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.
The center window in this arrangement is a 100 Series Picture Window, which works perfectly because it’s flanked by venting 100 Series Single-Hung Windows on either side. Similarly, the circle window above is fixed. Its role is to add character, complement the curves of the arch it’s framed by, and bring in more light — there's no need for it to open.
Photo by Spacecrafting
Picture windows in a modern home
Glass is a major feature of modern homes. The large sizes possible with picture windows make it a perfect choice for a home that uses glass to invite a connection with the outdoors. Large picture windows are sometimes used to create floor-to-ceiling windows — a popular pick in a modern home. They can also be joined together horizontally to create a ribbon-like effect — another popular approach to bringing daylight into a modern home. Want more tips on how to pick out windows for a modern home?
The panoramic view created by these A-Series Picture Windows really brings the outdoors in for a bedroom that truly feels like a retreat.
Picture windows in a window combination
Joining together an E-Series Casement Window with an E-Series Picture Window for one wall-sized window combination puts the gorgeous view on display. These windows have white oak frames.
Picture windows anywhere an opening window isn’t practical
This E-Series Picture Window is adjacent to a wall-sized MutliGlide™ Door, so it didn’t need to be operable — instead its role is to showcase a view that was too good to miss.
Architecture by Imprint Architecture and Design LLC.
Are picture windows more energy efficient?
Picture windows don’t open. This makes them the most energy-efficient windows, hands down. You can also make selections to further maximize their energy efficiency — here's how:
- Consider triple-pane glass: All our windows come standard with dual-pane glass, but an even more energy-efficient glass type is available. Triple-pane glass is an option with A-Series Picture Windows and E-Series Picture Windows.
- Select the right glass coating: All our windows come standard with a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating, which helps reflect heat in a way that maximizes energy efficiency. We offer a variety of Low-E coatings, so there’s one that’s right for your climate. Find out more about selecting the right coating (or coatings).
Want to know more about how to pick out energy-efficient windows? Looking for ENERGY STAR® windows?
How do you clean and maintain a picture window?
Picture windows, like any window, need regular cleaning. This will bring more natural light into your home and help keep your windows in top shape for longer. While some operable windows, like casements and double-hungs, can be cleaned from inside your home — exterior side, too — that's not the case with a picture window. You do have to go outdoors to clean the exterior side of your picture window. We recommend cleaning twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Here’s a guide on how to clean windows.
Maintenance is simplified with a picture window because of its inoperability. There’s no hardware, since the unit doesn’t open and close, so no worries about corrosion. There are no adjustments needed either because there aren’t any moving parts.
Looking for a replacement picture window?
One option to be aware of if you’re looking for a replacement picture window is an insert. Insert replacement windows can be installed into existing frames that are in good condition — not out of square, no rot, etc. The advantage this provides is that you can keep interior and exterior trim and siding so the replacement creates minimal disruption. We offer insert replacement picture windows through our 100 Series product line. Your contractor will be able to advise on whether an insert replacement is a good solution in your home.
If you happen to live in a stucco home in the Southwest, keep in mind there’s a special insert replacement window available for your exact situation — our 100 Series Flush Fin Window.
Your picture window FAQs answered
Can picture windows be replaced with operable windows?
What are the advantages of professional installation for picture windows?
Are picture windows suitable for all climates?
Yes, all our windows are designed to work in any climate — picture windows included. As the most energy-efficient type of window, a picture window can help reduce energy usage in any climate. When selecting windows with a particular climate in mind, you should consider:
- Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass: These coatings help windows perform efficiently and we offer various options — some will work in a variety of climates while others are tailored to specific climates. You can find out more in our blog about how to pick out energy-efficient windows.
- Frame materials: There are some climates where a specific material performs particularly well. For example, our A-Series windows have a composite exterior that won’t corrode in harsh coastal environments. Frame materials vary by product line, and there’s a lot to consider when selecting a product line, but your contractor can help you land on the right option. And we can help you land on the right contractor — find a contractor.
Can picture windows increase the value of a home?
Realtors agree that homeowners will pay a premium for a house with Andersen® brand windows and doors.* If you’re thinking specifically about the value of a picture window, you might be considering adding a prominent picture window. For example, picture windows are often featured in living rooms where their role is both to make the room more pleasant and to help create a distinctive feature on the exterior of the home. We think it’s safe to assume that a picture window increasing curb appeal is going to make your home more desirable to prospective future buyers, too.
*2024 Andersen brand survey of U.S. realtors
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What’s a double-hung window? Casement window? Picture window? We’ll explain all these types of windows and more so you can pick the right ones for every room in your home.
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