When you start contemplating updates to your home’s exterior, the first things that come to mind are probably big-ticket items like paint color palettes, siding styles, and landscape design. But there is another, often-overlooked design detail that can make a major impact on your home: Windows, or more specifically, picture windows.
Incorporating a picture window (or several) creates a natural focal point and lets amazing amounts of light into your home, making it a win-win addition. Read on to discover our favorite picture window design ideas and gain inspiration for your own exterior upgrade.
At , our team of designers will partner with you to add the picture windows of your dreams to your exterior. We’ll also help you choose the color palette, finishes, and other design details to bring your exterior vision to life. Once complete, you’ll receive a shoppable rendering that’ll make your project easy to execute. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
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What is a picture window?
A picture window is a type of single-pane window that does not open. Also known as fixed windows, this window style frames the view through the glass like a photograph, which is where it gets its name. As a result, these windows are typically larger than traditional casem*nt or double-hung windows.
Unlike smaller windows, picture windows offer ample natural light and help enhance the feel of indoor-outdoor living. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes so they can be used on the exterior of homes of any style, from Cape Cod to mid-century modern to cottages.
#1 // Picture window with stone accents
Picture windows are the ideal addition to traditional-style homes. This design element offers a modern feel and allows additional natural light into an otherwise dim space.
In the example above, adding windows with window grilles on either side of the picture window allows extra natural light into the living room and creates a symmetrical, stylish look. Finished in White Dove by Benjamin Moore, the window trim beautifully stands out from the red brick and dark siding painted in Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams. The existing stone accents above the window were the perfect way to create a unique finish.
#2 // Multiple picture windows
If you want to allow more natural light in, why not add more than one picture window? Picture windows are ideal for living rooms and, when positioned in a domed shape, can be used to create an oversized bow window. This home combined five large panes to replace an entire wall in their living room. This floods the space with light and adds a dramatic design element.
To balance the windows in the living room, this exterior also has several picture windows on the second floor. This strategic design creates a balanced look for the exterior. It also makes it possible to enjoy the natural surroundings from multiple spaces within the home.
#3 // Dramatic double-height picture window
One of the many benefits of picture windows is that they are available in larger shapes and sizes than other window styles. Why not take advantage of the scale of this single-pane style? Opt for an oversized, double-height window to create an eye-catching exterior design.
Adding a grand, extra-tall window above your entryway helps emphasize your home’s height. It also allows you to play with the scale and proportion of your exterior design. The picture windows look especially luxe thanks to the combination of rich wood accents and trim painted brick in Bruton White by Benjamin Moore.
To create balance, this home also has several large, single-paned windows on the first floor and a glass front door to ground the exterior. Lush landscaping and a wide front walkway also serve as a counterpoint to the oversized picture window on the second floor.
#4 // Mid-century modern picture window
The mid-century design philosophy relies heavily on blending indoor and outdoor living. Incorporating a picture window in the exterior above allowed the home to stay true to the style and make its exterior feel even more authentic.
The picture window above the entryway adds height and drama to the home. It also allows plentiful natural light to flow into the main living space. The asymmetric style of the window also accentuates the home’s architectural details and mimics the shape of the windows to the right. The result is an exterior with beautiful balance.
#5 // Shop-front picture window
Picture windows aren’t just for residential spaces. Incorporating a large-scale picture window in a commercial space not only allows for amazing amounts of natural light, but also offers an opportunity to feature new products, seasonal displays, or signage.
Finishing the window trim in a classic shade like Snowbound by Sherwin Williams, framing the picture window with the business’s signage and a lush window box of bright florals, and using colorful paint like Plum Dandy or Fading Rose by Sherwin Williams creates a memorable storefront exterior that is sure to attract old and new customers alike.
We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
#6 // A trio of picture windows
Some homes are lacking in natural light. When that’s the case, incorporating multiple picture windows helps achieve the bright ambiance you’re after. Grouping picture windows in sets and pairsis a smart and strategic way to not only transform the home’s exterior but also create a beautiful view from any room.
Instead of incorporating picture windows only in the living space, this mid-century-modern-style home has them in three different areas—a set of four picture windows in the living space and two pairs on the right side of the home. This allows ample light into the space and infuses the home with the signature indoor-outdoor aesthetic of the era. Warm wood detailing, brick painted in Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams, and black horizontal siding complete the exterior for a look that is equally retro and modern.
#7 // Floor-to-ceiling picture window
Because picture windows can be made in nearly any size, they offer unmatched versatility. Consider adding a dramatic floor-to-ceiling window to your home exterior to create a striking focal point.
This home features a stunning full-length picture window in the dining area, flanked by two thinner picture windows — all finished in Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams — to add even more light. Matching lanterns on each side of the window frame this exterior design detail and instantly draw the eye. A glass front door, gray stone siding, and wooden accents complement the large window to complete the modern exterior aesthetic.
Upgrade your exterior with a picture-perfect picture window exterior design
Whether you prefer a classic picture window or want to think outside the box, incorporating this design detail in your exterior transformation instantly upgrades the look and feel of your home. From sleek, single-pane picture windows to unusual shapes and sizes that span floor-to-ceiling, the options available to upgrade your exterior are nearly endless.
Your dream picture window exterior design is waiting! brick&batten’s virtual design services make getting started simple. Our team will help you select your picture window, color palette, and every coordinating design detail. You’ll even receive a customized design deliverable to make your home exterior transformation simple and stress-free. Begin your project today!
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