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Resource Article
Get to Know Picture Windows
Discover the benefits, where to use, and how to make picture windows work for your home.
Do you find yourself pondering over picture windows? Wondering if they’re still a popular choice or if they could be the right fit for your home? You're not alone. Many homeowners are rediscovering the charm and functionality of these expansive windows. Picture windows are essentially large, fixed panes of glass that offer wide, unobstructed views while flooding your space with natural light. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they’re also incredibly effective at enhancing energy efficiency, which can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Explore the many advantages of picture windows and how they can elevate both the look and feel of your home. Whether you're looking to create a stunning focal point or improve your home's energy performance, picture windows might just be the solution you need. Learn how these windows can transform your living space.
What are the features of a picture window?
A picture window is a fixed, stationary window that doesn’t open. This means they can be large—longer than a regulation pool table or taller than the installer putting them in! With picture windows, you’ll be getting maximum view, maximum glass, and maximum energy efficiency.
Picture windows are highly energy-efficient thanks to their simplicity. These windows are often combined with other types of windows, making them incredibly versatile. All these features create a win-win solution for your home.
Picture window benefits include:
- Natural light: Picture windows flood your space with natural light, making even the darkest rooms feel brighter and more inviting.
- Curb appeal: They enhance the exterior appearance of your home, creating an eye-catching architectural design.
- Focal feature: Picture windows allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your own home.
- Versatility: These windows combine nicely with other types of windows. Pair them with operable windows for a breath of fresh air.
- Energy efficiency: Because they don’t open, picture windows are our most energy-efficient window.
Where to use picture windows?
Because of their versatility, there are many ways to use picture windows. They can boost your curb appeal, brighten up dim spaces, or give a spotlight to the great outdoors. Your current windows and the view you want to showcase may impact their placement. However, here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your picture windows.
Where they work best
Picture windows are an excellent choice for letting in light from hard-to-reach spaces, like high walls in a vaulted room. Known for their expansive glass, picture windows can give you an unobstructed view of your outdoor landscaping or natural scenery. Picture windows also let in lots of natural light, which can make your space brighter and more inviting. Consider adding a picture window to these areas in your home:
Entryway with towering wall or stairwell
Elevate the grandeur of your entryways or stairwells with picture windows. These large, unobstructed windows not only add a dramatic visual impact to high walls but also draw in natural light, enhancing the architectural details of the space. They create a stunning focal point that greets guests with a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Light-starved room
Transform your dimly lit rooms into radiant spaces with picture windows. Installing these expansive windows can flood your room with sunlight, making it feel more open and airier. For added functionality, pair them with operable windows to maximize ventilation and view, enhancing the overall comfort and ambiance of the room.
Living room or dining room
Picture windows in living or dining rooms can turn every gathering into an experience with a view. Whether it’s a serene garden or a bustling cityscape, having such a backdrop invites the beauty of the outdoors into your home. Show off your creativity by combining a picture window with a specialty window to frame your view in an extraordinary way.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, picture windows work wonders above the sink or in other hard-to-reach areas. They not only provide a scenic view to enjoy while doing kitchen tasks, but also bring in much-needed natural light, making the space appear larger and more inviting. It’s a practical upgrade that enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of your kitchen.
Are picture windows more expensive than 'regular windows'?
Picture windows are considered more budget-friendly than other types of windows of similar shape and size. This cost-effectiveness stems from their simpler design, which lacks the mechanical components necessary for opening, closing, and locking other windows require.
Additionally, picture windows do not need insect screens since they do not open, further reducing their complexity and the materials needed for their construction. This straightforward design not only simplifies the assembly process but also cuts down on the costs associated with additional hardware and features found in operable windows.
Fixed vs. picture windows: what’s the difference?
If you thought they were one and the same, you’re not alone. Both fixed windows and picture windows do not open and close but have a few key differences. To make sure you select the right replacement window for your home, consider the unique features of fixed and picture windows.
Picture windows are all about giving you a clear, unobstructed view with their low-profile frames to maximize the glass surface. They're fantastic for letting you soak in the scenery without any distractions, making them a top pick for living rooms or bedrooms where you might want a pretty focal point. Fixed windows, on the other hand, have a larger and slightly thicker frame. They're designed to line up nicely with other operational windows you might have, which means the glass isn't quite as expansive, but still gives you plenty of light and a good view. The thicker frames stand out more, adding a bit of bold, architectural flair to modern or contemporary homes.
Common picture window configurations
Let your imagination run wild when it comes to creating a combination of windows for your home. The wide range of picture window options allows you to get creative and get the best of both worlds—fresh air and uninterrupted views. Here are common picture window configurations to consider:
- Bay window: The middle is often a picture window, flanked by two operable windows for air circulation.
- Specialty window: Specialty windows are picture windows customed in irregular shapes (triangle, hexagon, or round) that can pair well with other picture windows for a unique design.
- Multiple picture windows: Group them together for an impressive statement that’s impossible to ignore.
Why choose picture windows made with Fibrex® composite material?
All of Renewal by Andersen’s specialty and picture window frames are made of our Fibrex® composite material. Fibrex material is strong and supports the large glass of picture and specialty windows. Fibrex material is so strong that our frames can be narrower, allowing more glass and more view. You can also select from a variety of color combinations, finishes, and even opt for paintable or stainable real-wood interiors. And if you’re feeling bold, our dark exterior colors, that can be hard to find with traditional vinyl windows, offer another personal touch.
Make energy efficiency part of the picture
Because of their simple design, picture windows are our most energy-efficient windows. They have a tight seal that eliminates air leaks, contributing to less energy consumption and can lower utility bills. Because they offer no ventilation, there’s no air exchange between a picture window and the outside world, so there’s no potential for drafts. Picture windows are perfect for rooms where you want to enjoy an expansive view from the comfort of your home.
Their non-operable nature means they are fully sealed, so there’s no opportunity for air infiltration. And, of course, with Fibrex composite material’s low thermal transmittance (700 times less than aluminum), they are well-insulated.
You can further configure them with glass options to make them even more efficient. Consider your climate when selecting glass for your windows. Renewal by Andersen offers diverse glass options to suit different climate regions such as SmartSun™ glass for hot, sunny climates, Enhanced Triple Pane Glass for cold climates, and Low-E4® glass for year-round comfort.
Can picture windows open?
Picture windows do not open, as they are fixed panes designed to offer expansive, uninterrupted views. This fixed design enhances the architectural aesthetics of a space, providing a clear view of the outdoors. Additionally, the seal on picture windows is tighter because they don't have any mechanical parts, which improves energy efficiency by reducing air leakage. This makes them an excellent choice for areas in a home where insulation and natural light are more important than ventilation. So, while they don't open, the benefits of having a durable, energy-efficient window with a spectacular view are noteworthy.
If you like the large expanse of glass and big views, as well as the space-saving aspect, but want something with ventilation, consider these options:
- Awning window: Hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, awning windows allow for air circulation even during a light rain.
- Sliding window: Also known as sliding windows, open horizontally and provide a great balance of clear views and easy access to fresh air.
- Specialty window: If you do not need or want ventilation, but want a window that provides a view AND has some architectural flair, consider a specialty window.
What is the maximum size of a picture window?
Picture windows have a large range of sizes. They can be more than eight feet wide and taller than the installer. However, their measurements are constrained by a measurement called “United Inch Limitation”. Meaning, the height plus the length cannot exceed a set total of 168 inches. However, the minimum height plus the length must be at least 22 inches.
So, you could have a picture window that is 10.5 inches high but needs to be at least 10.5 inches wide. (H)10.5" + (L)10.5" = 22".
A picture window that is the maximum width, 106 inches, could only be measured at 62 inches high. (H)106" + (L)62" = 168".
Does a picture window have to be square or rectangular?
Specialty windows are picture windows that are not the traditional square or rectangular shape. They can stand alone as a picture window or be combined with other operable windows or specialty shapes for something unique. Specialty windows can add instant character, enhance curb appeal, create a focal point, or add more light to a room. Specialty windows are an excellent choice if you want to match a specific design period or style—or define a new one.
The Renewal by Andersen advantage
When you choose Renewal by Andersen, you’re not just getting exceptional picture windows, you’re benefiting from our exclusive start-to-finish Signature Service. Every step of your window installation is handled with precision and care, leaving you with an easy, hassle-free experience. Plus, our industry-leading limited warranty coverage offers peace of mind for years to come. Our reputation for reliability and commitment to quality make us the perfect choice for people to trust with their homes. Learn more about Acclaim® picture windows from Renewal by Andersen.
Incorporating picture windows into your home does more than just enhance your view—it invites the stunning beauty of the outdoors inside. By replacing old windows with new picture windows, you significantly increase the amount of natural light, creating a brighter and more inviting living space. Now that you're more familiar with picture windows, you can make the most of their potential to transform your home into a beautiful space to enjoy.
Our Hassle-Free Process
Step 1
Design Consultation
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Measure and Manufacture
Step 3
Installation
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