Deciding on windows can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. At SoftLite, we offer a broad assortment of window styles in colors and finishes that will suit any home’s appearance. Become an interior design pro and select the best residential replacement window for every room with our tips below.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the most used room in the house. As the center of family activity, its windows should reflect this by being functional and pleasing to the eye. Designing a kitchen that is airy and full of light is an essential aspect of creating a family-friendly atmosphere. When thinking about how best to maximize all the spaces in your kitchen, one option could be to skip the tile backsplash above the sink and let a window take center stage. Casement windows are an ideal selection for their appeal both in new contemporary homes and in older Prairie and Tudor homes. They are also easy to operate with single-lever, multiple-point locking handles and a 90-degree opening for effortless cleaning.

Another great choice for kitchen windows is double-hung windows for their optimum ventilation capabilities — especially when the kitchen gets a little too smokey from the oven or stove. Composed of a set of vertical sashes that each slide up and down, double-hung windows naturally ventilate the home when open by allowing fresh air to enter through the lower sash and inside air expel through the upper sash. Double-hung windows are the most popular style manufactured by SoftLite not only because of their beauty and, but because they are also the most energy-efficient and highest performing windows in the industry.

If you have dreams of your own in-kitchen herb garden or just love the effect of extra greenery, SoftLite offers a variety of garden windows. Garden windows from SoftLite are perfect for adding a bit of space and light to a kitchen — or any other room in the house. Similar to bay windows or bow windows, a garden window extends outward from the home but has a sloped glass roof to ensure quick water runoff and allow additional sunlight to stream in. Many homeowners have shelving installed within the enclosure to provide a platform for herbs or plants.

Bathrooms

Unless you live in a more remote location, bathrooms tend to require privacy. Beyond window treatments such as curtains and blinds, you can also select window designs crafted perfectly for more intimate spaces. Awning windows placed higher up on the wall provide a private space. These windows have a hinged top to allow air to flow up and into the room while keeping out any rain that might fall. Our inward-opening hopper windows are ideal for small spaces like bathrooms or even basements.

Regardless of the style, SoftLite windows offer a variety of glass options including frosting that reduces visibility and increases privacy. Best of all, SoftLite awning windows are available with any of our energy-efficient glass packages with various options for Low-E coating, dual- or triple-glazing, and other features that consistently allow SoftLite to exceed industry standards for energy efficiency.

Living Areas

Windows in the living room dramatically impact the room’s overall design by adding light, enhancing wall colors or furniture, and providing security and thermal efficiency for your home and family. When deciding on the window design for your home’s living room or other living areas, consider the placement of furniture and how easily it will be to open and close the windows. If something like a table or desk is blocking the window, a casement window with a simple lever operation is ideal. When planning out the space, it’s also crucial to think about the direction the windows face in relation to the sun. Will there be a glare on the TV or will there be excess heat in the evening? Plan your space accordingly.

Large picture windows create a dramatic, artistic effect inside your home by beautifully framing your view of the scenery outside. These types of windows come in all shapes and sizes and are fixed windows that do not open or close. Mixing styles is also a popular choice that gives a homey and trendy atmosphere, which is perfect for these versatile spaces. You can even add ventilating windows in combination with picture windows to give you the best of both worlds.

Bedrooms

Building regulations require bedroom windows to serve as an egress (emergency exit), mandating the necessary size of the window and its opening. Unless the bedroom has a door that connects to the outdoors, at least one of the windows should be at least 24 inches tall by 20 inches wide with a window opening of at least 5.7 square feet. Double-hung windows and casement windows are ideal choices for their beauty, size, and easy opening features in case of an emergency.

When it comes to replacing windows for your dream bedroom, the possibilities are endless. To create a relaxing space that gives you a quiet sanctuary for sleep and incredible clear views each morning, choose the window style — or styles — that will make your dream a reality.

One way to enhance your bedroom window style is with bay windows or bow windows. Popular choices for their unique appeal and various customization options, these sets of windows are arranged together in a pattern that extends outward from the home and creates additional space in the room. With SoftLite bay and bow windows, you can choose from among casement windows, double-hung windows, and picture windows.

No matter what replacement window styles you choose for the rooms in your home, SoftLite has a diverse range of options that you can integrate with your existing décor. Choose from a variety of color choices and finishes, including wood grain options to match hardwood floors or wood furniture. SoftLite is a multi-year ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year and Sustained Excellence Award winner because all SoftLite lines include windows that meet or exceed industry standards for energy efficiency. We also offer limited lifetime warranties, which means there’s really nothing to lose. For help choosing the residential windows that are right for your home or to schedule a consultation, contact a SoftLite dealer near you.