The living room might be the place where you go at the end of the day to curl up with a book or your phone. It might also be the place where you host Sunday football games or book club. In other words, it's a dynamic room where a lot of living takes place. So how do you pick windows for a space that’s sometimes a retreat and at other times a gathering spot? Let’s get into it!
While we hate to play favorites, it’s true that some window styles are more popular choices for a living room. Two to keep in mind are picture windows and bay windows. These two window types are common picks for the living room because their large size helps make the room more pleasant — think about how it feels to be in a room that’s full of light and privy to great views. In addition, the living room is often located at the front of the house, which means the windows may play a prominent role in your home’s exterior look. The right living room windows can help to create a look that boosts your home’s curb appeal and emphasizes its architectural style. So, while that’s the quick answer to the best windows for a living room, it might not be the right answer for your home. We have some recommendations for picking out windows that will enhance the living room while also balancing against other needs unique to this space.
A living room picture window is usually oversized to let in lots of light and showcase views. Because it's fixed (meaning it doesn’t open), it’s the most energy efficient window type — another advantage. To allow for fresh air in the room, picture windows are usually paired with windows that do open, such as double-hung windows or casement windows. A classic example of a living room window combination is a “Chicago window,” which features a picture window in the center and a double-hung window on either side.
Another popular choice in a living room is a bay window. The beauty and drama of this type of window makes it perfect for a street-facing room, as many living rooms are. There’s also a lot of functionality built into a bay. Its three-windows-in-one design includes a large picture window in the center with smaller windows attached on each side. The side windows are operable and can be either double-hungs or casements. The combination protrudes from the house to maximize natural light and fresh air. On the interior, this creates a nook perfect for house plants and sun-loving cats. Bay windows are associated with particular architectural styles, including Victorian and Tudor. Find bay windows through our 400 Series and E-Series product lines.
Did you know you can create a bay window effect without installing one? There are ways to do this by framing the wall so that it protrudes. Talk to your architect or builder about creating a feature like this if you’re building a new home.
If you spend any time scrolling through home design inspiration, you’ll see we’re not the only ones who believe bigger is better when it comes to windows. And if you really want to embrace this ethos, there’s no better option than a window wall. It creates a strikingly modern look, and in today’s open-concept homes, it can allow sunlight to travel further into the home. It’s also a great option where you have an extra special view that you want to enjoy to the fullest. If you’re interested in this option, talk to your builder or architect about joined windows, which are windows that can fit together will less framing in between for more glass overall.
Maybe you prefer to use your living room as more of a retreat. One of the best ways to preserve privacy in a living room, or any room, is with higher window placement. This doesn’t mean your windows have to be out of reach, but even slightly higher placement can make a difference when your home is viewed from the street. An architect will be able to help with this type of detail. Another philosophy is to err on the side of more windows and then use window coverings, fencing, landscaping, or a combination of these approaches to add the privacy you need.
As we mentioned at the start, the living room can have a lot of uses, but primarily it’s a place where you want to be comfortable. That means you might be planning your space around creature comforts like a comfy couch, a TV, or a fireplace. Here are ideas for planning windows to work with these features:
What’s different about picking out replacement windows versus windows for a new construction home? You might be concerned about things like preserving elements of your home’s character, such as original trimwork. Or, you might be wondering how new windows could match the ones you already have. The good news is our portfolio is robust. Here are a couple of questions to explore:
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