Round Windows
Round windows are becoming more and more popular. They date back to the Gothic era, and while most of the older round windows were made of stained glass, these days it is common to see them more ordinary. Round windows not only help to bring some added light into a room, but it can also be a great way to add some design and flair to the inside and outside of your structure.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Round Windows
First, let’s take a look at some of the pros of having round windows in your home or office. A few of these benefits include:
- A unique architectural design – Since windows are usually more square, the round windows can give a bit of a unique design to the architecture of your home. They are most often installed high up in the home. You can choose from a variety of styles, including stained glass, decorative, or more basic.
- A great way to bring in some natural sunlight – Sometimes larger windows tend to bring in too much light, but if you just want a little bit of natural light to flow through your home, a round window can be a great way to accomplish this.
As with anything, round windows do have their drawbacks as well. Here are a few of the cons that come with round windows:
- Typically only good for décor – Round windows are usually not able to be opened or closed, so that means that they are just there for looks. They don’t really serve as a functional window in most cases.
- They can be pretty pricey – Round windows tend to cost a good bit more than a regular style window. This means it can add up pretty quickly. They can also be a hassle, and pretty expensive, to replace if they get broken.
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The Cost of Round Windows
Round windows are typically one of the more expensive windows, simply because of their unique design. Installing or replacing a round window will typically cost you anywhere between $250 and $750, depending on the size and style of the window. The more ornate you get with the design, and the larger the window, the more you should expect to pay.
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Types of Round Windows
You may think of round windows of just being a simple circular window, but there are actually quite a few styles for you to consider. There are quarter round windows, half round windows, oval windows, and much more. They tend to all have somewhat of a round, circular shape to them, but more often than not they are used alongside decorative doors to create a unique look. We will take a closer look at some of these styles.
Quarter and Half Round Windows
Quarter and half round windows are exactly what you would think they would be. Typically, a half round window is used over a door or other window, just to give the appearance of an arch over the window. Quarter round windows are often used the same way, but are put into pairs to achieve the half round look. They can also be used alone, if you prefer an asymmetrical look.
Quarter and half round windows are most often used to help improve the design of your home, but they also help to allow more light in. Typically, the rounded top portion of the window is not covered with blinds or curtains, which allows a steady stream of natural light to flow through your home. They look best most often in rooms that have vaulted ceilings, as it may be too much for lower ceilings.
Elliptical Windows
The elliptical windows are actually pretty similar to the quarter and half round windows. The only difference is that they are more elongated, which makes them a little wider than the regular quarter of half round windows. This is really just a matter of preference and style.
Oval Windows
Another sort of round window that you may consider is an oval window. Oval windows are really just windows that are shaped like an oval. They are typically installed within a front door, or in a decorative frame to add some additional flair to your home or office. They do tend to be great focal points in the design and structure of your home.
Chord Windows
Imagine this type of window as a mix between a regular round window, and an elliptical window. They are not really as round, but they are not long enough to be considered oval. They are usually used in bathrooms or other areas that need to allow in light, but don’t require a large round window.
Specialty Design Round Windows
Another design of round windows that you may consider is custom specialty round windows. With these windows, you can actually get the best of both worlds – privacy and design. Many specialty windows, for instance, are made up of a clear glass and glazed to offer the ability for light to travel in, without people being able to see inside. These are often installed on front doors, and are available in a variety of styles to ensure uniqueness.
Other Round Window Options
There are a variety of different options to consider when choosing your round windows. You can choose from single, double or triple pane windows. You can also choose the type of glass. Consider tempered glass, obscure glass, tinted glass and more. There are even some forms of self cleaning glass that you may consider, since round windows are usually found higher up and may be harder to reach to clean. These are all options that you can discuss with your installation professional so that you can get the best look for your home design.
The Importance of Professional Installation for Your Round Windows
Installing windows is definitely not the easiest task in the world. This is why it is usually best left up to the professionals. Whether you are a DIY handyman, or you just like to try to do everything on your own, you are still likely to find that this is just a little more than you bargained for.
Professional window installation is important because they will be able to do all of the necessary measurements and cutting to ensure a proper fit for your windows. There is not much that is worse than trying to install your own round windows, just to find that it does not look even, or even worse it isn’t airtight.
The professionals will also be able to help to ensure proper installation, which means that there is an airtight seal with the walls and the windows. This helps to keep air from leaking in or out, and it also helps to keep out moisture and other harsh weather elements.
Opening and Closing Round Windows
Generally, round windows are going to be fixated windows. This means that they will not serve the functional purpose of a window, and cannot be opened. There are a few exceptions to this, however, as some manufacturers have designed round windows that have a pivoting mechanism that will allow them to open somewhat and allow some air to flow through. These typically cost a bit more.
Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home or Office
If you are designing a new home, or just doing a remodel on your existing home, then you may want to incorporate round windows into the architecture. Generally, half and quarter round windows are paired with rectangular windows or doors in order to give it more of an arched look. This is something to consider. You can combine windows, and give your home more of a unique look.
You may also consider adding decorative frames to your windows, to really give it that extra unique touch. Some homeowners even choose to have stained glass installed, which is usually a lot more expensive than regular glass. Keep this in mind to make sure that you stick within your budget.
Decorative round windows are actually pretty great when it comes to increasing the value of your home as well. If you want to make your home more visually aesthetic, while also improving the home value, then you may consider adding frames, decorative casings, or ornate designs and shades to your round windows. This can also be a great way to add some antique flair to your home.
It is also important to consider the size of your round windows. Configuring the correct size for your windows can be a little bit daunting. The good news is that you have a lot of option when it comes to the size of your windows. You can typically choose whatever is going to look best with your design. If you are combining windows, however, you need to make sure to coordinate the round top windows with the picture windows to ensure that there will be a seamless look and feel to the design. A professional window installer may also be able to help you determine the right size for your project.
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