Why windows matter
Have you ever played Sims? If not, here is a quick overview of how the game works. You create a humanoid character, dress them, pick a name and even personality traits. The you move them into an existing (though terribly small and horribly brown) home. If you have access to the cheat code and you can get unlimited funds and you can embark on building a brand new space for your little digital “sim”.
The game allows you to build foundations, walls, second stories, pick roofs, finishes, doors and most importantly, windows.
If you pick them right and place them at the correct angles, these windows immediately fill your home with natural light and your Sim’s mood meter with little green pixels of happiness. Skip out on adding windows and your sim will crash and burn into a depressed, sobbing pile of electronic misfortune and you will never be able to reach the coveted platinum happiness level.
Anyone who has ever lived in a space without proper windows, can tell you – the same is true of real-life humans. We crave natural light and the (illusion) of space. A well designed and well-placed window can brighten up any room and be a dynamic artwork.
Get the hang of your window-lingo:
When your search for the perfect window starts, you’ll be faced with a plethora of names and descriptions. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of window types:
- Single hung: These windows have two panes, vertically stacked, but only the bottom pane can open. It opens vertically by sliding over the top pane, allowing for half the window space to be open.
- Double hung: As with single hung windows, these windows consist of two vertically stacked panes, but both the upper and lower pane can slide, allowing you to choose which pane you open.
- Awning: This type of window pivots on an angle, never fully opening or swinging loose from the frame, but allowing for a top or bottom segment to be pushed open to let in fresh air.
- Sliding: The name says it all. These are basically sliding doors on a smaller scale. The window consists of multiple panes on a single sliding track and depending on the design the windowpanes can stack, allowing for a large opening, or it can be a two- or three-pane slider opening up one half, or two thirds of the window space.
- Casement: These are the windows we all grew up with. This window is hung in a frame like a normal door, swinging to one side. It opens with a crank handle and has a little screw and rod mechanism to keep it open.
- Fixed: Again – the name is self-explanatory. This window is meant to be decorative, framing a specific view, but not able to open. This is often the type of window used on an upper story, and the fact that it can’t open is an added security measure, keeping kids, pets and over eager guests from plunging through the window as they try to open it.
Material choices
Once you know what types of windows you might like, the next step is to decide on which materials you like.
Wooden windows are a classic for a reason.
If your home is slightly more traditional, and your vibe is warm, homey and even cosy, few things can underline this design choice like a warm wooden cottage pane window. A whitewashed Double hung window is another timeless window that we just keep on loving…
Aluminium is a favourite for a reason.
Wooden windows are by no means the only way to achieve warmth in your home. Even the most modern and clean lined aluminium window frames can be a brilliant and low maintenance option for any home. You can easily “warm them up” with the right window treatments.
To understand which glass is the right choice for you. Read our deep dive into glass types.
Climate is another important consideration.
Despite recent cold snaps, blizzards and high snowfall aren’t weather conditions that South Africans have to contend with. However, fierce winds and dangerously high UV levels are a reality.
When it comes to UV protection and windows, we suggest you follow up on our discussion about “Sunscreen for your home”.
Wind can be incredibly destructive and particularly if you live at the coast, fierce gusts of wind can damage open windows if the window fastenings aren’t up to scratch. If you enjoy living with open windows, it’s best to get a window that won’t be slammed shut or blown open at the first hint of a breeze. This is where hung-, sliding- and awning type windows are a great option.
See the bigger picture.
If none of these are fitting the bill for your renovation, why not go in a different direction. A slightly different, more old-fashioned type of window that we feel is worth a try is a so called “Picture Window” much like a fixed window the main aim of this type of window is to frame a certain view. But where fixed windows refer to any type of window that can’t open, a picture window has a different design. It is usually a large window, single pane, with a low-profile window frame as well as extra hight at the top, allowing for unobstructed views. The frame is usually no more than 0.4m from floor level.
Old fashioned but not out of date
These windows were all the rage in the 19th century, often used as sources of natural light in parlours and drawing rooms. These days, a picture window can be a feature of your home, highlighting a specific corner of your garden, or be angled to give great views of sunrises or sunsets.
Whatever picture you have in your mind, a well-positioned window is a great upgrade to any room and will make you as happy as the giddiest Sim!
PS: The Sims unlimited funds cheat code:
- Press “Ctrl+C”, wait for text box to open,
- Type: motherlode
- Then press “enter” and voila! Build your dream house, one click at a time. 😊
