Whether you have just downsized or you can't wait to settle into your first home, one thing is for sure. You'll want your home to offer comfort and functionality at its best. Of course, you will have many aspects to think about, and this includes having the most suitable windows for the various rooms in your small house.
Why Window Choice Is Important
Apart from letting in natural light and air from outside, windows also double up as a security feature in your home.
As far as they are of good quality and professionally installed, choosing the right windows for your climate will also help protect your home and its contents from damage by the elements from outside.
With this in mind, how do you go about selecting the best windows for your small house's living room?
Considerations When Choosing Windows for A Small Living Room
Here are some crucial things to consider when choosing windows for the living room of a small house.
Living Room Size
One of the most important factors to think about when selecting living room windows is the space you have available. While the term "small" might be relative, most living rooms measure 16 by 20 feet on average, and this could take up to 15 percent of the entire space in a small home.
Of course, you won't want the windows to take up the space of an entire wall, but 15-20 percent of wall space would do, or 30 percent if you want to maximize natural light penetration.
Think About Weatherstripping
The fact that you downsized doesn't necessarily mean you're now immune to the effects of air leaks and moisture leaks on your monthly energy bill. This is why it is essential to have window weatherstripping in mind when choosing your windows. Among the questions you'd want to ask yourself include:
Will I need to add weatherstripping?
If so, what will be my options?
How much will it cost me in terms of installation, repair, and maintenance?
Single-Pane Vs. Double-Pane Windows
When choosing the best living room windows for your small house, you'll want to consider what material the windows are made out of. This includes making sure they're energy-efficient, easy to clean, and maintain, so you can make the most out of your home just in case you decide to sell it.
Well, single-pane windows will be more affordable, thus allowing you to save money during installation. They also tend to let in more light compared to their double-pane counterparts.
However, you might incur extra costs in terms of insulation during extreme weather seasons.
On the other hand, double-pane windows will be an excellent choice if you want to make your windows more resilient against extreme heat in summer and extremely chilly winter temperatures. Double pane windows also have a lower need for insulation and weather stripping.
Consider Placement
Another important consideration when picking windows for a small living room is the positioning of windows. As explained earlier, walls and floors in a small living room will be quite thin, so a floor-to-ceiling or wall-to-wall window placement is rarely an option.
So, what you'll want to think about is if you'll have windows that extend to the floor or if you'll need a window that stands tall instead. It also means planning window placement and deciding which walls of the living room should have a window - perhaps depending on which side faces the exterior of your small house for natural lighting and an outside view.
Choose a Preferred Window Style
Next, you'll want to think about what type of window style you're after. Preferably, you'll be looking to get windows that go well with the ambiance of your living room's décor, or sofas, chairs, dining tables, and other furniture.
This means observing things like the grill patterns (if any), the glass panes, and even the framing.
Whether you're purchasing your living room windows online or otherwise, you can opt for a traditional looking window if you don't want too much contrast - but these can be made to look more modern using window treatments such as blinds and curtains.
When it comes to picking the best living room windows for a small house, the trick is simple. A window that offers ample light, a sturdy frame, adequate insulation, and easy maintenance will undoubtedly serve you best. With this guidance, you can keep your monthly living room energy bills under control and enjoy the benefits of having a great-looking and more attractive living room.
