15 types of window decoration on the facade of the house and 1000 different options.

Panoramic windows, with all their structural complexity, are considered one of the best options for decorating a private home. Glass buildings look advantageous against the background of other buildings, and even better - surrounded by rich vegetation. The desired design option must be taken into account at the design stage of the structure. Windows will not necessarily be monotonous and straight. You can “include” several smooth lines in the window system, for example, arched elements, as well as zigzags and curves. Owners of “transparent” houses outside urban areas have experienced the quality of life in a space saturated with natural light. There are more pros than cons. The choice of materials and configuration of panoramic windows includes many nuances regarding the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of structures. In this matter, the advice of architects and design specialists will be useful.

Features of houses with floor-to-ceiling windows

Houses with panoramic windows look modern and stylish. However, the main feature is the receipt of more sunlight compared to structures with standard openings. Usually some windows are made panoramic. Most often, living rooms are glazed this way. This option is also used for arranging closed terraces and verandas. Glazing all the way to the floor provides a beautiful panoramic view. In multi-apartment buildings, floor-to-ceiling windows are installed only on balconies and loggias, much less often anywhere else. Glazing the entire horizontal space requires scrupulous calculations and competent design solutions. You will definitely need strong vertical supports for the walls and roof. Standard ready-made house designs rarely contain the necessary calculations. You will need to spend a large amount of money on design, manufacturing and installation.

Other important features:

1. Panoramic windows are made of solid glass or parts separated by imposts.
2. Buildings need to be equipped with additional heating methods.
3. It is better to plan panoramic glazing on the south side of the house.

Window decoration on the facade of the house

Even though glass was invented several thousand years ago, glass windows only appeared in the Middle Ages. Before this, the walls of houses were built without window openings, but with large doors to the courtyard so that light could penetrate into the home. The first glass was used in Rome at the beginning of the Middle Ages. Of course, they had little resemblance to modern ones.

Around this time, people came to frame holes on the walls of buildings. First of all, this was necessary to strengthen the house itself and protect the glass from physical influences. For this purpose, the window opening was marked with a peculiar letter P. This was a kind of progenitor of the modern platband. Time has changed, new solutions, ideas, approaches have appeared... The Renaissance made a significant contribution to modern decorations on houses: the applied function of protecting windows from the outside has faded into the background. The facades are dominated by complex architectural solutions. The appearance of the windows themselves and all the elements that relate to them turn into full-fledged works of art!

Over time, this has become more and more modernized and continues to this day. Decorations on the facade in the 21st century are a separate architectural trend. Both raw materials for manufacturing and visual forms have appeared over the centuries!

Advantages and disadvantages of panoramic glazing

A beautiful view from the outside and inside, good natural light are the key advantages of panoramic windows. But these advantages also create some negative aspects. All movements around the house will be visible to outsiders. This situation can be corrected by one-way transparent windows or simpler options - blinds, curtains, curtains. All these are additional costs.

The thermal conductivity of one glass is higher than that of walls, so in cold regions you will need windows with three glasses and two chambers. Panoramic windows are made of high-strength materials and can withstand and distribute the load well. If desired, the outside and outside of the glass is coated with protective layers to prevent scratches. Large windows take a long time to clean, but they are less prone to defects than walls. In summer, window openings will have to be kept closed from the scorching sun for many hours a day. In winter, you will need to regularly remove ice.

Material and color

Although now plastic energy-saving profiles, window openings, platbands and shutters made of wood are often used. These elements can be simple or finely carved. The wood used for production is beech, beech and oak. Any texture - stainless steel, metal - can be copied on laminated profiles with polymer film. You can order gray instead of a black seal in a plain white plastic window. The window will visually become larger. Increasingly, people began to choose profiles in the following colors:

• brown;
• milky beige;
• steel;
• black.

Many people like profiles with a metallized surface and imitation wood. Non-standard shades - orange, blue, red and green - are not yet particularly popular.

The advantages of plastic frames are that they provide absolute tightness. No noise or cold air penetrates into the room. They do not require any maintenance; they need to be systematically wiped with a cloth. Externally, plastic windows for a private home are very beautiful. From the outside, thanks to the large windows, the façade looks light and elegant.

All PVC models are environmentally friendly. Yogurt containers, electric kettles, and so on are made from this material. Although there are other equally nice windows, they are much more expensive. In terms of price-quality ratio, polyvinyl chloride comes first.

There are also disadvantages, one of them is that the damage and scratches that appear on them cannot be eliminated. Windows cannot maintain a good humidity level in the room. Due to the significant coefficient of expansion, when it is very hot outside they expand, and in severe frost they shrink too much. Plastic windows are electrostatic.

Where are panoramic double-glazed windows used?

Large private houses and cottages are decorated with panoramic windows. This implementation looks especially good in forests and spacious clearings. Panoramic window systems are used to decorate the facades of hotels, large office and shopping centers. They are also used in hospitals where patients need to receive a lot of direct sunlight. This glazing method can be found on the facades of many conference centers and avant-garde art buildings. It is actively used in countries with a small number of sunny days per year. This is why panoramic glazing is so popular in the Scandinavian region, in particular in Finland. Another traditional use is in the penthouses of luxury apartment buildings, especially high-rise ones. And in general, any premises on the upper floors of buildings of public importance.

Other places where panoramic windows can be used:

• winter gardens;
• greenhouses;
• terraces;
• open walls of swimming pools;
• halls and halls;
• large bay windows.

Kinds

More and more owners of large houses are using a glazing technique that was borrowed from the French. In addition, this technique is also used in apartments. Previously, this was an advantage of those who live in warm latitudes. Today the situation has changed; panoramic windows can be installed in different regions, regardless of weather conditions.

This is the merit of modern technology. A special layer is applied to the glass unit area, which helps reduce the heat transfer process. This allows you to use panoramic windows in a private home even in cold climates.

It is worth considering the main options for designing housing using different materials.

Requirements for panoramic windows

Double-glazed windows should have a size within 300×320 cm, and the distance between them in the structure should not be more than 2.5 cm. If you choose the width between layers greater than the above value, then a significant temperature difference in mid-autumn or spring can cause expansion or contraction of the air gap . Sooner or later this will lead to depressurization or even damage to the integrity of the glass unit. Gaps will subsequently appear next to the seal. The profile for panoramic window systems should be chosen as durable as possible, designed to support the weight of large windows. Incorrect calculation will affect the durability of the structure. Profiles for this type of window are manufactured in compliance with a number of standards. The possibility of reinforcement is the first criterion. The availability of options for installing double-glazed windows with a total thickness of more than 5 cm is the second.

In a temperate climate zone, the most important nuance is the quality of thermal insulation.

Window sizes

Private residential buildings are by no means static structures: they are subject to vibration from the movement of people, the operation of electrical appliances, and gusts of wind. Windows essentially take on the functions of a wall. Therefore, there are established standards for the thickness and dimensions of high-quality glass. For example, for a surface area not exceeding 2.5 square meters, the glass thickness is 4.0 mm. When making a large glass surface for a window, the thickness is calculated by the technologist.

The number of chambers determines the strength qualities of the structure. Single-chamber double-glazed windows are less reliable and allow cold to pass through better. And double-glazed windows are almost twice as heavy.

A single-chamber double-glazed window can still be preferred if it is filled with argon. Such a double-glazed window retains its thermal insulation and noise protection properties, but will cost more. Today, gas mixtures based on krypton and xenon are used for filling. Such glass unit designs save energy to the maximum, but due to the high price they are justified only in the Arctic Circle.

The quality and durability of the installed window profiles are determined by the materials, fittings and conscientiousness of installation. The quality requirements are as follows:

• the window sash is designed for 10,000 openings or more;
• ease of maintenance;
• the fittings are not subject to corrosion;
• ease of use.

The glass itself cannot prevent the window from breaking. To prevent the doors from being opened from the outside, special fittings are installed. A strengthening protective film is also applied to the inner surface of the window. The burglar-proof security of a double-glazed window can be enhanced from the outside: by installing roller shutters. Windows and doors can be closed using roller shutters. For windows, this method is also a decoration.

Climatic comfort and heating costs

Completely blind panoramic structures are inconvenient in the summer. The opening options, in turn, improve the ergonomics of the building, and in summer they allow you to maintain the temperature inside within normal limits. The second type is more preferable for the winter period. No matter how dense the design of panoramic windows, it cannot provide protection from the cold equivalent to the presence of thick walls. There are many options for solving the situation: some are affordable, and some require significant costs. The most common means are long-wave heaters, warm baseboards, warm water floors, infrared and cable heated floors, and convector heating. Insulated floors are the most expensive. Operating costs will not be so significant, but you will have to spend a lot on installation. Depending on the type, the heating role will be performed by water pipes, special films or heated cables. Films with a graphite field are the most expensive.

Why do you need to highlight a window opening from the outside?

You can seal the joint between the frame and the opening on the street side with sealant. But it is better to further finish this part. This will give an aesthetic, finished look to the house. In addition to being decorative, the framing of window openings also performs a number of other functions. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:

• protection of the joint from moisture;
• hiding wall irregularities;
• creating a smooth transition from the window block to the facade;
• additional insulation, protection from drafts of the room.

Types and options of panoramic glazing

Windows installed at the entire height of the floor correspond in their meaning to door systems. They can open according to the principle of swing, sliding and other types of doors. Just like door structures, panoramic windows are often decorated with transoms with dormer windows. When finishing the corner parts of a room, several options for joining sections appear at once. With bay windows the situation is more complicated, since a complex calculation of the angle of the joints is required. The easiest to install are straight-line systems. They are the only ones suitable for placing sashes in a folding or sliding configuration. Standard straight systems are suitable for the installation of hinged doors and tilt-up windows. Fixed glass is installed on floors from the second and above. Closed structures are additionally equipped with 1-3 folding sections.

There are three main types of glazing:

• classic (with sliding, hinged elements, solid, etc.);
• corner;
• bay window

Bay window decoration

This option of panoramic glazing is used relatively rarely. Finishing a bay window involves creating a sectional structure. The installation angle of the double-glazed windows is selected depending on the distance between the boundary of the wall and the outer projection of the bay window, as well as the radius of the protruding element. Installation of frames and fittings when decorating a balcony or loggia is more difficult than with a conventional corner installation. Window elements are combined with special connectors. This could be a plastic pipe or a round connecting piece. Special sliding and flexible structural elements are used, for example, for a semicircular bay window. Configuration matters a lot. It may be necessary to demolish some supports that are insignificant in terms of load-bearing function. In the case of balconies, at least two sections are installed along the entire height.

Corner glazing

This type of design allows you to create a 270-degree viewing angle, which is impossible for classic and bay window systems. The method is simpler than the balcony, but more complex than the “blind” glazing option, and combines the features of both. Based on the principle of composition, several types of installation are distinguished. The transparent corner is the most aesthetic of them. In this case, the glasses are adjacent to each other, and the resulting seam is closed with a transparent sealant. If installation is carried out with a “transparent angle”, then profiles should be selected with enhanced impact resistance. Special profile systems are not needed when implementing the second method. The edges of the two frames will act as a corner joint. The simplest method is usually the only one. A corner column or a significant section of wall in the corner of a room is used as a separator between two double-glazed windows.

"Fall" glazing

One of the frequently used methods of the classic glazing option. All parts of the overall structure in this case are large in size, and their location completely coincides with the wall. The window system itself is designed with a “blind” configuration, that is, the sections do not open in any direction. This is the simplest and cheapest installation method, which has worked well in ordinary country houses. However, external window cleaning in this case is carried out only with special devices or cleaning companies. Fixed panoramic windows are placed in any area of ​​the building, except for the entrance to the house itself, as well as exits to the terrace, balcony, etc. Closed panoramic systems are usually made without horizontal frames. However, the option with a transom and many small folding sections has also proven itself well. In this way, you can organize high-quality ventilation of the room.

Panoramic glazing with hinged doors

This pattern of windows is suitable for organizing the entrance to a balcony, terrace or veranda. The most convenient are double-leaf models without an impost. If there is only one sash, then all the fittings will go to it, and for the double-leaf “version” you will need bevel fittings for both sashes. For a panoramic design, the increase in cost due to the use of two sections will not be of particular importance. In addition, large rooms usually contain a lot of large objects that sometimes need to be moved from place to place. The advantage of swing structures is the low load on the fittings. It is very likely that doors of this configuration will last longer than sliding or folding casement windows. With a double-leaf design, it is better to fix the unused leaf only at the bottom. In apartment conditions, panoramic glazing on balconies requires obtaining permits to expand the opening.

Sliding glazing

Sliding structures come in two main types:

1. With lift and slide opening.
2. With parallel sliding.

In the first option, the sash rises a few millimeters and moves to the side. Special hinges will ensure silent and easy movement of heavy sections. All manipulations will be performed using just one handle. The number of window elements is selected from four, sometimes less. The system may contain blind sections along with moving sections. The profile is made heat-insulating or cold. With sliding glazing, the window sashes also move along guide rails. The difference is that there is no upward bias. Due to this, roller elements can be used both on the floor and on the ceiling. The window mechanism is assembled from no more than four free sashes. Smooth running is ensured by a brush seal, which enhances the action of the main seal and protects it at the same time.

Folding glazing mechanism

This panoramic design consists of sequentially connected opening doors that occupy the entire passage when opened. One/two outer sections or both central sections are made rotary and, accordingly, entrance sections. When folded to its maximum, the structure occupies less than a third of the opening. For the summer, this is a way to ventilate an entire floor. For convenient operation, you should limit yourself to 7 doors and 6 meters per opening. The suspension can be located both at the top and at the bottom. A design with a top-mounted suspension does not require a large threshold; the floor under the doors can generally be flat. In this case, the closed handle is held in place by a special lock, since a full-fledged lock is incompatible with such a design. A top-hung window system can be additionally insulated and insulated in areas with intersectional awnings.

Corner and folding designs

The use of corner structures in glazing has been used for a very long time.

Previously, it found its use mainly in various extensions and rooms that are located outside the main part of the house, such as balconies or verandas.

Nowadays, designers are increasingly installing windows next to each other at right angles in order to visually expand the room and increase the viewing radius. This solution looks especially interesting outside the city, in nature.

A wooden house can have a variety of rooms, including not very large ones. When the size of the room does not allow the full and convenient use of standard window designs, you can use folding ones.

Traditionally, they are not very large in size and are installed in the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, pantry, basement, boiler room, and so on. Hinged windows are best for rooms that simply need ventilation.

Materials for panoramic windows

Profile structures of panoramic windows are made using metals, high-hardness wood, plastic, fiberglass and combined materials. As for metal bases, stainless steel and aluminum alloys are used here. The materials are reinforced with polyamide inclusions. Three-layer timber can be used in the structure of the window frame. This profile is recommended for use for panoramic windows with a frame thickness of 8 cm or more. Plastic and PVC are the most popular materials. They are reinforced with hollow metal elements. It turns out to be an economical and durable option. Some window frames are formed from mixed structures, from metal and wood components. Such combinations can provide reliable protection against adverse natural phenomena. A relatively new resistant material, glass composite, has good thermal insulation properties. However, it is expensive and not suitable for some designs.

Wooden structures

Hardwood or laminated veneer lumber is used. The wood is treated with antiseptic agents that prevent the development of fungus. Antipyrites provide protection from fire. Panoramic modules use wood that is protected from moisture penetration and warping. This is fundamentally important for extending service life. Glued laminated timber has excellent properties: it retains its appearance for a long time, is resistant to deformation, and lasts almost as long as iron. Adhesive layers, however, have low breathability. And yet wood improves the climatic conditions of the building. Wooden windows, among other things, are the best option for installation on inclined surfaces. Thermal insulation properties are improved through the use of inert gases in double-glazed windows.

After repeated processing, wood loses most of its natural qualities.

PVC structures

Profiles made of polyvinyl chloride are cheaper than wooden ones and, unlike the latter, do not deform or rot. Moreover, the material is lighter than metals. The design of panoramic window sashes is reinforced with special elements made of 2 mm galvanized steel. One of them is rectangular, and the other is U-shaped. Power connectors are installed between the sections of the panoramic system. They are also called structural reinforcers. The rigidity of double-glazed windows is given by closed metal bases and a steel plate. Large-sized sashes are sealed by increasing the locking points. The frames are strengthened with additional seals for the movable sashes. It is recommended to select fittings with closed hinges so as not to interrupt the insulation surface. PVC windows should be used together with blockers - the service life will then correspond to the declared indicator.

Aluminum frames in the production of panoramic windows

This material does not burn and can last up to 80 years. There are “warm” modifications of products for residential premises and “cold” modifications for technical ones. Aluminum frames are used with single- and double-chamber sashes. The choice of shape is practically unlimited, because aluminum has plastic qualities despite its high strength. The configuration can be domed, semicircular, curved. A warm profile 5-6 cm wide contains at least one thermal bridge made of polyamide fiber. The part itself is a thermal break closed in the profile. In an improved modification, it is a sectional element with air chambers. The part is finished with polyurethane, and the compartments on opposite sides of the thermal break are weak heat conductors. Due to this, convective heat exchange is kept as low as possible.

Metal profiles

They are known primarily for their strength and structural elasticity. Among all the options, the welded base gives the structures maximum rigidity. Thermal break in mechanical frames allows for use in heated rooms. The material combines best with armored glass. There are also special moisture-resistant modifications of metals to simplify window maintenance. Bronze and satin steel, in turn, are suitable for installation in luxury real estate. Metal panoramic windows have a higher compatibility with the exterior compared to other materials. And if something happens, decorative overlays will provide a harmonious look with wooden and other types of facades. Some frame models are designed to use thick glass to enhance sound insulation.

Buy decor for exterior window decoration

The choice of suitable decoration from all the existing variety is primarily based on the appearance of the house itself, its style and exterior solutions. There are no right or wrong options here: any combinations and selected sets are just a matter of taste.

The question of choosing material for façade framing is much more clear. Among all the stones used today, the leading position in terms of price/quality ratio is occupied by artificial stone. It is durable, weather resistant, relatively easy to attach, highly detailed, and affordable.

On the catalog page you can see the full range of window decoration options available for ordering. If you have any questions or would like to place an order for facade stucco molding, contact us in any way convenient for you or request a call back in a special form on the website.

Window care

Since the size of the window system is measured in many square meters, it should be cared for in a timely and efficient manner. Each area should be washed at least twice a year. There is a certain difficulty in cleaning glass at high altitudes. It is difficult to do this from the outside, so it is better to seek professional help from cleaning companies. Cleaning on your own is difficult if a white coating forms on the surface from condensation and rainwater. It’s easier with the inside - it is washed with ordinary detergents. The foam must be removed with water, after which the glass is treated with a glass cleaner. You should purchase a window squeegee to avoid using chairs when cleaning. In winter, heating devices are installed at the level of the lower part of the windows. In-floor radiators are also used, which are often connected to the heating system. Since the windows will fog up, additional care will be required.

Wood or plastic? Which windows are better?

The issue regarding wooden frames is still controversial. The only thing that is certain is that wooden windows are more expensive than PVC. And taking into account discount systems and promotions, installation of large plastic windows is often half the price.

Plastic frames are not subject to deformation, swelling and shrinkage, and the influence of precipitation. Only periodic lubrication is needed.

PVC double-glazed windows are characterized by sound and heat insulation of the room, and the retention of UV rays. In the frostiest regions, it is possible to use double-glazed windows from six chambers, significantly saving on heating costs.

Professional advice on choosing panoramic windows

Glazing large windows requires taking into account many factors. Tempered glass should be chosen as a material for double-glazed panoramic windows. It is made not only durable, but also protected with a special film. In the event of a breach, it will hold the glass fragments together. Before choosing and installing, it is recommended to take into account the height of the building above sea level and the geographical location in order to calculate the load from pressure and wind. The climatic features of the territory are also an important aspect. The area may experience frequent rain or snowfall. For metal profiles, indicators such as moisture resistance and sound insulation are of fundamental importance. In cold regions, this should include energy efficiency. The panoramic design is large in size, so the glazing must be resistant to dynamic and static loads.

Based on the market situation, there are 4 main categories of window structures:

1. PVC windows.
2. Wooden.
3. Steel.
4. Aluminum.

When purchasing, priority should be given to impact-resistant structures.

Custom shaped windows

A wooden house is considered a proven classic, but when talking about such a solution, one should not mean a small hut with only a few windows, as in old fairy tales.

Now a wooden house can be a high-tech villa, the glazing of which is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the designer.

In some cases, modern windows in a wooden house turn out to be of an unusual shape - round, triangular, and so on.

Such windows make the interior of the house much fresher and more lively, but they have their limitations. First of all, windows of non-standard shape usually do not fit well into strict and classic designs, but it all depends on the situation.

In a classic design, a porthole window will look unnatural, but an arched or rectangular one is very good.

Pros and cons of an increased number of windows

The presence of 2 windows in the living room is considered an unusual option. The design of such a room requires a special approach. This circumstance has a number of advantages:

Improved natural light filling. The space becomes cozy and comfortable. No need to worry about a complex artificial light circuit. It becomes possible to use different interior design schemes. For example, the presence of dark colors, dense furniture.

Versatility of configuration. A living room with two windows on different walls is surprisingly practical. You don't have to think about the cardinal directions. The sun's rays can enter throughout the day. It's convenient in every way.

View from the windows. The only window opening risks facing the side with an unfavorable landscape. A busy highway, a noisy playground, or a neighboring house standing next to each other can be upsetting. The presence of another window with a different picture will change the unfortunate trend.

Expanding functional planning capabilities. Any room is divided into zones. The presence of a single window limits planning options. An additional opening will facilitate the formation of zoning.

A well-lit space looks larger and friendlier. The boundaries of stylistic solutions are expanding.

Despite the many advantages, two different windows in the living room have a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the deterioration of the thermal regime. The room has limited options for placing furniture. Non-standard windows require an individual approach to design. All factors increase repair and maintenance costs.

Framing the facade window with wooden slats

This design option is suitable for private houses designed in a rustic style. Dark brown strips around the perimeter of the window opening against the background of a light, smooth facade look beautiful and stylish. Additionally, you can emphasize the foundation line with a wooden belt for a harmonious look. Wood planks are nailed. They can be painted in the desired color or varnished. Instead of the usual rectangular planks, you can install openwork options. They are easy to make yourself. To do this you need to have wood cutting skills and tools.

The advantage of wood is its flexibility. The material is easy to process, giving it the desired shape. Also, wooden planks are environmentally friendly and safe. But they are characterized by low moisture resistance, susceptibility to rotting, and insect damage. Therefore, they must be treated with protective compounds.