Five Things to Consider When Choosing Timber Windows
With so many styles and options to choose from, selecting the right timber windows for your home can feel like a task in itself.
But there are some key things to consider ensuring you pick the right timber windows to help transform your home with the look and feel you deserve.
1. Style: Casement or Sash Windows?
Two of the most popular styles for timber windows are casement and sash. Both styles offer unique aesthetics and functionality, so the choice largely depends on your home’s architecture and your preferences.
Casement Windows: These windows are hinged on the side and open outward, allowing for maximum ventilation. They are known for their clean lines and simple design, making them a great option for contemporary homes.
Sash Windows: Often associated with traditional and period properties, sash windows have a classic charm. These windows typically consist of two sliding panels (or “sashes”) that move vertically or horizontally within the frame. They are ideal for maintaining a traditional look and are often found in Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian homes. Modern sash windows also incorporate advanced glazing and insulation to meet today’s performance standards.
2. Property Age and Style
The age and architectural style are both key things to consider when choosing the right windows.
Traditional Homes: Older homes or period properties often need windows that preserve the building’s original look. Traditional timber windows, like sash or Georgian styles, maintain the architectural integrity of the property. These windows can be customised with period-appropriate details, such as divided lights, decorative glazing bars, and intricate mouldings.
Contemporary Homes: If your home has a modern or minimalist design, sleek casement windows with clean lines may be more appropriate. Contemporary designs often have slimmer profiles, allowing for more glass and natural light while still delivering the warmth and charm of wood.
3. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
If you own a listed building or live in a conservation area, specific guidelines and regulations may influence your window choice. Local councils often have rules regarding the materials, style, and appearance of windows to preserve the historical character of these buildings. Timber windows are often the preferred choice in these settings because they match the authentic look of traditional materials as well as meeting modern energy standards.
4. Look and Feel: Matching Interiors and Exteriors
Windows are both a functional and aesthetic component of your home. Timber windows can be finished in a variety of stains, paints, and textures to perfectly match your interior and exterior decor. Here is how to make sure they complement your home:
Exterior Appeal: Consider how your windows will look from the street. A darker stain or painted finish on the exterior can add contrast and depth, especially if your home has lighter walls. Alternatively, a natural wood finish can blend beautifully with brick or stone facades.
Interior Ambiance: Don’t forget that your windows play a role in your interior decor as well. Timber frames bring warmth and a sense of craftsmanship to a room, making them an excellent choice for living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. You can also colour match the timber’s finish with other elements in your home, like doors, floors, and furniture, for a cohesive look.
5. Long-Term Investment: Quality and Sustainability
Investing in luxury timber windows is a choice for the long term, so it’s important to select high-quality materials and finishes. Premium timber, like oak or Accoya, offers remarkable durability, resistance to weathering, and sustainability benefits. When properly maintained, timber windows can last for decades.
And our Timber windows use wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, making them an environmentally responsible choice. Timber is naturally renewable and has a lower environmental impact compared to materials like aluminium or PVC.
If our blog has helped and you would like to talk through your requirements, please get in touch: info@brookeswood.com.
