If you’ve ever been in a home that was built in the 1950s or 1960s, chances are you’ve admired a large picture window in the living room. While picture windows were commonplace in post-war era homes, they’ve made a resurgence in popularity with homeowners who desire a vast amount of natural light and the ability to create an illusion that an indoor living space is connected with the outdoors.

At WindowWorks, we install picture windows for Chicago homeowners with gorgeous views that would otherwise go unnoticed without the elegance of a picture window. Since picture windows are made of a clear, single pane of fixed glass, they don’t open like many other types of windows, but the panoramic views that they provide are a worthwhile trade-off. If you’re considering Chicago picture windows, our professional installers have some advice about how to make them work in your home.

Choose the Right Picture Window Size

The size of picture windows varies greatly depending on the installation, but most are between three and five feet wide by four to six feet tall. The most important consideration when selecting the size of picture window is the type of effect you want to create. Picture windows can be used:

· To make a small room appear larger.

· In a grouping of two or more picture windows to fill a wall in a large room.

· As part of an overall architectural feature in a home.

Spruce Them Up

Although picture windows are meant to provide a breathtaking view, most homeowners will want the option to cover them at one point or another—whether to block the sunlight on a hot summer day or simple for privacy’s sake. Two of the most popular options for decorating picture windows without obstructing your view include:

· Installing large cellular or venetian blinds, or grouping multiple blinds side by side.

· Hanging curtains one to two inches from the ceiling with the rods extending a few inches to the side of the windows.

· Treating a pairing of windows like a large stage by hanging drapes theater-style to create a dramatic effect.

Create the Ultimate View

Since picture windows don’t open, many homeowners prefer to pair them with other types of windows to create ventilation and add to their already striking aesthetic. Picture windows can be paired with almost any type of window, but two common pairings are:

· A single picture window with two casement windows on either side to create clean lines while allowing ventilation into a home.

· As a focal point of a bay window installation to provide a clear view in the center of the setup.

If you want to frame an unobstructed view of the outdoors from inside your home, reach out to the team at WindowWorks to learn more about our picture window replacement options. Our company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and you can trust our window installers to provide outstanding quality and superior customer service from start to finish. Give us a call today or fill out our simple online form now to request your free, no-obligation estimate.