Windows aren’t just there to let in natural light, or we would have been fine with big holes in our walls. Instead, we also expect our windows to protect our homes from the elements and keep us warm when we’re inside. Energy-efficient windows are designed to keep your home insulated so that the heat stays inside when it’s cold outside but, come summer, your home won’t turn into a hothouse. This means that you’ll need to rely less on indoor heating and cooling – not to mention artificial light – and you’ll save on your hydro bill.

Because it’s difficult to see through but still lets in natural light, textured glass is a popular option for bathroom windows and front doors, where you want some privacy. However, textured glass can completely transform any room in your home. The privacy it affords means you don’t need fancy, expensive window treatments. The patterns can be decorative on their own and when the light shines in, textured windows can cast interesting patterns on the floor and walls, creating a stunning visual effect.

Window placement can make all the difference, not only in practical ways but also in terms of curb appeal. For example, large north-facing windows are a bit of a waste in terms of energy efficiency. South-facing windows are the ones that will let in more sunlight and warmth, so you don’t want them to be tiny little portholes. However, if your home has a beautiful view, you’ll want large windows on that side, no matter in which direction it faces. What’s the point of having a waterfront home if you can’t actually see the water? As for curb appeal, windows arranged in a clear pattern have much more impact than a haphazard collection of styles and sizes.

The style of your home should be an important consideration when you’re thinking of window ideas. You want your windows to enhance the look of your home and make it authentic. For example, Victorian and Queen Anne homes tend to have tall and narrow windows while Prairie-style homes often feature large, wide picture windows. Sliding or double-hung windows are more common in older homes built in classic styles like farmhouse or bungalow while casement and tilt & turn windows tend be more modern window designs.

On the exterior, your window frames are exposed to the elements all day, every day. This means that over time, they can become worn or damaged if you don’t perform regular maintenance. If you want your window frames to last, it’s best to choose ones that are easy to maintain. With wood, for example, you’ll spend your days scouring and sealing and painting them to keep them looking good and retain their insulating properties. Vinyl window frames, such as Kohltech windows, do require some maintenance but generally, it’s quick to do and doesn’t require much elbow grease.

Tinted home windows, where a thin film is placed over the existing windows, is an easy and more affordable alternative to installing energy-efficient windows. They keep your home cool during summer and because they block out UV rays, they reduce the damage sunlight can cause to your furniture. They also provide privacy during the daytime. However, they don’t help your home stay warm during winter and may in fact increase your heating bills.

Windows consist of more than just frames and panes. You also need hardware such as latches, hinges and locks. If you choose windows that have the hardware included, you won’t need to spend as much time in the building-supplies store to find all those little parts you didn’t think of. Instead, you can browse a Kohltech windows brochure and find the perfect window design with a variety of hardware options to suit your needs.

Transom and sidelight windows are great options for letting in more natural light while adding an impressive visual effect. Transom windows go horizontally above a door or large window while sidelight windows frame the door or large window vertically on the sides. Textured or stained-glass designs will help retain privacy.

Sliding windows, whether they’re gliders that move horizontally or hung windows that move vertically, are a great option when you need to open and close your windows often, since they’re durable and so easy to operate. They’re also a good option when there’s limited space on the outside. These windows are easy to clean and won’t be in danger of being blown off by the wind. They also come in a wide variety of styles and tend to be more affordable. However, you need to regularly clean and maintain the tracks. These windows are also less secure because they’re easier to open and usually large enough to climb through.

Shades and blinds are notoriously good at gathering dust, are difficult to clean and seem to be magnets for cats looking for something to get entangled in. An increasingly popular window design is windows that come with the shades or blinds built in between two panes of glass. There are many options for controlling them, just like with regular shades and blinds. Some are even controllable from your smartphone. Because everything is safely tucked behind glass, tiny hands or paws can’t pull on them. More importantly, there’s no more dusting involved!