Tips
What is a picture window?
It might seem odd to choose a window that can never be flung open to let in a spring breeze. Or does it? Fresh air is not the only advantage that a window offers. In some places, a window’s primary purpose is to provide light or further a design aesthetic. We’ll explain the advantages of windows that don’t open, situations where they work particularly well, and other details you need to know if you’re considering a picture window for your home.
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What are the advantages of a picture window?
While it’s true a picture window can’t bring fresh air into your home, its inoperability offers certain advantages. One of those advantages is the ability to bring more light into your home with very large sizes. Because a picture window doesn’t have to move, it can be larger than an operable window. This is why picture windows are often used to create floor-to-ceiling windows and combined with other windows to create large combinations that frame expansive views.
Another advantage is that a picture window can help your home run more efficiently. Its fixed opening offers fewer opportunities for leaking air, which makes it the most energy-efficient of all windows and the window of choice in a high-performance home that needs few operable windows.
Finally, sometimes the advantage it offers is its practicality. If you’re looking for a way to bring in light but won’t be able to reach the window because it’s high on the wall, or you don’t want to open the window because it could present a safety hazard — a fixed pane window might just be the perfect solution.
Where do picture windows work best?
With their efficiency and ability to let the light pour in, picture windows are sometimes the perfect solution. We think they’re particularly well suited to modern homes, especially in the form of floor-to-ceiling windows. They can really make a window combination impressive. And sometimes they’re just the practical choice in a variety of spaces and places.
