2 Window Trends Your Clients Want in 2017

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In 2017, the two window trends that homeowners are going to ask for are energy efficiency and windows that let in as much natural light as possible. Traditionally, those two things were considered opposites. Windows were by nature one of the most inefficient parts of the home, so builders and homeowners needed to choose between sacrificing energy efficiency in order to have larger windows, or having fewer, smaller windows and thus less natural light.

These days, however, energy efficiency technology means that you no longer have to throw efficiency out the window in order to get the natural lighting that homeowners want. Let’s take a look at the window styles that homeowners are clamoring for, and the technology that makes these window trends energy efficient.

Window Trends: Bigger is Better

When it comes to window styles for 2017, anything goes — so long as the windows are big and numerous to let in plenty of natural sunlight. There are a few smaller trends, independent of the window’s overall style, that are starting to take hold, however.

For one thing, no matter what the window style is, people are starting to ask for a pop of color when it comes to the window frames. Instead of traditional white, off-white, eggshell or ivory, darker, bolder colors are starting to come into fashion. Rusty colors are popular, as are browns, greens and even dark metallic like bronze.

Additionally, homeowners are also looking for taller windows, often floor-to-ceiling, or architectural windows up above the lower windows in homes with vaulted ceilings. With those tall windows, homeowners also want functionality — the ability to open them and let the breeze in, and most popularly, glass doors, either sliding, swinging or folding, that double as windows.

Energy Efficiency is Key

These days, there are several ways to make windows energy efficient, as illustrated by some of the advanced technology offered by Marvin Windows and Doors. Here are some of the things that manufacturers are using to make modern windows more energy efficient:

• Window Coatings: Low E window coatings are perhaps the biggest advancement in energy-saving technology. These coatings save on cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter because they prevent heat and light transfer through the glass. Historically, homeowners have not been particularly fond of window coatings because the coatings added a tint to the glass. However, modern window coatings are extremely thin, which means that you can reap all of the energy efficient advantages without having to sacrifice the view.
• Insulating Glass: Single-paned windows have gone the way of the dinosaur. Today, manufacturers like Marvin are offering double and triple paned windows, which reduces thermal transfer between the outside and indoors.
• Gas Filled Windows: Double and triple paned windows are chief among window trends not only because multiple panes transfer heat less, but also because of the gas fills that can be used to reduce heat transference even further. Krypton and argon are both commonly used to prevent the movement of warm or cold air in the spaces between panes of glass.

As you can see, today’s technology makes it possible to have the best of both worlds — big, beautiful windows and energy efficiency. Particular styles, like French windows or ornate architectural windows, might be more or less popular in the future, but these two window trends are unlikely to be going anywhere anytime soon.