How to Choose the Right Living Room Windows: Pro Tips in 2024
Feb 15, 2017
May 7, 2024
8 min read
4783
In many ways the living room is like the centrepiece of your home. It is the face of your house on the outside, and a hub of family activity inside. That’s why new windows for living room have to look good, be efficient to keep your home comfortable, let in lots of light, and be operable to allow for ventilation.
Factoring that these are probably the biggest window openings in your home and they don’t necessarily fit standard sized windows, you may have a conundrum when it comes to deciding which window style to get. Let’s discuss some common options for living room windows in Canada, so you are well-informed before signing the replacement contract in 2024.
Living Room Window Sizes
As we mentioned above, living room windows often tend to be the biggest windows in the house. Because standard windows have their limitations in terms of size, you may be looking into a combination of several windows put together into one unit for your living room replacement.
Check out the chart below for minimum and maximum size dimensions for different windows in Canada.
Difference in window frame profiles for living rooms
Because you will likely have to get a combination window for your living room opening or elsewhere in the house, it is important to understand which operable windows have a high frame profile and which ones have a low profile.
- Slider, hung, and end-vent windows generally have a low profile frame.
- Casement and awning windows have a high, or wider, frame profile. These windows are more efficient but at the expense of less glass surface area.
- Fixed (inoperable) windows can be manufactured in both high and low profile options, and match the profile of the operable window beside it.
But because windows with high profiles have less glass surface area, and therefore let in less visible light, some homeowners choose to mix up the window profiles.
The Best Window Styles For Living Rooms
Now that you have some ideas about maximum window sizes, and how different window combinations work, you can start thinking about which setup is best for your living room replacement.
Window replacement reviews
Casement windows combination – balance of energy efficiency and functionality
The most efficient and functionally effective combination for living rooms is the casement-fix option. This combination features both operable and one inoperable (fixed) windows. The fixed window provides great energy efficiency and an unobstructed view.
Depending on size, configuration, and additional upgrades, combination casement windows can range in price between $1600-2000.
End-Vent windows – maximum ventilation and comfort
An end-vent operates like an oversized slider. Because slider windows can only be manufactured up to a certain dimension (24 sq. ft), homeowners who want the functionality of a sliding window in their living room often resort to getting end-vent windows. Like slider windows, end-vents have a low profile, so they let in lots of light.
Factoring in the size, and any additional upgrades end-vent windows can range in cost between $1200-$1600 with installation.
End-vent windows have a sliding sash on either side of a picture window and can be made in bigger sizes than regular sliders. Edmonton windows replacement project.
Shopping for New Living Room Windows?
Picture windows – best living room windows for natural light
Picture windows are an excellent way to combine a great view and energy efficiency inside your home. Windows that don’t open are the most energy efficient and let in the most light. We often recommend this option if a living room has multiple windows, like in the picture below.
This way you can still get an energy efficient casement window to ventilate your living room while ensuring maximum efficiency in the biggest window opening.
Depending on the size, number of panes, and any additional upgrades, picture windows range in cost between $1000-1800 with installation. Picture windows are the most efficient and offer great unobstructed views.
Bay window vs bow window for living room
Bay windows can be one of the more expensive solutions for a living room window replacement, but they definitely make your home stand out and add an extra space around the windows that you can utilise. It is possible to replace and reinforce an existing bay structure or expand an opening and build up a new bay.
Bow windows are another great option for living rooms. The windows make a slight arc in the opening and can come in four or five-panel options.
Because of the extra labour required to manufacture and install bay windows, these projects usually range between $2800 – $4500.
What to Know About Living Room Window Trends 2024?
Keeping your living room windows up-to-date with the latest 2024 trends means considering custom features that enhance their appearance and boost energy performance. Here are some of the top custom solutions to look up to before replacement:
F.A.Q
What are the most common living room window design mistakes to avoid?
A frequent mistake most homeowners make when installing new living room windows is neglecting the home’s architectural style, leading to windows that clash with the overall design. Overlooking energy efficiency for aesthetics is another error; always balance looks with functionality.
What modern living room window ideas do you recommend?
Consider floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise natural light and views for a modern touch. To keep up with the trends, try installing black-frame windows with or use differently shaped windows for a sleek, contemporary edge.
Matan Korin
Vice President of Sales at Ecoline Windows.
17 publications
Contact with Matan Korin via: