If there’s one
thing that has been a constant since time immemorial, it is the necessity and
practical use of windows. An indispensable part of any architectural project,
these structures allow ample natural light to invade the interiors of a space,
enable proper air circulation within the four walls, and give a sense of
seamless connection with the outdoors.
However, in
today’s day and age, the purpose of windows extends way beyond functionality
and pragmatism, way up to aesthetics! However, some are of the view that
aesthetics should not be a factor of consideration in window glass choice. How true is that?
Window Aestheticism: Does it Really Matter?
The principle of
aesthetics is driving modern-day architecture as beauty and design walk
hand-in-hand inspiring each other as they go. As important as it is to be
practical in our approach, equally important, it is to push the emotional
buttons. Like the architect, Philip Johnson once stated, “Architecture is
not about words. It’s about tears.” While you do not need to shed literal
tears, if your home and its key elements – think fenestrations – do not stir
your heart with a happy inner groaning, you’re doing it wrong!
It’s just like
food – the more presentable and good it is to look at, the more it increases
our hunger. Now, in its proper sense, modern architecture is only said to be
successful when form and function work in tandem to enhance the life of the
occupants in particular and the environment at large.
So, your home’s window glass must perform all of its
original functions ‘in style.’
5 Stylish Window Styles to Give Your Home the Makeover
it Needs
Here are five
ways window glass can give your home
the boost it needs – in terms of aesthetics, in terms of functionality.
#1 Inspiration Straight from the Churches of the Victorian Age
Yes, you guessed
it right! We’re talking about those centuries-old fenestration techniques used
in the manufacture of clerestory windows. Also popularly known as church
windows, not many are aware that the history of clerestory window glass is much more antique – dating all the way back to the
temples of ancient Egypt where the sufficient lighting of the hall of columns
was achieved through piercing slits in vertical stone slabs over the roofs of
the adjoining aisles.
So, by virtue of
their invention, these windows are champions in providing that ‘extra’ natural
light without disrupting the continuity in design of the space they’re
installed in. Clerestory window glass
is usually a row of windows installed way above the eye-level, either sitting
right on top of a set of standard windows or otherwise. Modern architecture has
borrowed these ancient marvels to create spaces that can downright seem
heavenly.
However, there
are more perks that go into making the final look ‘heavenly.’ Besides allowing
more ambient light to flood the interiors, these windows leave the entire wall
below free to let your design imaginations run as wild as a vulture’s cry. You
are free to display your book collection, hang your most cherished works of
art, showcase rare and valuable collectables, or simply have the wall covered
in an eye-pleasing wallpaper.
Now, when it
comes to the choice of space, it goes without saying that such windows are not
the right fit for your bedroom, a space that is supposed to feel more
cave-like. Clerestory window glass is a top-notch choice for
kitchens, living rooms or lounging areas, and even bathrooms where you need to
reconcile the need for privacy and natural light.
#2 Gazing into the Heavens: An Otherworldly Experience
If the sight of
the ultra-clear blue sky covered in cotton candy-like puffy clouds adorned by
birds in flight still gives you the jitters, welcome to the group of
sky-gazers! We all love this sight as much as we do the other end of the
spectrum – navy blue sky covered in shiny little but not-so-little stars.
Sadly, we all have that one spot in our house that has the best sky view – be
it the daytime or the night-time – but we simply can’t enjoy it because of all
that concrete coming in the way.
But, what if the
roof could open up for you to gaze deep into the eyes of the glorious creation
that lies open for your taking already? Well, with skylight window glass, it can and it will! These
windows are generally installed on the ceiling of a space, hence the name
skylight windows, to act as a sort of spotlight for the room.
Well, while
skylight window glass does serve the
practical purpose of brightening otherwise dull spaces such as attics and in
some homes, bathrooms, they are also aesthetic in nature. After all, can
store-bought or even hand-crafted paintings and murals beat the creation of
divine hands framed within your skylight window
glass? Yes, nobody installs wall décor on the ceiling, but you get the
drift. These windows add an otherworldly charm to an otherwise dim,
uninspiring, and bland room.
#3 Creating Cosy, Sunny Nooks with a Gorgeous View
Sometimes, you
need your windows to do double-duty to satisfy your aesthetic sensibilities. By
that, we mean extra illumination, gorgeous views, and a bonus nook for
self-rejuvenation. Yes, we’re talking about the classic bay windows! Available
in a variety of styles such as box, oriel, circle, tudor, and more, bay windows
include a set of three or more windows, either fixed or operable, for more
natural light, better ventilation, seamless connection with the outdoors, and
of course, a pleasant corner to spend some time in.
These windows
are perfect for rooms that open up to a gorgeous view, but in any case, that
would not be the bedroom again! We’ll come to that later. These windows even
make for the perfect entry windows, welcoming guests in style and allowing you
to keep an eye on who’s knocking at the front door. Moreover, your living room or
parlour feels like it has suddenly expanded to eat up more space, when in
reality, it hasn’t – that’s the space-maximising feature of bay windows at
work!
Oh, and the
additional space offered by these windows can have a variety of use cases –
turn it into a serene reading nook or install sun-loving planters and herbs, or
you can even have a cosy cushioned sofa installed for an area to lounge, eat
breakfast, or enjoy a cup of tea while gazing at the beautiful view outside.
#4 Incorporating One of the Smartest Window Designs
Surprising as it
may seem, even one of the smartest window
glass designs to exist today may have very well adorned an old-timey
storefront or even your grandma’s cottage –we’re talking about those usually
modest in size, known for their roof-like cover, awning windows!
Like they say,
“Never judge a book by its cover,” you can never judge a window by its size!
Despite being compact in size, awning windows are exceptionally practical
fenestration pieces that keep your space well-protected against various weather
elements like rain, snow, dust, and hail while also making plenty of room for
natural light to flood the interiors with its goodness.
Used mainly for
proper ventilation, awning window glass
is typically installed way high up near the ceiling and is an ideal choice for
dimly-lit or stuffy rooms. On an average, these windows are installed in
kitchens and bathrooms, but they can also be used in your bedroom high above
the headboard for much-needed ventilation.
Yes, depending
upon your choice of frame and glass, you can give them a totally unique
aesthetic appeal; however, this window
glass is a must for your luxury home as it is one of the most practical
kinds available.
#5 Taking the Classic Route
When old is
gold, how can classic casement or French windows ever go out of fashion? Having
one or two operable panels, these windows hang by a hinge and generally push
open outwards. Their operating mechanism is very similar to a door, and yes,
these two window options are the classic route you can take for your master
bedroom window glass.
Well, their design?
Though considered to be aesthetically neutral, this is precisely the reason why
these windows are so suitable for your private chamber and other places like
above the kitchen sink and fireplace mantle.
Suppose your
bedroom opens to a lush green patio brimming with life. In that case, we can
guarantee you an otherworldly experience as you push open to the beauty that
sits patiently waiting for your attention. Just like the nature outside,
casement and French window glass
have a subtle beauty to them that is not loud and demanding, but calm and
naturally appealing to the senses, hence, the term ‘aesthetically neutral.’ One
thing is for sure; these windows will gracefully complement the theme and style
of your home’s interior design – whether vintage or modern, whether ornate or
minimalistic, whether straightforward or eclectic.
Looking for
premium-quality specialised window glass
solutions for your home? Get in touch with AIS Glass today! As India’s leading
integrated glass manufacturer, we offer a variety of glass solutions for all
your window glass needs – privacy,
security, acoustic and thermal comfort. So, adorn your home with modern-day
glass solutions and turn the tables on its aesthetic and functional
performance! Get in touch.