Has anyone done those neat corner windows where the glass meets at an exterior corner without a support column? I saw a home in a design magazine where the bedroom had a corner like that – two walls of glass meeting at the corner, giving an unobstructed wrap-around view. It looked stunning, like you’re floating in the landscape.
I suspect it’s a very custom feature (likely needed special structural support with steel). But I’m curious if any of the local high-end builders around Tampa have done that? Maybe not common because of hurricane concerns – a corner like that might be a weak point or very expensive to make impact-resistant.
Even if not exactly that, some newer houses do have a lot of glass turning the corners (with just a small column). I’m fantasizing a bit for a future dream home, thinking it would be cool to wake up in a corner room like that with two directions of view. If anyone’s seen it or done it, I’d love to hear how it holds up especially in stormy weather.
@brianfox763 – I haven’t done that personally (maybe one day in my dream home too!), but I have seen a couple of luxury houses in Clearwater that have the corner glass feature. It’s indeed a high-end custom thing. The way it’s often done is using two fixed glass panes that meet at the corner with a silicone joint or a very slim frame. And above, there’s usually a hefty beam carrying the roof load.
For hurricanes, the ones I saw had that corner in a sheltered spot (like under a cantilevered second floor or a deep overhang), presumably to protect it a bit. I’m sure the glass was impact-rated (likely laminated and thick). The cost must be crazy though, because you’re essentially engineering a mini glass curtain wall like a commercial building.
For most of us, doing something like what User33 mentioned – placing windows on both sides of a corner with a normal post in between – is a more practical way to get a wrap-around view. I did that in my sunroom: two walls each have a big window and they meet at the corner with just the wall’s corner trim separating them. It still gives a wide-angle view, but I have the traditional support in place.
In short, true corner glass is out there but rare in our area except in pricey builds. It sure does look amazing though if you ever get the chance to incorporate it!
I'm late to the party, but I've read through this whole thread (so helpful!) and wanted to add my 2 cents from a modern design standpoint. Our home is mid-century modern style, and when we replaced windows, we wanted to honor that. We chose awning and casement windows exclusively – no double-hungs – because mid-century homes often had sliders or awnings that emphasize horizontal lines.
The biggest win for us design-wise: by using awning windows up high and casements elsewhere, we eliminated the need for muntins or a meeting rail, so every window is just clean glass and the frames are pretty thin. Inside, it complements our modern furniture and open floor plan really well. It feels like the outdoors is more connected to indoors.
One trade-off: casement windows have cranks and, as I think User6 mentioned, screens on the inside. We got nice looking cranks (in a brass finish to match our interior decor) and opted for removable screens that we actually store away except for mosquito season. That way, most of the year the windows are screen-free and super clear. When we do pop the screens in, they’re barely noticeable because they’re fit tightly.
So for anyone with a modern or mid-century home, consider those window types. They can really elevate the style. Just be ready to tweak how you normally handle screens or window treatments since it’s a bit different than traditional double-hungs.
For a more traditional home style, I’ll echo what some have said: embrace the little details. My house is a Craftsman bungalow, and when I replaced windows, I specifically chose ones with exterior grids that had that hand-crafted look (stained wood interiors, too). Could I have gone with slick modern glass? Yes, but it would have felt off in my cozy, old-world living room.
Instead, I have those grids on the upper sash (Craftsman 4-over-1 pattern) and even opted for a slightly thicker frame profile that mimics wood. It has a more substantial, textured look rather than the flat vinyl look. These were fiberglass windows so they could do a wood texture on the frame. Painted them an off-white to match my trim, and they look almost original to the house (just new and not drafty!).
Inside, these little historic touches actually add to the decor – they frame my view in a way that feels like a 1910 home (even though the windows are 2020s tech). So yeah, not every trend is about modern minimalism; sometimes sticking to a classic design is the right move for the aesthetic of the home. And thankfully, manufacturers are making windows that combine modern performance with traditional looks, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or efficiency.
Oh, one thing I haven’t seen mentioned much but is worth considering: the depth of your window sills inside. Our old windows had almost no sill (just a tiny lip), but when we installed new ones, we actually had the chance to have deeper sills. We finished them out with nice wood and now each window has a 4-inch deep sill where we can put small plants or decor.
This was partly because the new windows were a bit thinner than the wall, so we needed to build out a return, and I just said “let’s make it a shelf.” In the kitchen, I have herbs on the window sill now. In the living room, a couple of framed photos sit there. It’s such a charming little feature that came as a side benefit of the install.
If you’re doing full-frame replacements (not inserts), ask your installer or contractor about sill depth. Sometimes they can extend it a bit if you want. From an interior design perspective, a nice deep sill can be like a mini mantel or ledge that adds character. And if you love plants, as I do, windows are prime real estate for our green friends!
I'm glad you brought up plants, User55! We also created a plant haven with our new windows. We replaced a set of three small windows in our sunroom with a big set of windows and a lower sill, effectively turning it into a sort of greenhouse bay. Now that area gets tons of light, and we have a built-in bench under it where we can put potted plants (and sit and enjoy the sun among them!).
Also, regarding ventilation – something to think about: we installed awning-style windows above our large patio doors. They are small, like transom awning windows, but we can leave them open even when it rains, which is great for the plants and for getting fresh air without the weather coming in. Those high windows vent out hot air and let cooler air flow in lower. It’s both functional and it actually looks neat, like a design element above the doors.
So if you’re a plant parent or just love fresh air, consider how window design (like operable transoms or lower sills) can facilitate that. Our home now gets a nice cross-breeze on cooler days because of the window placement we chose, and it’s been wonderful for reducing AC usage at times, even in Florida.
This thread is pure gold. I joined this forum to lurk, but I had to log in just to say thanks to everyone – I’ve learned so much about windows here. 😊 I’m planning my own window project and this is like getting a crash course from dozens of people’s experiences.
One question I still have is about blending modern features with a traditional look. My home is a 1985 ranch – not historic, but it has a certain style (brick exterior, pretty simple lines). I want the benefits of modern windows (bigger glass, maybe a cool shape or two, definitely impact glass for storms), but I don’t want it to end up looking like a patchwork of styles.
From what I gather, the key is to choose a basic design and just update within that. So I’m thinking: keep the windows rectangular and in the same openings mostly (no crazy shapes), maybe pick a frame color like an earthy bronze instead of white to update the look a bit, andUser58: @apolloparker907 – Your plan sounds solid. My house is late-70s ranch and I did just what you’re describing. I kept the general layout of windows the same (didn’t move openings around, except I turned one small bathroom window horizontal for privacy). I chose an almond/tan frame color instead of white, which goes nicely with my brown brick. And I skipped grids entirely for a cleaner look, since the original windows had none.
The result: the house still looks like its original self, just refreshed. Neighbors said it looked "cleaner" and more "updated" but couldn’t even pinpoint why at first until I told them about the windows. That’s how you know it blends well – it doesn’t scream “I’m a new addition,” it just looks right.
One thing I did add for a bit of modern flair: in our foyer, we had a narrow floor-to-ceiling sidelight window next to the door. I replaced it with fluted privacy glass (no grids, just a textured glass). It glows nicely and adds a modern touch but since it’s just one element, it doesn’t throw off the whole style. So you can do a small creative thing here or there like that.
So yeah, go for the small tweaks (color, maybe slightly larger sizes if you can without big construction, minimal grids). It’ll likely give you that subtle modernized look without losing the character of your 80s ranch. Good luck!
@pauls51 – I did similar on my mid-century (1960s) ranch. We kept the changes subtle on the front – just new windows, same size, white frames to match original trim, no grids like originally. But on the back of the house, we got a little adventurous: we replaced a trio of jalousie windows with a long horizontal sliding window (about 8 feet wide by 3 feet tall) in the den. That isn’t visible from the street but from inside it gave a very mid-century-modern vibe, like a clerestory band of glass, and from the backyard it looks cool and intentional.
The key was exactly what you’re saying: maintaining consistency where it counts (front/street view in our case) and playing around a bit elsewhere. Also, mid-century homes often had different types of windows on different sides (for function), so it doesn’t feel weird that the back has a big slider while the front has double-hungs.
For your 1985 home, you might find that even just changing color or removing outdated grids will be enough. Sometimes those era homes had criss-cross grids or something that date them. Simplifying to a single-lite style (no grid) immediately updates it. Frame color like bronze or almond as you said can also add a contemporary touch without going full modern. It’s all about the subtle details adding up.
I'm hearing a lot about black vs white vs bronze frames. Quick poll for everyone still following: which did you choose for your home and are you happy with it? I’m personally torn between going classic white (safe, matches everything) or trendy black (bold and stylish). There’s also the in-between options like gray or bronze which sometimes feel like a good compromise.
I worry black might be a trend that fades, but it does look so good on certain homes. White is timeless but can also be, dare I say, a bit boring if not done with other accents. My house is light-colored brick with white trim currently. I could play it safe with white windows, or spice it up with darker ones. What did you all do and do you have any regrets or gloating points?
We went with black frames and absolutely love the outcome. No regrets at all. Our home is a pale yellow Key West-style bungalow with white trim, and we did black window frames to give it a pop of contrast. It sounds unconventional (black on a Key West pastel house), but surprisingly it works – it ties in with our black metal roof and the wrought iron details we have on the porch.
From inside, I was a bit worried the black would be too harsh, but it actually frames the view like artwork. We kept our interior decor light and breezy (white walls, light wood floors), so the black windows add structure without overwhelming anything. I think if our interior were darker, black frames might have made it feel cave-like, but with mostly white interiors, the windows just punctuate the space.
As for trendiness, maybe black won’t be 'the hot new thing' forever, but black windows have been used in industrial and farmhouse designs for a long time. I feel like they’re kind of timeless in their own right, just not as ubiquitous as white. Even if at some point white comes back in vogue, I can’t imagine looking at our black windows and thinking “oh no, how dated.” They’ll probably always look sharp to me. So if you like the look, I’d say go for it!