If you have just moved into an old home in the country, one of the first issues you will need to look at is the state of your home’s windows. If it is an exceedingly old home, the windows are likely to be old-fashioned and extremely out of touch with modern society. They will not be energy efficient and will also fail to offer the level of security you need. Consequently, you will have to invest in double glazing windows. However, how do you install modern windows without compromising the country look of your home? Read on and you will see that is it possible to keep the old-fashioned look with new windows.
One of the most stylish and elegant form of windows are picture windows. They are huge fixed windows and are usually found in houses that have vaulted or high ceilings which certainly describes a large number of country homes. As the windows are fixed, there are no separate parts that can be broken. These windows are also cheaper than installations that have several different mechanical pieces. You can even make these windows energy efficient. However, as they offer no ventilation, make the room stuffy because you can’t open a window and are a possible safety hazard, you may want to think twice about installing them even though they emphasise the country feel of the home.
You can purchase double glazed windows with wooden or aluminium frames. Both materials can be decorated to ensure that your home continues to feel like a rural retreat. Wooden frames are more energy efficient and can be painted and varnished to make them look spectacular. However, they can rot and shrink which causes the frame to become loose. Aluminium frames conduct heat too well to be energy efficient but they are cheaper than wooden frames. If you’re living in the country, avoid UPVC frames because they offer an urban look which is exactly what you need to avoid.
Nothing says country home more than windows with neat shutters. You should purchase full sized shutters that open and close the rails in unison. There are also special shutter rails that allow you to keep one half open and the other shut for extra privacy. The best shutters will have a simple cord to open and close them with a twisted handle to decide how open you want the shutters to be. If you really want to add a touch of class and elegance to your country home, look for wooden shutters. These really are an old-fashioned accessory that look beautiful in any modern country home.
When you’re living in the countryside in isolation, you have to consider a number of factors. Your safety and that of your family are of paramount importance followed by the energy efficiency of your windows. It’s entirely possible to purchase windows and accessories that maintain the country feel while adding 21st century security and efficiency. Be sure to shop around because there is often a huge disparity in price between the quotations of window companies.
