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Expand Your View with Picture Windows
Minimal, pane-free windows make a clear connection between indoors and out
Picture windows — large fixed windows typically without glazing bars — are a great way to bring in light and/or highlight a special view. Preservationists may holler at the idea of picture windows in certain styles of historic homes, but, as with anything, there is a time and a place for picture windows.
Especially appropriate in modernist homes, picture windows can help create a focal point for a room, which is helpful in spaces lacking architectural detail. And let's not forget the aforementioned unobstructed views — both outward and inward. While we mostly think about the view from inside looking out, early picture windows were viewed as an opportunity to exhibit a favorite vase, lamp or special accessory as people looked in from the outside.
Advantages of picture windows:
Especially appropriate in modernist homes, picture windows can help create a focal point for a room, which is helpful in spaces lacking architectural detail. And let's not forget the aforementioned unobstructed views — both outward and inward. While we mostly think about the view from inside looking out, early picture windows were viewed as an opportunity to exhibit a favorite vase, lamp or special accessory as people looked in from the outside.
Advantages of picture windows:
- Unobstructed views of the outdoors
- Excellent insulation and weatherproofing
- Durability; with no mechanical parts to break and no operations to contend with
- Picture windows can cost less than similarly-sized windows with moving parts
- Opportunity for high-performance low-E coatings, tints, solar cool reflective glass and argon gas
- Non-operable windows don't offer ventilation
- The large expanse of glass can make them more vulnerable to breakage
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Talk about a focal point! This may not be a large room, but installing such a window really makes an impact on this landing. I think I'd plop down on that window seat and forget why I was ever going up or down the stairs.
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| Everyone can appreciate a view while doing chores like washing dishes, but how do you achieve such a few if you need all the storage you can get — especially in a small kitchen? Answer: make the backsplash a window. Done and done. Genius! |
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| This kitchen-window trio employs a central fixed picture window flanked by two operable casement windows to bring in some breeze with that view. |
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| There is nothing I love more than dining al fresco. On days when it's inappropriate (or impossible) to sit outside for meals, I notice I scoot my chair closer to the window to absorb as much sunlight as possible and pretend I'm outside. Blur the barrier between indoors and out with amazing floor-to-ceiling (or, in this case, bench-to-ceiling) windows that bring the outside in emotionally, even when you can't be there physically. |
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| A unique appraoch was taken in this living room layout. The picture windows flank the fireplace, which makes them look even more like paintings. |
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| I truly appreciate how the architect made the tall, skinny picture windows a work of art in this space. Not only are they functional in terms of bringing in light, they add a compositional element that enhances the room. Well done! Achieve a similar look by calling on Pella, Anderson, Marvin or any number of window companies to customize windows for your space. |
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If you're not ready to do away with classic windows altogether, but want to achieve an unobstructed view, I think this approach hits the jackpot.
| Picture windows are as much about the view out as they are about the view in. If you go the picture window route, consider carefully the look you want to present to the outside world. |
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| Having continuous corner windows expands views, increases light and makes for an extraordinary architectural detail. If you want a full-glazed room, Marvin now offers a venting picture window with a patented hidden screen system that allows it to open evenly on all sides for air exchange and cross breezes, when aligned with other windows. |
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| I'm not sure how much work I'd actually get done sitting in front of this panoramic window in this writer's studio, but I might be highly inspired, so you never know... |
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| Doing dishes doesn't seem so horrifyingly annoying when you get to gaze out onto a forest of greenery, does it? |
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I'm all for windows in the bathroom. There's really nothing like having a natural light-flooded bathroom to make you feel like you're king or queen of the world. They may present an insulation/moisture-leaking issue, but a picture window is a wonderful feature.
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| Double-decker glazing allows for more light to come in via the high windows without sacrificing privacy on the lower windows. The high-contrast materials (light walls, dark casings) and low-key furnishings are a wonderful complement to these feature windows. More: Skinny Windows: Exclamation Points of Light Ribbon Windows: Privacy and Cool, Modern Design Architectural Details: The Peephole Window |
Ideabook published on Nov. 27, 2011.
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Sticking to the house style is important. While picture windows are inappropriate in most historic homes, more often you'll find older modernist homes where simple sliding doors were replaced with French Doors. Ouch!
http://blog.17thandriggs.com