Window Design Ideas For Modern & Traditional Homes
Do you have a keen interest in modern design trends and a passion for creating stylish and contemporary living spaces?
Or maybe you’re a homeowner who prefers a more classic and timeless style of elegance for period pieces that reflect a connection to the past.
Whether you’re a professional architect or interior designer staying up-to-date on the latest trends in sleek minimalism, a DIY enthusiast looking for a way to create bold architectural statements or a property owner looking for a way to integrate indoor and outdoor space seamlessly, this list of window design ideas will surely give you some inspiration for your next project.
In this guide you’ll find
Modern Window Designs
Contemporary styles are all about keeping it simple. We’re saying goodbye to fancy arches, elaborate columns, window shutters, and all those over-the-top decorations. Instead of ornate facades that once conveyed luxury and affluence, modern designs focus on sleek lines and deliberate asymmetry.
Modern houses often showcase windows that maximize the use of glass. With advancements in glass technology, the trend of flooding interiors with natural light has gained popularity.
Glass transmits up to 80% of the day’s natural light. Glass windows are crucial during winter months as they can provide natural light and warmth. To lower your electricity bills, you can open the curtains during the day turning on indoor lights and ventilation systems.
Some of the best ways to maximise the use of glass windows in your contemporary-styled home is through:
Picture Windows
One of the most popular modern house designs nowadays is floor-to-ceiling/picture windows. These large windows create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
These are ideal for homes with a view. They provide an unobstructed view of your garden and create the illusion of being connected to the outside whilst being protected from the rain and heat.
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So how much would it cost you to install full-length windows?
On average, floor-to-ceiling windows are priced between £810 and £1,735 per square meter. Although they tend to be more expensive, there is a diverse price range available, catering to various budget constraints.
| Material | Average price per sq. metre |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £810 – £1,155 |
| Aluminium | £1,055 – £1,500 |
| Timber | £1,210- £1,735 |
The costs above are supply-cost estimates. Your total cost may include extra expenses such as custom window features like speciality glass or enhanced security features. You should compare these prices with Ecopreneurist to stay up-to-date with current market rates.
Tilt-and-turn windows
Tilt and turns are also a highly popular choice for modern builds since they offer the same effect as large picture windows but are more cost-effective. You can fully open these windows inwards so you can clean the entire external glass without leaving your home.
This design reflects Scandinavian influence through its simplicity, minimalism, and functionality.
| Price Range- Low | Price Range- High | |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC Window size | ||
| 600 x 900 mm | £200 | £825 |
| 900 x 1,200mm | £250 | £890 |
| 1,400 x 1,400 mm | £290 | £1,030 |
| Aluminium Window size | ||
|---|---|---|
| 600 x 900 mm | £265 | £1,075 |
| 900 x 1,200mm | £325 | £1,155 |
| 1,400 x 1,400 mm | £375 | £1,345 |
| Wood Window size | ||
|---|---|---|
| 600 x 900 mm | £300 | £1,240 |
| 900 x 1,200mm | £375 | £1,330 |
| 1,400 x 1,400 mm | £430 | £1,550 |
But wait, there’s more.
The window type best suited for contemporary builds that are designed for streamlined homes is sliding windows.
Sliding Windows
These types are good choices for kitchen areas. You can slide them open behind the sink or use them for efficient serving for windows that lead straight to the patio.
And hey, they’re not just good looks! These windows are suitable egress windows. Egress windows are a safety feature that lets you make a quick exit in case of an emergency.
While any window style can be an egress window if it ticks all the building regulations boxes. The sliding ones are both durable and easy to swing open, especially when things get a bit intense. Safety first, right?
| Material | Price Range |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £700-£900 |
| Aluminum | £1,000-£1,350 |
| Wood | £1,100-£1,500 |
*Price ranges indicated were computed for 2-panel windows with double glazing. You should compare these with Ecopreneurist to know the most updated price estimates.
Key Information
Bigger is often better when it comes to modern windows. Add at least one ornate window that can become the focal point of your house and serve as an extension of your home.
Window Material
Nowadays, modern windows are manufactured from aluminium.
You can get slender frames with aluminium, unlike timber or uPVC which would allow you to have larger glass panes. This is a definite must if you want to maximise natural light in your rooms and achieve a bright, modern living vibe.
Combining traditional charm with modern elements to create an accentuated look is also an in-demand style.
Craftsmen are now fashioning wooden windows to match the efficiency of aluminium, even though they can be on the pricey side. When you’re putting together an oak frame home, having big glass surfaces in front can give it a striking, frameless look.
While limited to fixed, non-openable windows, this approach unquestionably impresses by delivering a look of seamless and uncluttered lines.
Traditional Window Designs
Choosing the right window design is like picking the personality of your house. If you’ve got a period property or a more traditional home, you’ve got to think about the style that fits the vibe and era of the house.
For Victorian and Georgian properties, timber sash windows or classic casement-style windows are the go-to.
Georgian windows have eight-over-eight panes of glass configuration or a six-over-six. Victorian windows, on the other hand, may have a single pane or a two-over-two design.
If you stroll through London or any UK city centre, you’ll spot loads of properties sporting timber sash windows (if they haven’t been swapped out) as this is the general aesthetic style of those areas.
A word of caution: if you’re thinking about switching a period wooden sash window for an uPVC tilt and turn, think twice. It could actually knock down your property’s value. Sash windows might not be the cheapest, but fixing them up or replacing them is the smart move for a period home.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are popular for cottages and smaller homes where sash windows are too expensive and would be considered an impractical choice.
Initial issues with draughts and water leakage prompted a shift in design, leading to the introduction of lipped casement windows. Modern-day timber flush casement windows are now both draught-proof and waterproof, all the while retaining the traditional aesthetics of the earliest flush casement windows. This makes them a favoured option for period homes and listed buildings.
| Price Range- Low | Price Range- High | |
|---|---|---|
| Window size | ||
| Softwood (small to medium) | £845 | £910 |
| Softwood (medium to large) | £1,098 | £1,183 |
| Hardwood (small to medium) | £1,140 | £1,228 |
| Hardwood (medium to large) | £1,482 | £1,597 |
Softwood – Softwoods include materials like pine, cedar, fir, and yew. These wooden windows are often found to be less durable but are more resistant to insect damage.
Hardwood – Hardwood comes from slow-growing trees like maple, mahogany, oak, birch, beech, etc. This type of wood is resilient and is often chosen for projects that require maximum durability. They provide very good U-values and thermal resistance.
Sash Windows
Sash window types are any windows that don’t open on a hinge.
Forget about swinging outwards – sash windows invite fresh air in by sliding either up and down or side to side. But, sticking to tradition, most of them go for the vertical slide. Your classic traditional sliding sash window usually comes as a pair of two sashes.
Many traditional-style homes aim to preserve or recreate the authenticity of a particular historical period. Sash windows are more likely to meet heritage regulations and conservation requirements, contributing to the preservation of historical architecture.
| Price Range- Low | Price Range- High | |
|---|---|---|
| Window size | ||
| 600 x 900 mm | £825 | £925 |
| 900 x 1,200 mm | £885 | £985 |
| 1,400 x 1,400 mm | £1,285 | £1,380 |
| 1,600 x 1,900 mm | £1,485 | £1,800 |
Window Material
To achieve authentic-looking traditional-style windows, choose wooden frames with profiling details.
Brown timber frames are great choices for traditional and rustic homes as the natural appearance of wood enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and complements the historical features of these homes.
To give the timeless traditional appearance a fresh twist, you can also consider choosing windows with patterned or coloured glass.
uPVC Window Frames
When choosing window frame material, uPVC window frames are low-maintenance and are the most affordable option.
High-quality modern uPVC frames don’t fade or become discoloured. They also boast excellent security features with multi-point locking systems.
They are also quite versatile as the most common uPVC window designs include the tilt and turn or casement styles, but they can also be used for sash and bay windows.
And the best part?
uPVC window designs are diverse, offering options to suit almost any style of property. These frames are available in a wide range of colours and finishes whether it’s a wood grain effect for authentic-looking period properties or a silver grey for a modern sleek finish.
Double or Triple Glazing
According to the Energy Saving Trust, fitting A-rated double glazing in a gas-heated semi-detached property with entirely single-glazed windows can save you £195 annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 330kg.
Opting for A++-rated double-glazed windows can lead to bigger savings, saving up to £235 per year and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 405kg.
The new standard for window installations is double glazing, a process where two glass panes have a gap in between, serving as a thermal insulator. This gap is typically filled with air or gas and aids in minimizing heating and cooling expenses by providing insulation to your home.
For enhanced energy efficiency and insulation, triple glazing might be for you. These windows incorporate three glass panes with two gaps, providing superior insulation and even higher energy savings.
Although triple-glazed windows may come at a higher cost, they can block sound out more and offer a more comfortable living environment. They are also more energy-efficient by reducing the heat lost to the outside.
You can compare current market prices with Ecopreneurist to determine the cost-effectiveness of your energy-saving window before you make a final decision.
And remember:
The most important factor to consider when designing contemporary builds is the stylish elegance created by achieving a unified look with a cohesive aesthetic.
Are modern windows energy-efficient?
Modern windows often incorporate energy-efficient features such as double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings, and advanced framing materials to enhance insulation and reduce heat loss.
Are modern windows suitable for both residential and commercial buildings?
Absolutely. Modern windows are versatile and can be used in various settings, ranging from residential homes to commercial spaces and contemporary office buildings.
Are traditional windows suitable for historic preservation projects?
Absolutely. Traditional windows are often chosen for historic preservation, as they can be designed to replicate the original windows while meeting modern energy efficiency standards.
Do traditional windows provide better sound insulation than modern ones?
Traditional windows with multiple panes and proper sealing can offer good sound insulation, but this can also depend on the specific design and materials used.
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