All About Special Window Shapes
By: Architectural Visions
Special shaped or custom windows can elevate a home’s architecture. Varying the shape of the windows throughout a home can have a dramatic visual effect on its look and how the house functions and can even increase the overall security. Different window shapes that align with a home’s architectural style add character to a house and can elevate a home’s comfort and efficiency for years to come. If you’re looking to replace your existing windows with special shaped windows, read on for everything you need to know.
Key takeaways of custom window shapes:
- Custom-shaped windows come in various shapes and sizes and offer different functionality beyond simply opening and closing.
- Special shaped windows come in a wide variety of shapes. This expansive list includes shapes such as pentagon, trapezoid, and quarter circle.
- There are many reasons to install special shaped windows, such as space constraints, adding visual interest and creatively allowing more sunlight in shine through.
- Once you select the window shape that best aligns with your home’s architectural style, you can further customize the window with accents such as grilles, window treatments, shutters, or window boxes.
What are special shaped windows?
Custom-shaped windows come in various shapes and sizes. These types of windows also offer different functionality beyond simply opening and closing. Special-shaped windows may be round, oval, half-moon, hexagon, triangle, or trapezoid windows, among others. Incorporating special shaped windows with traditional square or rectangular windows can provide additional character. Special shaped windows can also solve design dilemmas in a space, as they are a creative way to include a window in a small or challenging-shaped area.
Below are some of the pros of installing special shape replacement windows:
- Fit into challenging areas
- Add character and personality
- Enhances a home’s curb appeal
- Ability to customize in different shapes, styles, materials and colors, hardware, and grille patterns
- Increase a home’s security
Examples of special shaped windows
Special shaped windows come in a wide variety of shapes. This expansive list includes shapes such as:
- Half-elliptical
- Full-elliptical
- Quarter circle
- Full chord
- Full circle
- Hexagon
- Octagon
- Full springline
- Partial springline
- Equal modified rectangle
- Full arch head
- Partial arch head
- Trapezoid
- Pentagon
- Isosceles triangle
Installing special shaped windows can increase a window’s functionality, improve the ventilation and airflow, and allow more natural light to shine in. Visually, special shaped windows can also infuse character and personality throughout a home. Additionally, special shape windows can increase a home’s security if the window is a fixed window that doesn’t open or is small enough that it can’t be an entry point into the home.
How to incorporate special shaped windows in your home design
There are many reasons for installing special shaped windows in your home design. Sometimes, special spaces need an equally unique window. For example, in small rooms, such as a powder bathroom or a butler’s pantry, you may need to be creative with the layout and maximize the space. A special shaped window can allow more natural light to shine through if there isn’t enough space for a standard-size window.
Or, if a room feels dark or devoid of personality, incorporating special shaped windows into the architectural plan can help to enhance the architectural footprint.
Additionally, if the room is filled with standard square or rectangular windows and needs additional visual interest, incorporating special shaped windows, such as oval, half-moon, hexagon, triangle, or trapezoid windows can add visual interest, as well as allow more natural light to shine through.
Ways to accentuate your special shaped windows
After you select the window shape that best aligns with your home’s architectural style, you can further customize the windows to elevate the overall design.
- Grilles: Custom grille patterns can enhance the home’s architectural accuracy by selecting the number of grilles, how they’re laid, the color of the grilles, and the widths. For example, traditional homes often have a busier grill pattern, while mid-century modern houses typically have more oversized, streamlined windows without grilles.
- Window treatment: Custom window treatments will also accentuate a custom window’s unique features and can be customized by style, shape, color, pattern, and size.
- Shutters: Shutters are an exterior design element where you can exercise creativity with style and color. Shutters should be large enough to appear as if they could cover the whole window if closed.
- Window boxes: Window boxes are another exterior window accent. Window boxes filled with lush, seasonal foliage can soften the overall appearance of the home.
If you’re ready to select special shaped windows for your home, turn to a professional to help you install custom replacement windows by contacting the experts at AVI. AVI is your one-stop shop for all types of windows, with in-person and online service options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or come by one of our locations and let us help you!
