With energy conservation more widely promoted than ever, trendy home designs have become tied with big windows. Even moody rooms should feature a picture window to let plenty of sunlight in. And since natural light also affects mood and productivity, offices are being encouraged to open up their windows, too.
In a home, everybody knows why natural light is essential. Hence, the typical dream home aesthetic involves glass doors and huge windows, emitting an indoor-outdoor feel. But if you can stretch your budget even further and afford all-glass walls, should you go for it?
Big Windows Combine Modern and Traditional Design
The window designs in traditional houses originated from a time when walls aren’t insulated yet. Back in the day, there was no central heat, and glass only came in smaller pieces. As such, picture windows on old houses are an uncommon sight. But it doesn’t mean they can’t have such windows.
If your taste is a mix of both modern and traditional, big windows are right for you. You can place it at the back of the house, where the views are usually undisturbed. Such is the traditional way of placing big windows. But to truly merge modern and traditional, you can install large windows in all parts of the house.
Big windows also allow you to be more creative when thinking of patterns. The size of the window on your home’s facade doesn’t have to match the rest. Consistency should only apply to the window’s type, grille patterns, and trim, but not the size. Consistent window treatments can handle variations in quantity and style.
A noteworthy downside to big windows, however, is the cost. Glass walls may be pricier, but big windows aren’t cheap either. They’re frequently installed to enhance insulation, which drives their prices up. The more energy-efficient the window is, the more expensive it becomes. Hence, choose a reputable window company to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for.
Despite the costs, though, big windows are a worthy splurge because it makes a house one step ahead of the trends. The abundant natural light they provide makes even an average home look luxurious, too. That said, if you want traces of traditional design in your home, but seek the functionality of a modern home, big windows are the better choice for you.
Glass Walls are the Epitome of Contemporary Home Design
Glass, in any form, is just so aesthetically pleasing and refreshing to the eye. Hence, many contemporary homes utilize the material as walls or partitions. It doesn’t just provide the most daylight, but also gives off a more stunning finish than wood or concrete. In addition, it’s lighter, so it makes an abode less bulky in appearance.
As with big windows, glass walls will also help you reduce energy costs. Glass doesn’t conduct heat as much, so you can retain heat in your spaces during chilly weathers. And despite its fragile appearance, it’s sturdier than most people think. It doesn’t scratch easily, provides solid security, and is malleable.
Moreover, glass is environmentally-friendly, as it doesn’t produce toxic fumes. This perk applies to both glass walls and big windows, so no matter which of the two you have, you’re doing mother earth a favor.
Another amazing benefit of glass walls is its sound-blocking properties. For that reason, they’re perfect for bedrooms near high-traffic areas. It allows you to sleep soundly even if there’s a hubbub outside your room.
The only catch in glass walls is the price. They’re more expensive than traditional wall materials like bricks and drywall. A basic 3-panel glass room divider alone costs around $11 per square foot. Exterior panels, on the other hand, cost around $15 to $60 per square foot. The taller the panels, the pricier it gets due to the extra thickness it requires. Other factors such as soundproofing may also drive the price up.
Cleaning may be a pain in the neck too. You may need to hire cleaning contractors for the exterior panels and spend a whole day cleaning the interior panels yourself. If you buy a window cleaning attachment or a steam cleaner, then your cleaning tasks can become easier. But that’s another expense to budget for.
All in all, glass walls and big windows are equally appealing, but glass walls lean on the high-maintenance side. As such, you should expect to deal with more meticulous cleaning methods to keep it shiny and clear. But big windows aren’t exactly low-maintenance either, because you also have to keep them clear and shiny. The only difference is that you’ll spend less time cleaning windows. Therefore, if you’re not up to the costs and effort of maintaining glass walls, then go for big windows. Otherwise, maybe glass walls won’t be so bad.
