Consistency is a key aspect of home design, and it’s an important consideration when planning a window replacement project. A question that often comes up during this stage is whether or not all windows should match, and in today’s post, local window company Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia shares insight on this question.
The Role of Curb Appeal
Much has been written about the role of curb appeal in relation to home design, particularly in how it affects home value and how it dictates design aspects from the color palette to the roofing slope. The human eye loves symmetry, and it’s not uncommon to choose matching windows for all sides of the house.
While curb-facing windows are part of the building’s “face,” it shouldn’t compromise the benefits derived from having a different window style in other areas. Curb appeal is not the only factor to consider, given that it only applies to one or two sides of the house.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Windows
So the short answer to the question above — should all your windows match? — is no, it shouldn’t. However, since every home has unique requirements, it’s not a cut-and-dried answer. Some designs are served better with matching windows, others with a combination of different styles.
Your first consideration when getting replacement windows should be the individual needs of each room. Here are a few examples:
-
One of the rear-facing rooms could have a beautiful panoramic view, which means a picture window (or a bank of picture windows) would be more appropriate.
-
Exterior walls that face east to west would be receiving a lot of direct sunlight during certain hours of the day, which means the rooms will need windows that have sunlight-reducing glass, or at least have styles that work well with window treatments.
-
Upstairs bedrooms require egress windows, which may end up not matching the other windows in your home.
Another key consideration is whether you need to keep a certain look for your home. Unless you’re restoring an historical property, there really is no need to be held back by tradition. Traditional windows didn’t have insulated glass or composite frames, and adhering to tradition for its own sake could mean missing out or compromising on features that could improve energy efficiency and long-term performance.
Talk to your local window contractor at Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia if you need help choosing the right replacement windows. Give us a call at (604) 200-1025, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve communities in Vancouver and Delta, BC.
