To Grid or Not to Grid? The Right Choice for Your Windows

 Also known as grills and muntins, window grids are structures in the window that allow the window surfaced to be partitioned into smaller, often square-shaped sections. The window grids we see now are purely a stylistic choice.

Although in modern homes, window grids largely serve an exclusively decorative purpose, they weren’t always used in such a way. Historically, there were constraints when it came to the manufacturing of windows. It wasn’t as easy to make large pieces of glass as thick and solidly built as they are in the present time. Consequently, windows were made of considerably thin glass, and so the grids were an important element that held smaller glass pieces together to provide one complete window.

Back in the day, the window grids were commonly made from wood, which weren’t the strongest and were also more susceptible to water and insect damage. For instance, the Victorian era window grids used hardwood and timber as the fundamental material which were both fragile and difficult to maintain.

In the 21^st century, although wood is still in use, window grids are more commonly fashioned from higher durability material such as vinyl, aluminum or PVC, but don’t really serve an actual functional purpose. The grids are no longer responsible for the structural integrity of windows, and instead only beautify the exterior of your house. The glass we see in our windows is strong enough to maintain its own structure, and is secured into the window frame using synthetic sealants.

Some popular designs for window grids in modern times are:

Colonial Grids: These are even, square-shaped grids that run across the span of the entire window. This style of grid is a traditional one and is among the more popular choices for grid design in the United States. Generally, double and single-hung windows use colonial grids.

Valance Grids: Quite similar in appearance to colonial grids, valance grids use the same squares but these run across only the top of the window, usually leaving the rest of the glass area free.

Prairie Grids: Casement windows more commonly use prairie grids. These are aren’t symmetrical unlike traditional styles, The grids run along the sides of the window glass and overlap near the corners, leaving a large portion of the middle area of glass unobstructed.

If you’re considering window replacement or have a custom-built house project in the pipeline and are unsure whether getting window grids fits with the overall theme of the house and its requirements

Are Window Grids in Style Today?

 

For a more sleek appearance, modern homes and buildings draw from minimalist architectural approaches. Therefore, the windows too have slim frames and are free of grids to allow the entire glass area to remain unobstructed. They’re also much larger in size; often so large they take up all the area from the floor to ceiling, establishing a wall of glass. Visually, filling up so much area with partitions would be heavy on the eyes, so it’s advisable to not use them in excess, if at all.

However, you should note that modern homes are usually categorized as luxury homes, whereas the large majority of homes in the United States follow the traditional ranch and bohemian craftsman house styles.Window grids therefore work nicely with their overall appearance.

Alternatively, the windows in modern homes can use grids in the form of subtle horizontal lines that don’t take up too much space.

Grid Aspects to Consider for Windows of Traditional Houses

1. Uniformity and Simplicity

Shoehorning in as many grids as you can on your windows is not the best way to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance for your home’s exterior. Use grids in moderation! Moreover, use one style of grid for the front of your house. If you have more windows on the home’s sides, they don’t have to be the same as the windows on the front of the house, but all windows on the same side should make do with a single, uniform grid style. A house exterior that is pleasant to look at contributes to the curb appeal of the property!

 

2. Consider Functionality

Depending on whether the size of your windows is small or large, go for grids accordingly. Too many grids on smaller windows may not only appear cluttered, but they’ll also impact the functionality of your window in several ways. Window grids can become obstructions in that they take up room on the glass where natural sunlight is supposed to come through, leaving the interior of your house poorly lit.

What’s more, too many grids give rise to that many partitions, leaving behind more window panes for you to clean individually, thus taking up more of your time than necessary on window maintenance.

Still Can’t Decide?

If you’re having a hard time figuring out whether or not to get grids because even though you know you want them, you’re reluctant all the same because you don’t want to end up regretting the decision later on, there’s a way to get the best of both gridded and grid-free windows.

Try using removable grids.

These give you the option to add and remove grids to your windows at will. If you have a lot of windows, permanently adding grids to them during window installation, but having second thoughts later on can be a troublesome situation considering the costs. However, with removable grids you’re spared the hassle.

EcoView Windows

EcoView Windows are a window installation service that supply factory-fresh windows for all your window replacement needs. Their windows are superior in virtually all window specifications, whether it be energy-efficiency, sunlight allowance, or variety in style and material.

Get new window grids installed with EcoView Windows at the best prices in Florida and Alabama! Contact now.