All homes have an architectural style that you can accentuate better with windows. For instance, if you have a traditional style like an American Farmhouse or Ranch, double hung windows would do great. For modern and contemporary homes, sliding and picture windows are your top options.
- Play around with frame, grille, and mullion options
Just because two homes utilize the same window styles doesn’t mean that they necessarily have the same windows as these three elements can drastically change the appearance of a unit. You can choose window frames in a color, for example, that will accentuate your home’s current color scheme while your grille of choice can reflect your home’s architectural style. Mix and match options until you find what will look best for your home.
Doors and Aesthetics
Doors, just like windows, help in enhancing a home’s curb appeal. Given they are the first things that people see when visiting homes, doors have to be selected carefully for maximum impact.
A POP OF COLOR. An easy way to make your door stand out from the curb is painting it a bold color.
Your existing door due for a replacement? Consider the following ideas when you get a new one:
- The easiest, quickest way to make your door stand out is to paint it in a bold color. This is especially useful when you have a modern or contemporary home.
- A wooden door, in all its grainy, natural glory, exudes timelessness and subtle elegance.
- French doors, which provide wider entry into your home, portray grandeur. Shifting from single to double entry can greatly affect your home’s curb appeal as the change will be very noticeable. There will be structural changes and the cost will be higher, but the impact a French door will leave will be worth it.
- A door with windows gives a sense of warm welcome as glass lites create an impression of space. Glass adds elegance so the more you have of it, the more you add a touch of class to your home.
The great thing about windows and doors today is that even when boosting curb appeal is your primary concern, you can also benefit from improved functionality. There will be numerous window and door options available to you, all beautiful and functional, so take full advantage of what you have access to. Should you need help in choosing, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted window and door contractor in your area for assistance.
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Author Bio:
Joe Ronzino is the president of Renewal by Andersen of Long Island. With his experience, training, and knowledge, he is confident that he knows what Long Island residential and commercial property need. Aside from ensuring that his company provides quality window and door replacement services, Joe also takes the time to share his knowledge and experiences through his writing. For updates from Joe, check out the company blog!
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