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

One more Florida-specific tip: if you live near the coast or even just deal with humid, salty air, consider the materials for longevity. We had old steel windows originally (on a 60s house by the bay) and they rusted out. When we upgraded, we chose vinyl for its corrosion resistance. Aesthetically, we made the vinyl look a bit more 'traditional' by selecting a style with beveled edges and we added nice exterior moulding around it, so you can’t really tell they’re vinyl at first glance.
Our neighbor went with aluminum replacements (they wanted the thinner frames). They got a good powder-coated finish, but even so, after about 5 years, you can see a bit of oxidation and pitting starting where the sea breeze constantly hits. It’s minor, but it’s there. Our vinyl, meanwhile, looks brand new with just an occasional wash.

So in terms of design + practicality: if you’re in a harsh environment, the 'trend' or wise move is to use materials that will maintain their look over time. Vinyl and fiberglass are great for that, whereas plain aluminum might need more upkeep or eventually a refinish. If you do choose aluminum for the slim look, maybe get a factory-painted color that hides any future spots (like a bronze might hide specks better than white). We’re all about that low maintenance life, so vinyl was our choice and we tailored the design around that.

I’ll say this: if you have a killer view, maximize it if you can! My cousin lives on a canal here and had these small windows in the back. When he remodeled, he put in a gigantic picture window in the living room facing the water. It’s like a live painting – so gorgeous. They went without any grids or any tint that would spoil the clarity. It’s literally floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall glass in that part of the room.
Now, obviously not everyone can do that (and it must have been expensive and a pain structurally to achieve), but even enlarging a window or combining two into one can create a similar effect. We don’t have a water view, but we did widen our dining room window by a couple of feet, and now we have a broader view of our garden, which makes dinners so pleasant at sunset.

If you go big like that, just plan for how you’ll manage sunlight and privacy. My cousin ended up installing a motorized roll-down shade for the big window that’s hidden in a valance, so when they want to watch TV in the daytime or at night for privacy, it comes down. It’s neutral-colored, so it doesn’t detract from the decor. So there are ways to have the best of both – big view when you want it, shade when you need it.

Big windows are amazing, but a consideration that came up for us was privacy on the front of the house. We replaced a pair of double-hung windows in our living room with a single large fixed window. It looks beautiful and really opens up the space. However, now people from the street can see straight in unless we close our blinds. With the smaller windows (and their grids and divisions), it wasn’t as open of a view in.
Our solution was two-fold: first, we got a decorative window film for the bottom portion of the big window that looks like etched glass. It covers about the lower third, so if someone is walking by, they can’t directly see our couch area. We left the top two-thirds clear so we still get the view of the trees and sky. From outside, the etched pattern actually looks pretty, like it’s part of the window design.

Second, we landscaped a bit – planted a couple of flowering shrubs in front of the window (not fully blocking it, but just adding a layer). They kind of screen the view of the lower half of the window as well. And they look nice against the house. Now we feel less exposed but still enjoy the benefits of the large glass. Just thought I’d share that in case anyone is thinking of supersizing a front window – consider a partial frosted design or some greenery for privacy so you don’t feel like you’re in a fishbowl.

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, and use grids sparingly (like maybe only on the front as some suggested). Does that sound about right for a subtle refresh that won’t clash? If anyone else has done a similar 'light facelift' on an 80s or 90s house, I’d love to hear how it turned out and any tips!