As working from home is a more recent phenomenon, home offices haven’t been built into the homes that most of us live in. Thus, you could argue that it’s the least standard room in the house. In fact, “room” could be a generous term in some cases, as it tends to be carved out of any extra space available — a spare bedroom, an attic, a corner of the kitchen, or even a closet. For this reason, the best windows for a home office really depend on the space itself.
But if you want the short answer, it’s this: The best windows for a home office will be those that make it easier to work by maximizing natural light and comfort (not too hot or too cold) without interfering with computer work. We’ll explain how to pick out windows that can do all this and more.
The balance you’re trying to strike is allowing in that feel-good natural light without creating a blinding glare on your computer screen or positioning yourself, so the sun is directly in your eyes. Sometimes you can get around this by positioning your desk at a right angle to the window. Sometimes you can get around it by positioning windows on a wall where the light will be filtered — such as the north wall. And sometimes window coverings are the answer — especially when the alternative is no window.
If you live near an airport, a highway, or a railroad track, you might be thinking about how to muffle outside noise so you can create a peaceful workspace. There are certain window selections that can help. They work by increasing the thickness of your window glass, which inhibits sound’s ability to travel. Here are three options to know about:
If you work from home, there’s no room, besides the bedroom, where you’ll spend more time. So, there’s a strong argument to be made for energy-efficient windows that will help increase your comfort level by keeping temperature levels where you want them. Energy efficiency can be improved in various ways, including by selecting a more efficient type or style of window, such as a casement. A low-emissivity glass coating suitable to your climate can also help. And upgrading to triple-pane glass can also increase efficiency.
In addition to improving comfort, there are financial incentives to choosing efficient windows, such as lower energy bills. In some cases, utility rebates and tax incentives might be available as well. Find out more about how to pick out energy-efficient windows.
You might currently be officing out of your home’s “bonus space,” but that space might not always be available — maybe your family is growing, and your office will someday become a nursery. Why does thinking about the room’s potential future purpose matter when it comes to window selection? For one, egress requirements often mean bedrooms need a window large enough to allow for emergency escape. Adding a window that meets this requirement can help a room qualify as a bedroom, and suddenly your two-bedroom home is a three bedroom. This could also increase resale value later.
What do you do when you’re locked into your current home but there’s no room for an office? How about a standalone office in the backyard? Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are standalone structures that share a lot with an existing single-family home and serve all sorts of purposes — for example housing aging parents or young adult children. They generally have the basics needed for living — kitchen, bathroom, living, and sleeping spaces. As municipalities across the country have made them more allowable through easing zoning restrictions, they’ve increased in popularity. An ADU can be a versatile approach to meeting your need for a home office.
When selecting windows for an office ADU, keep in mind the fact that you’ll need a door. Selecting the right door might allow you to meet multiple needs with a single product, as opposed to multiple products. For example, adding a third panel to a standard sliding glass door or opting for an extra tall door might allow you to maximize natural light without the need for additional windows. Any of these options could allow you to streamline the products needed, potentially saving you money.
