Grids or no grids on windows is the big question for thousands of homeowners looking to replace their windows this year. This comprehensive guide is just what you need to make the best decision for your home!
Although now they mostly exist as an aesthetic feature, grids used to serve an important function in windows.
In the early 1600s, London had a shortage on glass. They sent some of the early settlers create a glass factory in Jamestown due to the sandy beaches, which are great for producing glass.
As you can imagine, it’s not easy to ship large glass panes without breakage. So, they shipped them in small sections.
To create full-sized windows for themselves, early residents of the colonies connected the smaller panes with grids.
Grids molded after that tradition are located on the outside of the window.
This can make the window difficult to clean, because you need to clean each pane individually.
Most windows now have multiple layered panes of glass for energy efficiency. So, grids can be placed in between these panes and be on the inside of the window.
That way, cleaning is easy for a streak-free window.
One of the biggest factors for consideration in the “grids or no grids on windows” questions is the style of your home.
The best guideline here is to think of your home as falling into one of two categories: traditional or contemporary.
Colonial-style homes have had grids since the early days of our country, so grids look best in these homes.
If you have one of the traditional New England architectural styles, your windows will look the best with grids.
Windows without grids look the most modern. For a contemporary-style home, they’re the more fitting option.
Other than being hard to clean if they’re on the outside of the window, the other major complaint with grids is that they can obstruct a view.
If you have a picture window looking out onto a gorgeous view in your back yard, you might want to leave off the grids.
On the other hand, grids can add a little distraction from a view that’s boring. If your view of the street outside bores you, distract the eye with a grid pattern.
When it comes to grids or no grids on windows in the modern era, it’s all a matter of curb appeal.
Since grids don’t serve much of a function other than aesthetic value, think about your architectural styles and view when making your decision.
If you need help choosing windows with grids for your home, Advanced Window Systems, LLC (AWS) can help. Contact us today at 1-800-CALL-AWS to schedule a free in-home estimate.
Grids, also known as mullions or grilles, are strips of material like wood, metal, or vinyl that run in a grid formation on a window.
Some homeowners love them because they create a classic, traditional look, especially for the New England area. But others think they’re dated and block a view.
Are grids or no grids better for your new replacement windows?
Let’s go over what you need to know to make your choice.
Double-hung windows are an extremely common window to find in a home. It is a great window that allows the homeowner to choose whether or not they want grids. This window comes with the option of no grids, grids only on top, only on the bottom, and both. This window looks great with either grids or no grids for whatever design you prefer for your home.
These windows can either be fixed shut or have the ability to crank open. With either style, you can choose whether you want grids or not. With this style of window, you don’t typically use grids. Depending on if your home is more of a traditional style, then grids would work on this window.
Picture windows are a type of window that is unable to open. It is typically used for having a nice big view that brings in large amounts of sunlight. This window does not typically have grids and would have a better view without the use of grids. Grids could be used for a traditional home, but it will make the view less emphasized.
These are windows that consist of one large window in the middle with two venting windows on the sides. These windows are common in many homes and have many options when considering grids or no grids. The middle window can have either grids or no grids. No grids allow for an unobstructed view which may be best for most homes. Then the two side windows also have the option of grids or no grids. If they are double-hung the grids can be on the top, bottom, both, or neither top nor bottom.
This window is made up of four or more windows side by side to create a slightly curved window. These windows are great for outdoor views and allow for a panoramic view of your property. It would be best for these windows to not have grids, so they don’t obstruct the view of the outdoors. Grids would work for this window on a more traditional home. However, I would not recommend grids on a modern home.
When choosing grids or no grids you want to make sure your home follows the same designs. Windows on the same side need to make sure they have the same grid patterns, so it looks uniform. The homeowner can make the decision on if they want to add or remove grids. They can decide to do only the home’s front grids and no back or vice versa.
The size and color of your windows are important when deciding if you want grids or no grids. Larger windows typically have more grids. It is up to you to decide what is the perfect amount of grids for your home. Color is also very important because the grids can be two different colors to compliment your exterior and interior colors. Matching colors and patterns on your home is what really matters when finding the right design. Also again it is up to homeowners to find what the best fit for their home is.
The Importance of Siding: Exploring the Best Home Improvement Choice Discover why siding is a crucial aspect of your home’s well-being and explore the top choice for enhancing your residence….
Must Haves and Essentials For Your Bathroom Have you ever wanted to spruce up your bathroom or make it easier to do your daily routines? If you answered yes to…
From Lackluster to Luxurious: Transforming Your Bathroom Aesthetics Does your bathroom need a makeover? Fed up with leaks and endless fixes? Ever wish your bathroom could feel a bit more…
Catios, or cat patios, have gained immense popularity among cat owners who want to provide their feline companions with a safe and enriching outdoor experience. When building a catio, selecting…
If you want the best Vinyl Replacement Windows for your home in Connecticut or Western Massachusetts, contact us today at 1-800-CALL-AWS to schedule your free in-home estimate!
