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A picture window is unbeatable for letting in natural light and enhancing your home’s appearance by framing the outdoor scene and providing an unobstructed view.
Simple yet impactful, picture windows offer many benefits. In this article, our experts will examine the benefits and costs and explain how to compare the best deals on these double-glazed windows.
A picture window is a large, fixed pane of glass that doesn’t open and is designed to offer expansive views of the outdoors. This window type is appreciated for its simplicity, focusing on maximising visibility and natural light rather than complex functionality. Despite its basic design, a picture window significantly enhances a property’s aesthetic appeal. Homeowners value them for their ability to frame outdoor scenes like a live painting, seamlessly integrating the beauty of nature with interior spaces.
This blend of function and form makes picture windows a popular choice if you want to bring a touch of the outdoors into your home while maintaining a sleek and minimalistic look.
Considering the pros and cons can help determine whether picture windows are the right choice for your home. You should balance their aesthetic and functional benefits against any potential drawbacks.
While both picture and fixed windows are stationary and do not open, there are some distinctions between them, primarily in design intent and framing.
| Feature | Fixed window | Picture window |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed to let in light and add architectural detail without necessarily maximising the view | Primarily designed to offer expansive views of the outside, almost like a picture or painting |
| Frame | Can have wider frames, as the focus is more on matching the architectural style of a building rather than providing an unrestricted view | Often have thinner frames to maximise the glass area and provide a clearer, unobstructed view |
| Size | Can vary in size and are often used in places where opening windows aren’t required but light is needed | Usually larger to take advantage of views and bring in more natural light |
| Glass | May consist of smaller panes or patterns depending on the architectural requirements | Typically made with single large panes of glass to enhance the view |
| Usage | Used anywhere in a home or building where additional light is desired but ventilation is unnecessary | Often used in living rooms, dining areas or any room where the goal is to highlight the outdoor scenery |
Picture windows come in various styles to complement architectural designs and personal preferences. While specific cost figures can fluctuate based on size, material and manufacturer, here’s an overview of the most common types and associated window prices.
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) picture windows are favoured for their durability, low maintenance and excellent insulation properties. They are resistant to rotting and fading, making them a practical choice for many homeowners, especially as uPVC windows can be customised in various colours and finishes.
Aluminium windows offer a sleek, modern look with slim frames and a large glass area, maximising the view. They are strong, durable and resistant to the elements, with minimal maintenance needed. Aluminium frames can be powder coated in a wide range of colours.
Wooden picture windows add warmth and natural beauty to any space. They’re perfectly suited to traditional and contemporary homes and are highly customisable in terms of shape, size and colour. Wooden windows require more maintenance but offer unparalleled aesthetic appeal.
Composite picture windows are made from a blend of materials, combining the best attributes of wood and uPVC or aluminium. They offer excellent energy efficiency, durability, minimal maintenance and wood’s timeless aesthetic appeal.
The cost of a picture window can vary significantly based on factors such as size, material and additional features, such as energy-efficient glazing and custom shapes.
If you’re considering purchasing a picture window, it’s important to get quotes from several double-glazing companies to compare prices and options. You should also consider the long-term benefits of energy savings and aesthetic appeal.
| Window material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,200mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £245-£395 | £395-£595 | £645-£895 |
| Aluminium | £545-£695 | £645-£795 | £745-£995 |
| Timber | £845-£995 | £1,195-£1,395 | £1,345-£1,495 |
Picture windows can be an excellent option, offering several benefits that align well with the needs of UK homeowners. Given the varied climate, maximising natural light is a priority, and the large expanse of glass in picture windows does just that, brightening interiors even on overcast days.
Modern picture windows come with energy-efficient glazing options that can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. This addresses concerns about heat loss, particularly relevant in the cooler UK climate. Their fixed nature means they’re more secure and can be more energy-efficient than operable windows, adding an extra layer of insulation against the outside weather. While they don’t offer ventilation, pairing them with operable windows can mitigate this, making them a versatile choice.
Yes, picture windows are built to last. Their stationary design, without any moving parts, such as hinges or locks, significantly reduces wear and tear, contributing to their longevity.
Installing a picture window can increase the value of your home by improving its aesthetic appeal and overall ambience. Additionally, their energy-efficient features attract potential buyers looking for homes with lower energy costs. This combination of benefits makes your home more desirable and can lead to a higher resale value.
A traditional picture window is designed to be stationary and doesn’t open or close. Its primary function is to provide unobstructed views and allow natural light into the space rather than offer ventilation.
If you’re looking for something that combines the clear views of a picture window with the ability to open for ventilation, consider alternative window styles that feature large panes of glass and operable sections, such as casement windows with minimal framing or sash windows. These alternatives can offer the best of both worlds – the aesthetic appeal of a picture window and the practicality of ventilation.
