Windows
How to Choose a Decorative Leaded Glass Window
If you’re struggling with windows in your home that look bad, perform poorly (maybe they don’t open well or aren’t very energy efficient) and don’t offer the level of privacy you desire then a decorative glass window may be the choice for you. In this article you’ll learn 5 steps to choose an architectural art glass window which will add style and function to your room.
Step 1 – Identify the problem with your existing window- The biggest reason to purchase a replacement window is usually to get rid of the pain associated with the current window. 4 common problems to eliminate include:
- Lack of privacy- maybe you have a clear glass in a bathroom or kitchen window which requires blinds or curtains
- Poor energy efficiency- the existing window may be rotted and manufactured with only a single pane of glass with a low energy efficiency rating.
- Inability to open- Some wood windows can be warped or painted shut and metal frames which much be rusted and difficult to open.
- Bland looking windows - many original windows are not decorative because the builder wanted to keep costs down.
Step 2 – Choose the right room to use a leaded or beveled glass window – Selecting the best location for this project will be important. Here’s some rooms to consider:
- Bathroom- you can create a spa-like feeling and eliminate the need for expensive blinds or shades (even if your window is on the side of the home and close to your next door neighbor).
- Kitchen- use an operable casement or awning style to have the ability to get fresh air and ventilation while accenting your décor at the same time.
- Bedroom- position your openings above the bed, as a transom or anywhere you might want a fixed or operable window.
- Study or den- creates a stylish touch for either a formal or contemporary den.
- Front door, hallway or foyer- use a sidelite or transom to add privacy while simultaneously getting more light in.
Step 3 – Select the best shape – When choosing the window shape you’ll want to consider if the window is located in a big or small room and how much light you desire. For smaller rooms the oval and octagon shaped decorative glass windows will add a distinctive touch without overpowering the room(these units are most often used in a den, study, hallway, half bathroom). When you need more light, privacy and style the square and rectangular shapes are the best choice (most often found in kitchens and bathrooms).
Step 4 – Determine if a fixed or operable style is best -Obviously a window that can be opened provides the most flexibility but they are also most costly than a fixed window. In wet areas like kitchens and baths operability is key (to move out steam or kitchen smells). You can select either a casement style (which opens from side to side) or an awning style (which opens from the bottom out). Fixed windows work out best for small openings or locations where the window is hard to reach.
Step 5 – Pick a design style that matches and compliments your decor – This is the stage where a decorative leaded beveled glass window can shine. Although these windows need to provide improved function – the main reason to choose an architectural element like this is to add style. There are a wide variety of decorative options in both style and leaded caming. Styles include floral, renaissance, craftsman, fluer-de-lis, geometric and cathedral to name just a few. You can choose between black, brass and nickel leaded caming styles as well.
The key to choosing a decorative glass window is to make sure you think through the windows’ function but most importantly to add a fun and unique design element to your home. Make sure to follow these 5 steps to add the artistic touch to make your home a showplace.
Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Window Company, Clear Choice Window & Door, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & V.P. of Eastern Glass Block New Jersey & New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers and regional installers of decorative leaded glass, acrylic and glass block windows. In addition they supply unique lines of shower wall and base systems as well as colored blocks. Feel free to call for help selecting a decorative window for your next project. Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888
Why Vinyl Window Replacement?
Incentives to opt for vinyl window replacement is further spurred with tax credits offered by governments of some nations in line with the initiative to go green. So long as you produce the proof of purchase, manufacturer’s certification and whatever other red tape required, the tax break is the proverbial carrot.
Although tax savings is just for a single occurrence, other cost savings in the form of energy efficiency probably tops it all. Although the perception of vinyl windows on traditional houses seems an odd couple, it is an acceptable notion as these types of windows come in a large assortment of sizes and styles. They are easily customized to suit most fastidious tastes and their prices tend to be more attractive than the conventional wooden windows. Since materials are easily sourced and manufactured, their production cost is much lower. With a much shorter turnaround time for installation, you can have window replacement done to your whole house in no time. Wooden windows, although they project a classier look, take a much longer time to manufacture and install. It’s also not the more ecological approach unless the wood is obtained from recyclable wooden materials or forest recycling projects.
Other factors for consideration are near zero vinyl window maintenance. Vinyl windows pretty much come as self-contained items. Once affixed onto your window frames, they are ready for immediate use. As time progresses, recommended maintenance is the usual wipe-down according to your housekeeping chores. There is no need to repaint the vinyl frames as they don’t rust or discolor. Wooden windows tend to have a tendency for the paint on its frame to crack and peel off due to moisture and age. Since these are not affected by moisture and temperature, they also don’t warp as seasons change.
More energy efficient vinyl window frames use non-conductive materials between the inside and outside of the frames. This prevents transfer of heat or cold between indoors and outdoors, thus maintaining your house’s temperature.
Couple the ease of installation with vinyl window maintenance mentioned above, it makes sense to give these types of windows a fair chance when you consider your next home improvement project.
Dennis enjoys writing on wide range of topics such as vinyl window replacement and window replacement advice. You may visit for more details.
Window Decorations – Getting Into the Holiday Spirit
It is that time of the year again, but you have not made up your mind yet on how to go about decorating your home. Why not change it up this holiday season and turn your windows into the focal point of your display? You can dress up windows in an infinite number of ways. Here are just some to get you inspired:
Glass art
To start off, consider embellishing the panes with static cling window film. You can purchase rolls or sheets online or hit the nearest home improvement outlets. Go for those in green and red for a more traditional Christmas look, or white and turquoise to create a winter wonderland theme. If want holiday-specific patterns, check out craft stores. Do not worry, whichever type you choose, you will not need to spend much.
Decorating with frosted window film can be a DIY project to share with your kids. Using stencils or cookie cutters, trace patterns such as star or snowflake shapes on a cardboard or laminate and cut them out.
Now that you have a template, repeat the trace-and-cut process, but this time on the film substrate. Remember to do so on a flat surface topped with a cutting board or mat. This way, you will not have to worry about the knife blade marring your table. Or you might want to cut the window peel into strips and place these on all sides of the pane, or the top and bottom edges.
Another option is to get creative with the film surface itself. Jazz it up via tube paint or rubber stamps. You can also use the printer and have images, photos or illustrations added. Besides design flexibility, window peel is generally preferred because it can installed and removed easily without damaging the surface.
Drape and Dangle
Windowsills are perfect for hanging decorations. Go traditional with lights and wreaths. Or use ribbons in holiday colors and patterns for variety. Garlands and swags of foliage adorned with berries and pinecones are sure to draw attention as well. You can also fuse functionality and aesthetics. One way is to attach the stockings on the sill instead of by the fireplace mantel. If the sill is wide enough, consider placing snow globes there.
Box Appeal
Left bare during the winter season, window boxes can be tapped for decorative purposes. Try draping faux evergreen garlands across the box or fill them up with boughs and pinecones. Miniature Christmas trees are also great accent pieces, or any large ornament for that matter. Just ensure that those you put in the box are suitable for outdoor use. Otherwise, they might deteriorate under harsh weather.
From the pane, the sill and to the boxes, your windows can be trimmed any which way you want. All it takes is a little creativity, imagination, and resourcefulness and a short trip to a nearby crafts store (or even your own supply storage room at home) for materials. It is also a perfect crafts project and bonding opportunity, especially when your family is stuck inside because of heavy snow. So you will not only get to stand out in your neighborhood but also share precious time with your loved ones.
Randall Freedman is an interior designer specialized in affordable home improvements ideas. Through his articles, he gives practical tips on choosing the right frosted window film and static cling window film.
Latest Designs For Your Home Windows
People are moving from the traditional way of having windows as a requirement for a home to one of windows as interior design for homes. Home windows can be used as an aspect for design to enhance beauty to your home. Plain windows can appear boring and you may not want to replace them. There are other alternatives that can help enhance the look of your home windows while the windows remain the same. This can add elegance and beauty to your windows.
Windows can be treated to enhance interior design in the home. You can use shutters, curtains, drapers, blinds or solar shades. You can add strips of ribbon of contrasting colors to your curtains, or choose eye catching curtains with light and natural colors. You can add color to your window frames that matches your whole interior decoration. You can put beautiful flowers at the window frames or pictures together with the beautiful curtains. Color can change the look of a previously ugly window. Color enhances beauty when chosen correctly. Choose the right color of flowers, curtains, drapes and window frames to bring out the effect you want your home to have.
The other way of changing the look of your house is by having home window tinting. The windows look better when they are tinted since they are reflective of the activities that are happening outside. Many people are now opting for home window tinting as part of energy saving, privacy and the beauty that such windows give to homes. The architectural finish provides security since no one can see what is in the house while you can see the outside world.
The best way to know how to design your home is by looking at home magazines, internet and shopping around to know the latest designs that you can use. Going by the new trends help in giving you an ideal home that you wish to have.
For more information, visit Green Glass Solutions. Find home window tinting and Commercial Window Film experts in your area, Our Window Tinting Film saves you money by reducing heat, glare and UV damage. Contact us today.
Hanging Curtain Rods the Easy Way – Homeowner Tips 101
Some people find the task of hanging curtain rods easy, others find it rather difficult. So here is a mini-guide that helps you with getting your curtain rods so you can have those great drapes and curtains that you already wanted.
Here are a few tools you will need to have around:
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Level
If you have exposed curtain rods, the more modern type, first you need to figure out where exactly you want to hang the brackets. There are some ‘crippled wooden studs’ that you need to find out where they are located. They are around the window and you need to check the distance from the window to know where to hang your rod. First get hold of a stud finder, it’s easy to buy it at the local hardware store and it’s not expensive. Once you have it, mark the spots where the studs are located.
If you don’t want to spend your money on buying the finder gadget, you have to attach the rods close to the window trim as you probably will encounter a stud there. But make sure you don’t use very short screws as you need them to go through the entire drywall right into the hard wood in order to keep the rod safe and secure for a long time.
Of course in case you want to hang the rod inside the wood trim, you can screw it into the wood directly using mounting brackets. And a last option, in case you have none of the above at hand is to take a walk to your local hardware store and ask for anchors and EZ toggles. They’re quite easy to use and many people buy them and use them with success.
If you are blessed with the gorgeous yet so difficult to treat arch windows, check out my website on arch window treatments and arch window curtains for more information on getting these arched windows beautifully covered.
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