The latest window trends for your home transformation.

Trends can be fashionable, innovative, or practical, and sometimes all the above. This is certainly true of what we see in windows.

With 2020 being the “at home” year, it makes perfect sense that homeowners have been thinking about ways to transform their homes. 2021 may be the time to act on those thoughts and dreams. 

Here are a few ideas we see becoming trends in 2021.

Sensational sustainability

Fresh air is the HVAC of choice for many people and in many climates. Awning windows allow you to keep your windows open during rain or shine, as the window itself directs rain away from the window opening. If you aren’t familiar with this style, think of a casement window with the hinge on top rather than the side. They are often used in tandem with fixed windows, usually placed underneath to add airflow to a broad outlook.

Black frames

Black frames or “dark windows” entered the scene a few years ago, and their popularity is still growing. The black frame look actually dates back to the metal warehouse windows of the industrial age.

Today, the style works just as well with a modern farmhouse, a brick ranch, or contemporary architecture. Read more about this trend here.

Invite the outside in with sliding doors

If you think you want more natural light and nature in your life, you aren’t alone.

Sliding doors are a popular option, especially when homeowners desire a more spacious feeling but don’t want to increase their home’s footprint. These doors, especially the wide, three-panel designs, add more sunlight and create a sense of openness without actually adding space. The sleek, unadorned style brings the outdoor view to the forefront of any room. Sliding doors are also simple to operate, maintain, and offer energy efficiency.    

The bigger, the better

Floor-to-ceiling window expanses, huge picture windows, and large bay and bow windows are fast becoming focal points. Placing furniture to take in the view, rather than focusing on a tv or a fireplace, is a fresh décor option in living rooms. And mirrors placed on opposite walls extend the outdoor feel.

Window seats

Charming and practical, window seats are a way to maximize a living area and seating options without changing a room’s layout. Decorated with a cozy cushion and pillows, these inviting nooks become another way to enjoy the outdoor view while reading, napping, or chatting.

Sound-reducing impact windows

We could all use a little peace and quiet, even in the confines of our own home. The laminated glass found in “impact windows” — windows designed to withstand extreme weather events like hurricanes — helps to absorb sound instead of transmitting it.

They’re a good solution for those who live in noisy cities, near industrial noise or heavy traffic, or in the flight path of a nearby airport. In fact, airports use these windows, as do recording studios where silence is golden. And a unique perk of laminated glass in impact windows is that it filters up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your home’s contents from sun damage.

Counter windows

What can I get you?

Another way to combine outdoor and indoor living is creating a serving pass-through from the kitchen to a patio or deck. Replacing an existing window with a sliding or casement style and attaching a serving shelf outside can make entertaining easy and save some steps in the cleanup process.

Mid-century modern updates

The contemporary and distinctive style of the mid-twentieth century has earned its place in the hearts of many today, especially millennials. However, the original sleek window expanses are in need of a serious energy-efficiency update. Wasting energy has never been considered chic. Replacing these broad window expanses with durable, ENERGY STAR windows and doors keeps the “cool” factor while increasing comfort and decreasing bills.

Colorful trims

Let’s think outside the black or white box for window trim and jump into the crayon box. Some popular trim colors for interiors and exteriors include deep greens, English red, clay, silver, dark brown, khaki, almond, and grey.

A natural wood look meets vinyl practicality

Wood trim windows can add a warm and natural touch to any interior, especially in traditional or rustic homes such as a mountain retreat. The wood look is on-trend, but natural wood windows have drawbacks such as periodic maintenance, rotting or warping issues, and often are not energy efficient.

Vinyl window manufacturers now offer an authentic natural wood look in a broad range of woodgrain finishes from oak to maple to cherry. Since vinyl windows are well constructed, energy efficient, and maintenance free, it seems like a wood look in vinyl is a win-win.

 

What’s trending in your home outlook for 2021? Your friends at Window World would love to discuss your window replacement project ideas. We offer free consultations, both in-home and virtually. With more than 25 years of exterior home remodeling expertise and reliable, helpful local service, we make replacement window installation easy. Contact your local store today.