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Windows with Grills: What You Need to Know Before Installation

Oct 15, 2025

6 min read

249

4 Popular Window Grills Design Patterns

Window Grill Styles

Most Common Problems With Window Grills

Window grills are the decorative bars that are placed in between the panes of your window to give it a unique look, or match the aesthetic with other windows. As a homeowner, putting grills in is just one way to make your windows look unique, and stand out from the rest of the street.

Different window manufacturers in Canada offer plenty of choices when it comes to interior window grills but ultimately it is up to you decide on the layout, style, and how the grills will look with the other windows in your house.

Grills are put in between the window panes at the time of installation and don’t impede with cleaning and maintenance of the glass, or the effectiveness of low-emissivity coatings. Read on everything about window grill types, designs, maintenance and how to make sure they match your home design!

4 Popular Window Grills Design Patterns

There are several choices when it comes to how your grills will look inside the window:

Colonial
Ladder
Double ladder
Prairie

Colonial and Prairie style grills are usually the most popular with homeowners in Western Canada. Colonial grills are great for making narrow and tall windows look a little wider, or for creating a panel look.

Prairie grills can give a large window a nice frame effect, especially when done in gold or a different colour from your vinyl. But ultimately it is up to your imagination to create a look that you think complements the overall feel of your home.

Prairie grills in a bedroom window

Colonial grills in a living room window

Window Grill Styles

There are plenty of styles, colours, and sizes when it comes choosing grills for your windows. Most window manufacturers carry grills in all the same colours as their windows, with optional metallic, silver, or gold finishes.

Grills can be circular, flat, or have a protruding edge. They usually range from as narrow as ¼ in. for circular to 1 3/8 in. for flat grills.

Grills for windows with wider panes are often manufactured from aluminum while thinner panes generally come with plastic grills.

Because this is one of the few areas where buyers can customise their windows, most companies accommodate a good variety of choices to appeal to different homeowners.

Interior view of colonial grills. Note how they work on wide and narrow windows

3 Most Common Problems With Window Grills

Yes, window grills are just another custom option you can get when shopping for new windows, but do you really need them? While some homeowners adore them due to the added aesthetics, others struggle to incorporate them to match home design or think they lower the energy efficiency. So, what are the biggest concerns about window grills among homeowners?

Matching Grills With Other Windows

One of the biggest challenges to making grills look good in your home is matching them between the different windows. This may not be a big problem if you’re getting all windows in the same profile (frame height).

But different types of windows in your may have different profiles, and, therefore, the same grills would look different on their respective windows.

If you are considering grills for your window replacement make sure you discuss window profiles with your project consultants so you know which of your new windows will look similar or different.

Energy Efficiency

Even the best windows with grills will be less energy efficient than the same window without grills. Because grills take up space inside the insulated glass unit, they reduce the amount of sun that warms your home.

They also allow for less gas fill to be inserted into the sealed unit, thus making it more susceptible to heat loss than regular windows. The problem can often be rectified with additional Low-Emissivity coatings on the glass to improve performance and efficiency levels.

Fallen Grills

One of the biggest post-installation problems with grills is that they can fall out of place. As the window settles and shifts in the opening after it was put in, grills may come apart from the walls of the sealed unit and fall down.

This common problem should be covered by your window warranty. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for fallen window grills and the only way to solve the problem is by replacing the entire sealed unit. Again, if you are interested in getting new windows grills make sure to discuss the warranty terms and service procedures with your project consultant.

A fallen piece inside the insulated glass unit. This problem is covered by warranty, but usually the whole sealed unit has to be replaced

Grills in your new replacement windows can go a long way towards creating the look you always wanted for your home. Consider the cons of these additions if you want the best performance out of your windows, or if you’re getting different windows from multiple companies. But when done right, grills can give your home a unique feel on the inside, and add extra curb appeal from the outside.

FAQ

Why do some window grills curve at the bottom?

Curved or arched window grills at the bottom are designed mainly for aesthetic balance. They soften the sharp, rectangular look of standard windows and add architectural interest. In Canadian homes, these curves often complement other decorative features, such as arched entryways or rounded patio doors. Functionally, they don’t affect performance but provide a custom, high-end appearance that complements both modern and traditional designs.

Are window grills just a decorative element?

Window grills today are largely decorative, helping homeowners achieve specific styles such as colonial, prairie, or modern. Historically, grills were structural, dividing small panes of glass into separate compartments. With modern energy-efficient windows, grills are applied or sealed inside the glass unit, so they no longer provide structural support. Instead, they offer more curb appeal and design variety.

What types of window grill patterns are popular in Canada?

Canadian homeowners often choose grill patterns that reflect their home’s architectural style. Popular options include colonial, ladder, double ladder and prairie window grill designs.

Do window grills affect energy efficiency?

No, modern window grills do not reduce the efficiency of your windows. When grills are installed between the glass panes, they are completely sealed inside the unit, preventing drafts or weak points. For homeowners concerned with insulation, the real efficiency boost comes from features like triple-pane glass, Low-E coatings, and argon or krypton gas fills.