What are the current replacement window design trends in Tampa Bay?

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!

I stuck with white frames for a few reasons:
1. Interior flexibility: White inside just goes with everything. I like to change up wall colors and decor, and white windows never clash. If I had black frames, I’d feel locked into a certain palette or style to complement them.

2. Heat considerations: This might be less of an issue with good quality windows, but I was a bit concerned that dark frames (especially in vinyl) could absorb more heat and potentially risk warping or making the house a tad hotter by radiating heat. Maybe that’s minor, but in Florida every bit counts. Our white frames stay cooler to the touch in the sun.

3. House style: Our home has a classic look (red brick, white columns and trim), and white windows just fit that aesthetic perfectly. Black would have been too high-contrast and might have made the house look chopped up. The windows now blend in smoothly with the trim, which was the look we wanted.

So far, very happy with white. It’s crisp, clean, and classic. Sometimes I get a tinge of envy seeing stylish black-framed window pics online, but when I look at our home in person, I know we made the right choice for our situation.

We actually did a mix: our windows are dark bronze on the outside and white on the inside. Best decision ever for us. The bronze exterior gives a modern, upscale vibe against our light tan stucco, but inside we have the traditional white that makes our rooms feel bright. It truly is the best of both worlds.
We got this through a manufacturer that offers exterior color and interior color separately (which ProTech Windoors mentioned during our quote, so we knew it was possible). It was a slight upcharge but not outrageous. Bronze is a nice color too – it’s dark enough to be in that trendy dark family, but it’s a bit softer than stark black, kind of a deep espresso brown. It doesn’t jump out as much, in a good way.

The two-tone option also solved an argument in our household: I wanted dark exteriors for style, my spouse wanted white interior for the inside decor. When we learned we could do both, we were sold. So anyone wavering between two choices, check if you can have both! Many companies offer it nowadays.

Oh, and one more thing: even though our interior frames are white, we did get bronze hardware (cranks, locks) for the windows that crank open. It’s a small detail but it makes the interior side tie in a bit with the exterior look when you notice it. Looks very intentional.

By the way, has anyone played with window shapes beyond the standard rectangle? I have a cottagey house and I kept daydreaming about putting a round window somewhere (like User22’s porthole idea). I haven’t done it yet, but I might in a future phase of renovation, maybe in an attic or a small powder room just for a fun accent.
I’m also curious about how people integrate those half-circle (fanlight) windows over doors or big windows. We have a regular rectangular transom above our front door, but I see those semi-circular ones on some homes and they really give a classic elegance. If anyone replaced or added one, did you find it hard to get a match for your other windows?

And what about triangles or other odd shapes? I feel like in modern architecture you sometimes see triangle windows following the roofline. In an older home, maybe a diamond-shaped window on a staircase could be cool. These are more 'out there' ideas, but with custom window companies, it seems almost anything is possible if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Would love to hear if anyone took the plunge on an unusual shape and how it affected the home’s character.

@timmentor – We have a half-circle transom above our entry door. It was there originally (house built in early 90s) and when we got a new door and window package, we kept that shape. It definitely adds a bit of elegance. The one thing we changed: the old one had an ornate sunburst grid in the semicircle, which felt dated to us, so we opted for a plain glass half-round when we updated. Now it’s just a clean half-circle window and it actually looks more timeless without the fussy pattern.
We also have a small octagon window in a bathroom (original to the house). When we replaced it, we went with frosted glass for privacy but no grid. It’s a fun little accent that suits our somewhat traditional house – kind of a throwback detail. If I didn’t have one already, I’m not sure I’d add an octagon randomly, but since it was there, we made it a feature with the new glass.

I’ve seen triangle windows in A-frame cabins and such – super cool in the right setting. For a typical house in Tampa, a triangle or diamond might stand out too much unless used very purposefully (like in a gable where it echoes the roof shape). But hey, if you have a spot that’s asking for a statement, a custom shape could be that wow factor. Just consider the cost and also the window treatments – odd shapes are harder to cover if you ever need to.

I’ve got a story of a friend’s house – he built a modern style home in St. Pete and put in a large triangular window in the front gable. It’s like a slice of pie shape, spanning almost the full width of the gable and coming down a bit from the peak. From outside, it’s an architectural statement for sure – the house really stands out on the block because of it. From inside, that triangular window is in their loft area and it gives this dramatic view of the sky and palm trees. They even positioned it so during certain times of year, the moonlight shines through at night which is kind of magical.
It wasn’t cheap, though. He joked that that one triangle cost as much as three normal windows. But it was a design splurge he budgeted for. They got it impact-rated, which was apparently a special order of course. And it doesn’t open (fixed glass), so no ventilation from it, just light and view.

It taught me that if there’s a specific look you want, sometimes it’s worth it for the character it adds. The rest of his windows are rectangles, pretty standard (albeit large and with a dark frame). But everyone talks about “the triangle window house” when giving directions! It’s become a defining feature. So yeah, a well-placed unique window can elevate the whole design if done right.

A practical consideration that I came across during my design planning: furniture placement relative to windows. If you’re making windows bigger or adding new ones, think about what’s inside that room. We almost made a mistake in our study – we planned to drop a window lower for more light, which would have been great, but then realized our desk would sit right in front of it. That would not only block part of the window (looking odd from outside) but also put glare on our computer.
We adjusted the plan: instead of one lower window behind the desk, we put two tall, narrow windows on either side of the desk. It actually looks really nice – kind of a symmetrical setup – and leaves the center wall space for the desk and bookshelves. From outside, those two windows added a new element to the exterior that looked intentional (like flanking windows), whereas one big window with the back of a desk showing might have looked off.

So, before you commit to a window size or placement, take inventory of your interior layout – beds, couches, tables, etc. You might find that a slightly different shape or a few inches of height change could make a room more usable. And you avoid that awkward “sofa in front of a window” look unless that’s the look you’re going for (sometimes a couch under a window is fine if the window is higher). It’s all about planning holistically.

Building on User67’s point, another area to think about is kitchens and bathrooms with respect to window height. We did a kitchen remodel and decided to drop the window over the sink down to the counter height. Best decision! Now the backsplash is basically the window and it makes the kitchen feel so open. We had to use special tempered glass since it’s near water and all, but it looks awesome. From the outside, it’s one big window that aligns with the other windows’ bottoms, but inside it goes right to the counter.
In our master bathroom, we put a skinny horizontal window up high in the shower. It runs almost the length of the wall but it’s only maybe 1 foot tall and right under the ceiling. You can’t see in or out (except the sky and treetops), but it floods the shower with natural light. Exterior-wise, it just looks like a high strip of glass – kind of modern – but it’s on the side of the house so it’s not a focal point from the street.

My takeaway: customizing window placement in functional spaces can really improve daily life. Just be mindful of codes (like tempered glass near tubs, etc.) and try to make it look aligned or neatly placed externally. That way you get both form and function right.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned skylights or solar tubes yet – they’re not windows in the vertical sense, but they are windows to the sky! I know this thread is about windows, but for interior light lovers, adding a skylight can be transformative. We put in a tubular skylight (solar tube) in our hallway and one in a closet (yes, a closet!). It made those spaces so much brighter without any exterior wall window.
In Florida, you do have to get the impact-rated skylights or hurricane covers for them, but they are available. We also have an older home with a couple of traditional skylights in a vaulted ceiling and we got them replaced with new ones that have Low-E glass to cut down heat. They now even have ones with built-in blinds for skylights if you want to dim them.

I mention this because someone reading might think “I wish I could add a window but I have no wall for it” – the ceiling could be an option. It definitely adds light and a nice design element (imagine showering under a skylight seeing clouds above, pretty cool!). Just ensure a good install so they don’t leak. They can really complement the overall lighting scheme along with your vertical windows.

Since this thread has become such a comprehensive resource, I’m going to attempt a quick recap of key lessons and tips shared (hopefully helpful for newcomers):
Align with Architecture: Choose window styles (modern sleek vs. divided-lite traditional) that match your home’s design. Respect the era/character of your house even as you update. A cohesive look beats chasing trends blindly.

Frame Color Matters: White is classic and versatile; dark colors like black/bronze add bold contrast and a modern touch. Two-tone frames (dark outside, light inside) can offer the best of both.

Grille Patterns: Grids (muntins) lend a traditional look, clear glass feels modern. You can compromise – for example, grids on the front for curb appeal, none on the back for views. Removable grids or grids-between-glass are great for flexibility and easy cleaning.

Glass & Climate: In sunny, hot Tampa Bay, Low-E glass and optional tinting are your friends. They cut heat and UV without spoiling the appearance. Impact-rated glass is a must for hurricane safety (or you’ll need shutters). These might slightly alter the look (thicker frames, slight glass tint), but worth it.

Interior Considerations: Think about how windows look and function inside. Deep window sills can be decor or plant shelves. Ensure new windows work with your furniture placement and room layout. Coordinate window hardware finish with your interior style if possible.

Unique Features: Special windows (arches, rounds, triangles, etc.) can add character and wow-factor. Use them thoughtfully – a little goes a long way. Creative placement (high clerestory windows, backsplash windows, corner glass) can solve design problems and create highlights.

Installation & Practical Tips: Use reputable local pros (many here had good experiences with Karoly Windows, ProTech Windoors, etc.). Prep your home by removing window treatments and covering furniture. Expect some minor drywall or paint touch-ups. The disruption is short-term; the results are long-term.

Maintenance & Materials: Consider cleaning and durability. Internal or removable grids make cleaning easier. In coastal/humid areas, vinyl or fiberglass resist corrosion better than plain aluminum. If you want wood aesthetics, look at wood-clad or wood-look interior options.

Blend Style with Trend: Trends (like black frames or huge sliders) are great inspiration, but filter them through what fits your home’s architecture and your personal taste. A design that feels right for your home will age better than a one-size-fits-all trend.

Huge thanks to everyone who shared their experience and advice. This thread truly turned into a masterclass on window design for the Tampa Bay area (and beyond)!

I just want to chime in to say this thread has been incredibly helpful and enjoyable to read. It's like having a community brainstorming session with folks who genuinely care about their homes. 👍 I think a lot of people are going to benefit from this conversation, not just now but for a long time (I can see this being pinned as a reference guide for window ideas!).
Personally, I feel much more confident in making decisions for my own window project now. I was on the fence about several things, and hearing real experiences (good and bad, and creative solutions) has tilted me towards choices that make sense for me. And I love how people here naturally mentioned local companies like Karoly Windows and ProTech Windoors in the flow of conversation – as someone who didn’t know where to start with contractors, I’ve now got a couple of names that others trust.

Kudos to everyone. This is what makes forums great – homeowners helping homeowners with no agenda, just sharing what they’ve learned. Keep the ideas coming if there are any more, but otherwise, thanks a ton! This has been a great read from start to finish.