Planning to renovate your home and looking for window ideas? If so, you probably already know about the most common window types – casement, double-hung, and sliding ones. The lesser-known window is the picture type. So, what is a picture window?
Picture windows are more than just large panes of glass – they’re a way to connect your indoor living space with the beauty of the outdoors! Designed without lites or grilles, these windows provide an uninterrupted view of your surroundings – whether it’s a stunning landscape, a peaceful backyard, or even a bustling cityscape, as well as bring in abundant natural light.
As such, if you want to learn more about these windows, keep on reading!
Key Takeaways
- Picture windows are large, fixed windows that are designed for unobstructed views and maximum natural light.
- A picture window is more energy-efficient than other windows due to its lack of movable parts and hardware. This minimizes air and water leakage and, therefore, contributes to energy savings. However, it’s recommended to add Low-E coatings to reduce heat gain and loss through the glass.
- Picture windows can be combined with operable windows for ventilation, such as casement or double-hung windows.
What Are Picture Windows?
Unlike operable windows, picture windows do not open; instead, they frame the view outside like a picture, providing a clear and uninterrupted panorama. Picture windows are typically larger than standard windows and feature a lower profile frame that serves as the picture frame for outdoor views!
If you want some picture windows in your house, keep reading as we’ve outlined all their benefits and drawbacks!
Benefits of Picture Windows
Picture windows are praised, above all, for the fact that they serve as an additional entry point for natural light. Given that they can be installed in various shapes and sizes, they’re perfect for spaces where operable windows won’t fit, thus making rooms brighter and creating a welcoming and airy atmosphere. By having more natural light, homeowners rely less on artificial lighting, which can lead to substantial energy savings.
Picture windows are also highly energy-efficient. Their design reduces air and water leakage. When combined with energy-efficient window treatments like Low-E coatings and Magic’s solar shades and thermal blinds, picture windows help maintain indoor temperatures, further lowering energy costs.
Last but not least, picture windows are incredibly customizable, which makes them perfect for uniquely sized windows. They are often paired with operable windows for more glazing area, views, and light. But they’re also installed independently in places that are hard to reach or walls that don’t necessarily need an operable window. This versatility makes picture windows a valuable investment, offering a blend of beauty, light, and energy efficiency.
Let’s not forget about the soundproofing properties of picture windows. Given that they aren’t operable and don’t have any moving parts, picture windows provide superior sound insulation compared to standard windows, which can make a big difference for those living in noisy neighborhoods.
Disadvantages of Picture Windows
Picture windows do have some disadvantages, including:
- Lack of ventilation – it’s not recommended to install a picture window in a room with no operable windows because you can’t ventilate the room.
- You can’t wash the exterior glass surface from the interior, which can be an issue in the long run if you can’t reach the window easily from the outside.
- Depending on how large a picture window is, it can lead to significant heat gain and loss if it doesn’t have Low-E coatings and high-quality insulating materials.
Where to Install Picture Windows?
If you want to install some picture windows, it’s important to choose their location strategically to reap their benefits to the fullest! Generally, they can be installed anywhere, but we’ve added some tips for incorporating them in the design of living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Living room or dining room. Large picture windows installed in living rooms can serve as a stunning focal point, showcasing the outdoors and creating a sense of openness. The influx of natural light can make the room feel more spacious and inviting, perfect for gatherings and relaxation.
- Bedroom. Installing picture windows in bedrooms can provide breathtaking views and enhance the room’s aesthetic. But don’t forget that you’ll have to consider some window treatments for privacy. Alternatively, you can install them high on the wall, which is a win-win for privacy and light, but you’d have to compromise on views.
- Kitchen. Many homeowners install picture windows above the sink. They let in plenty of natural light and create a more pleasant ambiance, which can truly lift one’s spirits while cooking or cleaning!
- Bathroom. Picture windows are perfect for bathrooms where privacy isn’t a concern. So if you have a cottage or live far from other houses, this option it’s definitely worth considering. You’ll be able to watch the sunset or sunrise while taking a bath and enjoying the tranquility of nature!
Combining Picture Windows with Other Window Styles
Picture windows are often combined with other window types to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Here are the most popular combinations:
- Casement windows. Picture windows are most often combined with casement windows – the latter are perfect for ventilation, so it’s a win-win situation! This setup is particularly favored in bedrooms. The aesthetic appeal of this combination ensures that your space remains stylish and functional, providing the perfect blend of comfort and beauty.
- Double-hung windows. Picture windows are often paired with double-hung windows for ventilation and more light. The fixed window is usually installed between two double-hung windows.
- Awning windows. Awning windows open outwards from the top. Although they are rarely combined with picture windows, in some cases, they can go well together – for example, you can install an awning window as a transom one above a large picture window (see example in the photo above).
- Bay and bow windows. Bay and bow windows consist of multiple glass panels, of which some may be fixed. For example, the middle panel in a bay window is often a picture window unless the homeowners want it to be operable. It offers incredible panoramic views, while the other two panels on the sides are operable, serving for ventilation.
Energy Efficiency in Picture Windows
Picture windows are more energy-efficient than other windows – that’s a given. After all, they are not operable. However, since they usually have large glazing areas, these windows can sometimes lead to more heat gain and loss than smaller operable windows. This is why it’s of the essence to purchase ENERGY STAR-certified windows.
These windows usually have two or three glass panes separated by an inert gas (usually argon or krypton), feature Low-E coatings, and are made of an energy-efficient frame material. When considering a window’s energy efficiency, look for the following energy ratings (which can be found on the National Fenestration Rating Council label):
- U-factor, for which you need lower numbers
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), for which you need higher numbers if you live in a cold climate and lower numbers if you live in a hot climate
- Visible Transmittance (VT), for which you need higher numbers
- Air Leakage (AL), for which you need lower numbers.
Additionally, picture windows with Low-E coatings also block harmful UV rays. This means you can place your furniture near the window without worrying about UV rays damaging it.
If this is your first time picking energy-efficient windows and you don’t know where to start, you can book a free consultation with Magic and one of our experts will guide you through the process. All our windows, doors, and window walls are ENERGY STAR-certified, some of them even exceeding ENERGY STAR requirements!
Frame Materials for Picture Windows
Selecting the right frame material for your picture windows is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make in the process – for aesthetics, functionality, durability, and energy efficiency. If you want to invest in high-quality windows, consider installing Magic windows, whose frames are made from a combination of vinyl, steel, and aluminum.
In other words, our frames have a skeleton made of aluminum and vinyl, which, in turn, is wrapped in a vinyl coating. This approach makes our Hybrid Fusion Frame superior in terms of durability and energy efficiency. Why? Let’s see.
Vinyl, for example, is highly energy-efficient. But it’s not the best frame material for Canadian winters and summers because it warps and cracks when constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions. Then, take aluminum and steel – they’re incredibly strong and have a long lifespan, but they lack the energy efficiency of vinyl. Therefore, together, these three materials make for a highly durable window frame that lasts 40 years and can withstand any weather conditions!
Because of their strength, Magic frames are much thinner than other frames, and this is one of the most important things to consider when choosing picture windows (besides their energy efficiency, of course).
Picture windows are installed primarily for the views, just as their name suggests. Therefore, choosing bulky frames equals cutting a significant part of the glazing area, which also means the windows won’t fully fit their purpose. This is why thin frames work best for picture windows!
What Is the Difference Between a Fixed Window and a Picture Window?
Essentially, fixed windows and picture windows mean the same thing. But there’s a tiny difference – all picture windows are fixed windows, but not all fixed windows are picture windows.
The difference lies in their purpose. Picture windows are usually installed primarily for views, which means they’re quite large and have thin frames. Fixed windows, on the other hand, are usually smaller, they may even have lites that obstruct the views, and their frames can be thicker.
Other than that, picture and fixed windows are similar – they’re not operable, they excel at energy efficiency, are more secure than operable windows, and can be combined with other window types.
How Much Do Picture Windows Cost?
On average, picture windows cost between $500 and $1,500 plus labor costs, which amount to $70-$150 per window, depending on the rates in your region.
This being said, the final price of a picture window depends on its size, shape, location, glass type, and frame materials. While they’re generally more affordable than operable windows because they lack any hardware and handles, they can still represent a significant investment, especially because they have to be energy efficient.
Picture Window Dimensions
As mentioned above, picture windows are highly customizable in terms of size and shape. However, standard sizes for picture window styles range from 12 inches to 120 inches in width and height if they have two panes of glass.
If you want picture windows with three glass panes (often installed in cold climates), the window usually doesn’t exceed a width and height of 60 inches because it’s much heavier than a double-glazed unit.
Here are some common picture window sizes:
- 36 x 36 inches
- 48 x 60 inches
- 60 x 48 inches
- 72 x 60 inches
Install High-Performing Picture Windows with Magic!
Choosing the perfect picture window is about more than just stunning views – it’s about performance, durability, energy efficiency, and enhancing the comfort of your home. At Magic, we prioritize all of the above, making sure that our windows exceed all your expectations!
Whether you’re dreaming of a grand statement window or a sleek, energy-efficient design to elevate your living space, our team is here to bring your dream windows to life!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a picture window?
A picture window is any fixed window that provides a clear, unobstructed view of the outdoors, like a frame for the scenery. It brightens a room by letting in natural light and adds to its beauty with a wide-open view of the outside.
Are picture windows energy efficient?
Picture windows are highly energy efficient, as they minimize air and water leakage. Advanced features like Low-E coatings and argon gas fills further improve their energy performance.
What is the difference between a bay window and a picture window?
Bay windows protrude outwards from the main wall, have an angular shape, and consist of three panels, of which one or more can be fixed. A picture window is a fixed window installed primarily for unobstructed views and more natural light.
Can picture windows be combined with another window style?
Yes, picture windows can be effectively combined with operable windows such as casement, double-hung, or awning windows, especially in rooms where ventilation is a priority.
How do I maintain picture windows?
You have to clean a picture window’s glass and frames regularly and inspect its seal, caulking, frame, and glass for damage.