Exploring what decorative window options are available to install will help you to narrow down your options and find the best fit for your home.
First up, the different styles that are available. Decorative windows can be classified into a number of different styles, such as: arched, curved, curved with transom, fixed, and sliding. It is worth noting that some styles are only available in certain materials, such as aluminium or vinyl.
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What Decorative Windows are available?
Decorative windows are a great way to add a personal touch to your home without breaking the bank. They come in many different styles, from traditional single or double glazing to no-frame or half-frame styles.
The best part is that you can choose the style that suits your taste and budget. You can also improve the look of your home by combining decorative windows with other exterior improvements such as a new roof, adding a chimney or improving your front door.
Popular decorative window styles include the following:
- Stained windows.
- Bevelled windows.
- Etched windows.
Stained Windows
Stained glass is a form of vitreous enamelling, in which coloured glass is fired to create intricate patterns. The glass is then put into a press, which exerts tremendous pressure on the glass to build up the shape and colour.
The glass is then removed from the press, leaving the shape and colour of the glass intact, but with the pattern of the glass in place. This pattern can be created by drawing on the glass, or by fusing the glass to a metal substrate.
Stained glass is a great way to add colour and pattern to your home without having to spend a lot of money. It’s a great DIY project for those with a little patience and a little bit of artistic ability.
Through a bit of trial and error, you can create some beautiful stained glass art that will bring a splash of colour to your home for very little money. Artwork is one of the most expensive forms of stained glass, so if you’re looking to create a lot of stained glass art in a short period of time, the single-colour stained glass is a great option.
Today, the term ‘stained glass windows’ is more commonly used to refer to windows that have been designed using coloured glass. However, this could also refer to the window frames themselves, which are also available in a wide range of colours and styles.
Check out our complete guide on the price of new windows, if you want a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay (including installation). You can also read about the various window styles available, as well as double glazing, triple glazing and decorative windows.
Bevelled Windows
Bevelled glass is a great way to add style and texture to plain windows. It’s most commonly used in doors and windows, but you can also use it in walls and ceilings. Bevelled glass panels are cut at an angle, which can give your space a custom look and feel.
You can also use bevelled glass to create windows within windows, creating a separate space within your home without the cost and time of a full renovation.
Etched/Frosted Windows
Glass is used for a wide variety of applications, from windows to bottles to outer space habitats. One common type of glass is plain, or clear, glass. In most applications, glass is used to provide clear viewing or protection, but it also can be used to obscure vision or to display decorative patterns or images.
Some glasses, such as frosted glass, are etched, or etched with a decorative pattern or image, throughout their thickness to produce a more dramatic effect.
What are obscure glass windows?
Similar to etched windows, obscured glass windows are typically used in places where full vision through the window is not appropriate. For example in bathrooms, toilets and changing rooms.
There are many methods used so that visibility can be obscured, such as through the addition of a frosting, reflector, texture or tinting to the window.
Reflective windows are windows that are reflective on the outside – but only on one side. This means that although you can’t see inside, people outside can’t see in either.
The reflective surface also means that you can’t see out either – but at least you can still see other people outside. You can’t see through the mirrored side, so you don’t know who is outside, but you can at least see shadows and the outline of people so you know when someone has come in.
Decorative Window Frames
The glass of the window isn’t the only thing that can be considered decorative and in fact the window frames can often steal the limelight in many cases.
Some of the most popular decorative window frames include the following:
Aluminium Window Frames
Aluminium has a sleek, modern finish, and comes in a range of colours including silver, grey and white. It’s an aluminium composite, which makes it stronger and lighter than traditional aluminium, but with the same look and feel.
It can also be painted to achieve any colour or finish. Aluminium doors and windows are best suited to modern interiors, but can be used in a range of styles.
uPVC Window Frames
uPVC is the most popular choice for window frames. It’s a non-combustible material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a type of plastic. uPVC is available in a range of colours and styles, and can even be made to look like timber. It’s a cheaper option than wooden frames, but will still look and feel much better.
Composite Window Frames
The most common composite material used in window frames is aluminium. It is a versatile material that can be shaped into a wide variety of shapes and can be painted or stained to match the existing colour of the building.
Composite window frames are also available in timber. This is a strong and durable material that can also be shaped into a variety of shapes.
Timber Window Frames
Timber homes have been a symbol of quality and craftsmanship for centuries. They are the traditional option that is arguably lost with more modern materials and styles.
They typically require more maintenance, such as painting and minor repairs, but provide a more authentic and traditional look and feel. Today, there are many types of lumber that can be used to construct a home.
Important note: although there are many different styles, none can be considered superior and you will actually find that there are advantages and disadvantages to each and every style, material and design. It’s all largely just a matter of personal preference.
How much do decorative windows cost?
The size, shape and materials used for decorative window treatments will all affect the cost. The size of the window will determine the size of the treatments that can be used and the amount of fabric, wood, or other material required to complete the design.
The complexity of the design will also affect the materials and labour needed to complete the project. Decorative window treatments can be made from a variety of materials, including fabric, wood, paper and plastic.
On average, if you’re having an original design designed, created and installed, then this could potentially cost between £1,500 and £20,000.
Get a Free Quote for your New Decorative Windows Today
The number one advice when shopping for new windows for your home is to secure at least three quotes from local installers.
Your priority shouldn’t necessarily always be price, since the reputation of the company, aftercare and the warranty are also all important factors.
Going for the cheapest may mean paying less upfront, but in the long term you may pay more in terms of time, stress and repairs.
Here at Window Central, we have a network of reliable and trustworthy window installers throughout the UK. Request your free quote now and you should receive a range of quotes from our network in the next 24 hours (at the latest).
