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Living Room Window Ideas: A Complete Guide for Any Homeowner

| August 18, 2024

Have you been looking for living room window ideas to transform your space? If so, you’ve just found the perfect guide! We’ve included everything: the best window types for the living room (including window walls!), tips on choosing the frame and the glass, as well as some window treatment ideas. In short, it’s an A-Z guide to choosing and styling the windows of your dreams!

Key Takeaways

  • Casement windows are among the most sought-after in living room designs. However, you can also install double-hung, awning, and sliding windows and even mix them to achieve a unique design.
  • You can pair a living room window with a patio door, sliding door, or window wall wrapped in Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame that lasts 40 years.
  • Popular living room window treatments include Magic’s fully retractable solar shades and thermal blinds. You can also install floor-length drapes, sheer curtains, shutters, or window casing.

What Type of Window Is Best for the Living Room?

By far the most popular window type for the living room is the casement window. However, sliding and double-hung windows can also fit excellently in a suitable design. In addition, why not equip your dining room with a window wall or a pass-through window?

Nonetheless, while you can guide yourself based on the most popular window styles, the choice ultimately depends on how much space you have, how big the window opening is, and the overall design of your house. Still, we’ve prepared some tips and things to consider for each window type, so read on!

Casement window

Casement windows are by far the most popular in Canada, thanks to their design and ease of use. They’re hinged on one side and open outwards. Since they offer unobstructed views and enhanced ventilation, casement windows can be an excellent addition to a living room, especially if paired with other window types.

However, before installing a casement window, consider the fact that standard crank mechanisms are mechanically flawed – the crank mechanism can significantly shorten your window’s lifespan because it fails over time and leads to the dreaded sash-sag problem. Instead, you should opt for Magic’s revolutionary crankless and hingeless casement window that slides seamlessly along horizontal tracks, as featured in this video.

Awning window

An awning window operates similar to a casement one, except that its hinges are at the top, and it opens from the bottom. Awning windows aren’t typically installed in living rooms – they’re more suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. However, nothing’s impossible! You can pair an awning window with a casement window, for example, installing it on top of the latter. This way, you can ventilate the living space even when it rains, as awning windows do not let water in.

Double-hung window

Double-hung windows are an excellent choice for living rooms. They consist of two operable sashes installed one above the other. They can be opened by sliding the sashes up and down.

On the other hand, it’s worth considering that a double-hung window slides vertically and does not allow the same degree of unobstructed views as a casement window, for example.

Sliding Window

Sliding windows are highly sought-after for their ease of use and promised views. Nonetheless, there are two major things to consider:

  • A sliding window requires extra space. It has two sashes – one is usually operable and the other one is fixed. The operable sash slides in parallel with the fixed one.
  • You’ll only be able to open one sash at a time. Even if both sashes of your sliding windows are operable, you can’t have both open at the same time, so this can affect the level of ventilation.

Bay or Bow Window

Bay and bow windows are absolutely fantastic for living rooms if there’s enough space and they fit the aesthetics of your home!

Both window types project outwards from the main building wall. The biggest difference between them is that a bow window has 4 or 5 separate panels, while a bay window has only three. Whatever option you pick, we’re sure the result will be marvelous! That corner may become one of your favorite spots in the house!

Pass-Through Window

Pass-through windows are opened by folding several glass panes together, although sometimes they slide open – it all depends on the mechanism you choose. Even though these windows are usually preferred for kitchens because they provide superior ventilation, they can also be used in living rooms, especially if there’s not enough space for, let’s say, a patio door.

If you want to install Magic pass-through windows, check out our Magic Window Wall Window – a uniquely designed window wall that mimics the European-style casement, providing unobstructed views with no middle mullions. It is highly customizable, so you can adjust the number of panels and their size.

Glass Doors or Window Walls

Why not go the extra mile, get rid of those windows, and install glass doors or a window wall? Or, even better, keep both the windows and the doors, if there’s enough space! Your home will bathe in natural light and stunning views – if you live in a secluded place, you’ll be delighted to have such an extensive glazing area!

If you choose Magic, you can pick one of the following options:

  • Patio doors with 2, 3, or 4 panels
  • Bi-fold Window Wall
  • French Doors

All of the above are manufactured using our revolutionary Hybrid Fusion Frame, Parallex Hardware, grade 40 security rating, and superior insulating materials designed for Ontario weather. This means your doors will be maintenance-free, strong, durable, safe, and energy-efficient!

Picture Window

A picture window is a fixed window, meaning it cannot be opened. It is installed purely for aesthetic purposes, as well as for letting more natural light inside the house. In fact, picture windows are now quite popular in living room window designs, as they can be of various sizes and shapes, thus pairing perfectly with other window types.

Picture windows provide a sense of continuity and openness by creating a seamless visual connection to the outside world. This design can also make the space appear larger. They also provide a unique touch to the exterior design of a house!

A Mix Between Window Types

Why limit yourself to just one window type? As long as you consider all design-related details, you can install several window styles, sizes, and shapes which can truly enhance the aesthetics of your living room!

For example, you can install a casement window equipped with a uniquely shaped picture window above it. Or you can install a patio door or a window wall paired with a picture window that covers the rest of the wall, thus fully maximizing natural light. There are plenty of options to consider – if you don’t know where to start, contact Magic! We’ve got tons of ideas!

Living Room Window Frame

Now that you’ve picked a living room window type, style, and size, you’re probably wondering what window frame is the best for this space, right? Well, we’ve assessed the most sought-after on the market, and here are our conclusions:

  • Wood. Wood windows offer a natural look that may enhance the coziness and charm of your living room. It is sturdy and energy-efficient, but it requires regular maintenance because it’s prone to rot and decay.
  • Vinyl. Vinyl windows have a clean design that will complement modern and contemporary living rooms. They are low-maintenance and energy-efficient but lack the durability of other windows. Vinyl is prone to warping, color fading, and cracking.
  • Aluminum. Aluminum windows are lightweight and highly durable. Their slim design allows for thinner frames and, therefore, larger glazing areas, thus being perfect for living rooms. However, aluminum is not as energy-efficient as other windows, which is important if you live in a region like Ontario.
  • Hybrid Fusion Frame. Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame is by far the most revolutionary frame material on the market. It combines the strength and durability of aluminum and steel with the energy efficiency of vinyl. Our windows are much thinner than others on the market, can be customized in any color or finish you want, and will last 40+ years!

 

Living Room Window Glazing Options

We have now arrived at the next crucial aspect in choosing windows for a living room – glazing options, meaning how many glass panes you’ll opt for. The choice depends on the climate of your region. If you live in Ontario, we recommend going for Magic’s double-glazed windows equipped with our fully-retractable thermal blinds. When in use, our blinds act as a third glass pane, insulating your windows efficiently and ensuring privacy.

However, if you want to go for triple-pane window units, not a problem! But there’s one thing to consider in this case – the design you have in mind may not work with a triple-pane window. It is much heavier than a double-glazed one. So, if you were planning to install large triple-pane windows, you may have to change the design – the maximum width and height of triple-pane windows are more limited due to their weight. Furthermore, triple-pane windows can also alter the amount of natural light that enters your living room.

Living Room Window: Energy Efficiency

If you want extensive glazing areas in your living room, you should consider equipping your window units with Low-E coatings. They will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, thus lowering your energy bills.

In addition, make sure to check the window units’ energy performance ratings before buying them:

  • U-factor (the lower, the better), which measures the resistance to heat loss
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (depends on the climate), which measures how much heat passes through a window
  • Visible Transmittance (the higher, the better), which measures the amount of light that passes through the window

If you want to install Magic windows, you can check our products’ energy ratings here.

Living Room Window Treatments

The last and final step of designing windows – living room window treatments! Choosing a suitable window treatment that aligns with the design and aesthetics of a space can improve it through layers of texture, color, and personality. Therefore, we simply couldn’t not offer you some window treatment ideas!

Magic’s Solar Shades and Thermal Blinds

If you’re looking for a modern solution, go for Magic’s Slide ‘N’ Hide Retractable solar shades and thermal blinds – by far the best window treatments on the market! Both are incorporated within the window frame and can be used only when needed.

The solar shades help you control how much light and heat enters the living room. They also eliminate glare and protect your furniture and interior decor against UV damage.

On the other hand, the thermal blinds ensure complete privacy, thus being excellent for living rooms with large windows. They also act as a third glass pane, doubling the energy efficiency of a window.

And, even more, you can pair our shades and blinds with curtains or drapes, thus creating a comfortable living room ambiance!

Drapes or curtains

Have you ever noticed how a grand hotel lobby feels taller, more majestic with its long, flowing drapes? That’s no optical illusion; it’s the transformative power of floor-length blackout curtains! In a family room with a large window, floor-length curtains not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also provide better privacy and light control, marrying function with elegance.

Whether your taste leans towards the modern or you cherish the timelessness of a classical look, these versatile window treatments can be tailored to your preferences.

If you don’t want heavy floor-length drapes, why not go for soft sheer curtains? Sheer curtains create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere by softening the sunlight that enters through the windows. Like drapes, they’re highly customizable. For example, if you have gray walls in your dining room, opt for sheer gray curtains and let them hang just above the floor.

The choice ultimately depends on how much light you want in your living room – naturally, drapes will limit it even if they’re kept in position by using drapery hooks.

In addition, you should also consider that curtains and drapes need to be cleaned and ironed regularly. This can be quite exhausting and time-consuming.

Window Shades, Blinds, or Shutters

Imagine this scene: a serene Sunday morning, the sun gently waking the world outside while you remain cocooned in your modern living room space; the light is perfectly attuned to your preference, thanks to your sleek roller shades or blinds!

But what exactly is the difference between shades, blinds, and shutters? Generally, blinds have louvres that rotate forwards and backwards, while shades have a sheet of material that rolls, folds, or stacks. Shutters, on the other hand, are installed into the frame of the window. Like blinds, they consist of louvres.

These window treatments can help you control the amount of light and heat in your living room (thus improving energy efficiency), offer a degree of privacy, and even protect your windows from the effects of rough weather. In addition, they may offer UV protection.

Here are some of the most common blinds and shades you may want to consider:

  • aluminum blinds – affordable and low-maintenance
  • vertical blinds – excellent for large windows and sliding doors
  • light-filtering sheer shades – they have layers of fabric creating horizontal cells that control the amount of light and heat that enter through the window
  • roman shades – fabric shades that can become the focal point of a living room
  • bamboo or matchstick blinds – they have a natural aspect thus being ideal for a living room with a rustic design
  • wood blinds – natural texture that contributes to a pleasant and inviting atmosphere
  • exterior shutters (used particularly for rough weather)

On the other hand, as convenient as they are, roller shades, blinds, and shutters require regular maintenance – they have to be dusted periodically and, depending on their type, cleaned with soapy water and lubricated.

Window Casing

In recent years, window casings have become increasingly sought-after because they’re highly customizable! Whether you want minimalistic, rustic, classic, or highly ornate casing – nothing’s out of reach! Needless to say, decorating your windows with casings that match the walls, the furniture, and the decor can change the room aesthetic to 180 degrees!

Window casing will offer your living room a polished and finished look, framing the windows elegantly and making them stand out as architectural elements! Casings add depth and character, creating a seamless transition between the windows and the walls.

Make a Statement with Bold Patterns

Don’t be afraid of making bold statements in your living room – patterns can actually transform your living room windows into a work of art! Whether you install contrasting window casings or dark blue curtains in a predominantly beige or gray room – explore every possibility! You can also try printed fabric shades, striped curtains, or patterned Roman shades. These designs can serve as a focal point, drawing attention to the windows and infusing the room with a sense of drama and style!

The key to working with bold patterns is balance. For example, opting for neutral shades in the rest of the space can enhance the impact of bold patterns, creating a harmonious and cohesive look. Or, for the more adventurous, mixing patterns can add layers of intrigue and personality to your living room, especially when combined with other accents like artwork or a statement sofa. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

Found Your Dream Living Room Windows? Book a Consultation with Magic!

Have you found the living room window design of your dreams? Excellent! Magic experts are eager to visualize what you have in mind! We’ll consider all your ideas and offer you the best possible solution for your space!

So, what are you waiting for? Contact Magic today to book a free in-home consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to style windows in a living room?

If you have a large living room, you can pair casement windows with awning windows for enhanced ventilation or with picture windows for more natural light. You can also install Magic’s window wall or patio doors for more glazing areas.

How can I make my small living room appear larger with window treatments?

To make your small living room appear larger with window treatments, consider using sheer curtains or floor-length drapes to enhance natural light and provide depth or install sheer shades and window casing.

Are there window treatments that can help with energy efficiency?

Window treatments like Magic’s thermal blinds can improve energy efficiency and insulation by controlling the amount of sunlight that enters the room. They double a window’s energy efficiency.

Can window treatments provide privacy without sacrificing style?

Absolutely! You can maintain privacy without sacrificing style by using Magic’s fully retractable thermal blinds. When not in use, they’re hidden within the window frame, so you may even forget the blinds are there!

How do I choose the right window treatments for my living room’s decor?

Consider the overall aesthetic of your room and choose window treatments that complement your existing decor, while also considering the functionality you need. For a modern look, you can install roller shades or sleek Roman blinds, while velvet drapes or layered textures can add a luxurious feel.

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