As the old saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul. But in the case of specialty shaped windows, they add more soul to the house. These custom-shaped windows lend elegance, nostalgia, uniqueness, and sometimes a bit of whimsy in alignment with the homeowner’s style and personality. There are virtually no limits as to what design feats you can achieve with specialty shape windows. Ready to make your design vision come to life using these extraordinary windows? Check out this blog for everything you need to know about them. Let’s begin!
What Are Specialty Shape Windows?
Far from your average square or traditional rectangular windows, this trendy window style comes in various creative forms. Here are some examples:
- Round windows
- Oval windows
- Ellipse windows
- Half-moon windows
- Arched windows
- Eyebrow window or eyebrow dormer
- Triangular, hexagonal, octagonal window
- Cathedral windows
Functionality of Specialty Shape Windows
1. Fixed Specialty Windows
Most intricately shaped specialty windows are fixed, meaning they cannot be opened. Although this still depends on the manufacturer. For instance, you will find types of circular windows that are fixed and versions that are fully operational. Because fixed specialty windows do not open or close, they are NOT designed to increase ventilation to the home, but rather to showcase a beautiful scenery and increase the amount of natural light in any given space. The main advantages of fixed specialty windows are:
- Uninterrupted views
- No hardware obstructions
- More energy-efficient than their operational counterparts
- Cost less than operational windows
2. Operational Specialty Windows
In contrast to fixed windows, operational specialty windows are designed to open and close, whether it’s along a hinge, on a track, or other types of hardware. They offer these main advantages:
- Added ventilation
- Can be standalone windows for any room
Which is Better: Fixed or Operational Specialty Windows?
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of what your vision is for your home and how you see yourself maximizing specialty windows. You may want the aesthetic appeal of a specialty window, but do you need it to open and close? Is the ventilation enough from your other standard windows, or do you need your specialty windows to improve airflow and natural light? It’s important to ask yourself these questions before choosing a specialty shape window design.
Applications of Specialty Shape Window
1. On Top of the Front Door
Placing a specialty shaped window, like a half-moon or eyebrow window, above your front entry door adds strong architectural character to your home’s entrance. It also allows streaks of natural light to flow into your entryway without compromising your privacy. This is a great choice for anyone hesitant about having glass on the door itself. Furthermore, if your home already has arched windows, adding a specialty window above your door can harmonize its curbside appeal.
2. Combination Windows For Architectural Flair
In your quest for standout design, you do not need to discard your existing traditional windows. What you can do is accentuate them with custom-made specialty shape windows, making a dramatic difference to your property’s facade. These combinations of windows also make excellent focal points for homes with high-vaulted ceilings.
3. Sources of Light in Otherwise Gloomy Places
Hallways and Stairways
You can use narrow rectangular fixed windows, aligned side by side, on the wall beside your staircase to light up this part of the home. You can also brighten up a gloomy hallway by installing a round window, as long as there is an exterior wall to install them. Aside from bringing in light, this is a classy way to showcase a view outside.
Corners
Yet another application of specialty windows is to let in light from a room’s corner. They are often dark and neglected without artificial lighting, but place a specialty window right there, and it becomes a well of sunshine for morning rays.
Gables
And last but not least, specialty windows are often the best choice for letting in light from the gables. The gable is the part of the house that encloses the end of a pitched roof. Typically, this part doesn’t have any windows. Circular windows look beautiful on gables, and so do other specialty shape windows that align with the gable itself.
Disadvantages of Specialty Windows
You may now be wondering what downsides (if any) are to be expected? Well, for fixed specialty windows in high places, cleaning your windows regularly can be challenging. For operational specialty windows, finding replacement window hardware later may not be as easy. Lastly, specialty windows may cost more than standard double-hung windows because they are custom-made just for you. For many homeowners, the pros outweigh these cons. Specialty windows are an exciting way to add character and personality to your property.
Discover Specialty Shape Windows at Clera!
Dreaming of adding specialty windows to your home? Beyond just giving you a wide array of shape options, Clera Windows + Doors will see to it that you get all the benefits possible, including:
- Durability
- Low-maintenance designs
- Noise reduction
- Top-notch energy efficiency
- UV protection
The best part is we manufacture and sell these windows ourselves so we can guarantee the best price! Look through our vast collection of specialty shape windows and contact us for a free home estimate today.
