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20 Window Treatment Ideas to Suit Every Room

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Angela Belt

Angela Belt

Angela Belt is an interior designer, stylist, and editor with over a decade of hands-on professional experience in the field. Her interiors have been featured in publications such as Elle Decor South Africa, HGTV, and Rachel Ray Every Day. She hosts The Moodboard podcast, is the senior 3D viz stylist for Wayfair, and contributed to Homepolish. She's also designed spaces for IKEA, Home Depot, and Lonny.

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Updated on 02/17/23

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Windows can be every bit as stunning as the rest of a room. You just have to know how to dress them. There are many window treatment ideas to choose from, including curtains, shades, and shutters. And they each have their pros and cons in terms of privacy, blocking light, and adding aesthetic value to a room. Some options are more for appearance while others will keep a room dark and private.

Here are 20 window treatment ideas for all the windows in your home.

• 01 of 20

  Sheer Panels

  Collov Home Design / Unsplash

  A sheer panel is a curtain made of light, semi-transparent fabric. It offers a little bit of privacy and diffuses some light. And from a design standpoint, it acts to soften a window. This window treatment is best for living spaces where you aren’t concerned about privacy.

• 02 of 20

  Light-Filtering Curtains

  Ali Harper / Stocksy

  Light-filtering curtains are heavier than sheers. They offer a good amount of privacy, though if light is shining directly through them there might be some visibility to the other side. They won’t fully darken a space from outside light. They can be made from a wide variety of fabrics, so they’re versatile for many design styles. They’re ideal to provide some nighttime privacy in living spaces. 

• 03 of 20

  Blackout Curtains

  Jodie Johnson Photography / Stocksy

  Blackout curtains offer the best light-blocking power. They are generally composed of a decorative fabric lined with another heavy fabric that keeps out light and also insulates a room against heat and cold coming in from the window. They are perfect to keep bedrooms dark.

• 04 of 20

  Venetian Blinds

  Trinette Reed / Stocksy

  Venetian blinds have horizontal slats that can be made out of several different materials, including metal, wood, and vinyl. A cord is pulled to raise and lower the blinds, and the slats also can be tilted. These blinds can be sized to fit most windows, and they offer varying privacy levels. However, the horizontal slats do collect dust. They’re good for most rooms, though they won’t fully block light in bedrooms.

• 05 of 20

  Vertical Blinds

  Михаил Руденко / Getty Images

  Vertical blinds are often seen on sliding doors and tall windows. They’re not highly decorative, often being made out of PVC. But they get the job done in terms of privacy and light blocking when they’re closed. They also don’t collect as much dust as horizontal blinds do.

• 06 of 20

  Shutters

  Photographer, Basak Gurbuz Derman / Getty Images

  Shutters are a more decorative alternative to blinds. They are typically made out of wood and can be painted or stained to match most room designs. They can be tilted open to offer some light into a space. Or they usually can be swung open for an unobstructed view. They don’t completely block light when closed, so they’re best for living spaces and not bedrooms. They also can be used in bathrooms.

• 07 of 20

  Honeycomb Shades

  Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images

  Honeycomb shades, also known as cellular shades, are typically made of fabric that folds up in a way where the shades look like honeycomb from the sides. There are options to filter some light, along with fully light-blocking styles. They also can help insulate windows. These shades will work for most rooms.

• 08 of 20

  Roman Shades

  Roam in Color / Unsplash

  Roman shades are often made of fabric, but they also come in other materials, such as bamboo. They fold up in even pleats when raised. But when they’re lowered they have a smooth surface. They can be raised partially to allow some privacy and light blocking. However, there’s no way to see through them when they’re lowered unless you use a sheer material. These shades are suitable for most rooms.

• 09 of 20

  Curtains on a Double Rod

  Iulian Catalin / 500px / Getty Images

  Hanging curtains on a double rod offers lots of versatility. A common combination is using a thicker and more decorative curtain material for the outer rod and hanging sheers on the inner rod. That way, you can close both types of curtains for maximum privacy and light blocking. But you also can close only the sheers to allow light into the space while still maintaining a bit of privacy. This window treatment idea can work in living spaces, as well as bedrooms. It could be especially beneficial for an office if you need to diffuse a little light with the sheers during the day and want privacy at night with the thicker curtains.

• 10 of 20

  Curtains Plus Blinds

  Andersen Ross / Getty Images

  Opting for curtains and blinds provides options similar to using curtains on a double rod. You can close both for a blackout option. Or you can just keep the blinds down but tilted open for some light and visibility. Adding curtains over blinds also helps to dress up the blinds and soften their harsh lines in a space. It's a great option if you have older blinds that are still functional but not necessarily that attractive to you. The options this combination provides is good for creating different light and privacy conditions in a bedroom.

• 11 of 20

  Curtains Plus Shutters

  Trinette Reed / Stocksy

  Like curtains over blinds, curtains over shutters makes for a versatile window treatment. You can use blackout curtains to fully darken a bedroom. Or for a living space you can simply choose a curtain fabric of your liking to dress up and soften the shutters. Adding curtains over shutters also helps to insulate the windows.

• 12 of 20

  Inside-Mount Treatments

  Tunatura / Getty Images

  Many window treatments are mounted outside of the window frame. But there are treatments—including certain curtain rods, shades, and blinds—that can be mounted inside the frame. Select this option if you like a cleaner look and don’t want to cover up the trim around your window. But in some cases, especially for shades and blinds, this will be a custom option depending on your window size. So it might be pricey.

• 13 of 20

  Solar Shades

  Ratchat / Getty Images

  Solar shades are specifically made with fabric that will block light and protect you from UV rays. The fabric also is typically resistant to fading from the sun. Options range from some light-blocking ability to full blackout. These shades are ideal for windows that get a lot of direct sunlight.

• 14 of 20

  Roller Shades

  marilook / Getty Images

  A roller shade is a very simple window treatment that doesn’t offer much aesthetic value. These shades come in a variety of materials, including fabric and vinyl. When they’re open, the material is flat. And when they’re closed, the material rolls up on a dowel. They range from light-filtering to blackout, so they can work in most rooms.

• 15 of 20

  Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

  Jodie Johnson Photography / Stocksy

  Unless you have floor-to-ceiling windows, you don’t necessarily need floor-to-ceiling curtains to block light and add privacy to a space. However, such curtains are often used from a design standpoint to add some drama to the room. They are excellent for framing a beautiful view out the window, and they are ideal for glass doors as well. Besides adding design impact with the fabric of your choosing, floor-to-ceiling curtains draw the eye up, making the ceiling feel taller. They're great for living spaces as well as bedrooms.

• 16 of 20

  Rod-Pocket Curtains

  aire images / Getty Images

  Curtains with a rod pocket come ready to hang. All you have to do is slide them onto your curtain rod via the pocket of fabric at the top. If you like a softer look to your window, rod-pocket curtains are the way to go because the fabric covers up the rod. However, sometimes they can be difficult to slide across the rod depending on the size of the pocket and the diameter of the rod. Plus, it is important that the pocket is well-stitched for heavy curtain types. Otherwise it might eventually tear from the weight of the fabric and the force of you sliding the curtains.

• 17 of 20

  Curtains With Grommets

  Trinette Reed / Stocksy

  Some curtain panels come with grommets sewn in at the top. Slide these grommets onto a curtain rod, and you will be able to open and close your curtains with ease. The grommets also help the curtains to stack nicely when they’re open. However, like rod pockets, they can be prone to tearing if they aren’t well made, especially with heavy fabrics. Plus, as the grommets are always visible, they might not fit with every design preference.

• 18 of 20

  Curtains With Rings

  Iulian Catalin / 500px / Getty Images

  Another option to attach curtains to a curtain rod is with rings. The rings slide around the rod and have small clips that you fasten onto the curtain fabric. This option is ideal if you have a decorative rod that you don’t want the curtain fabric to cover. However, sometimes the clips aren’t strong enough to hold heavy fabric.

• 19 of 20

  Valance

  kanzefar / Getty Images

  A valance is a short piece of fabric that hangs just across the top of a window. It’s used for decorative purposes, as it won’t do much for privacy or light blocking. Valances are often used to spruce up kitchen windows where privacy at night isn’t an issue. They also can be used over the top of curtain panels for a formal look.

• 20 of 20

  Window Tier

  Topic Images Inc. / Getty Images

  A window tier is essentially the opposite of a valance. It’s typically a fabric curtain that covers the bottom portion of a window. It’s mostly for decoration, but it also offers some privacy depending on the window height. Plus, this window treatment idea can be used in conjunction with a valance for a little more privacy and light blocking. 

Which plastic windows are better in 2022: a rating of PVC window manufacturers I want to quickly complete the installation and forget about repairs and additional costs for a long time.

It is easy to get confused among the many options. There are several dozen manufacturers on the market. Characteristics in the description - the type of double-glazed window, the number of chambers, the thermal conductivity coefficient can enter into a stupor. Consider which windows can be called the best and what you need to consider when choosing them.

Article content:

1. Glazing requirements
2. How to choose a window profile
3. Double-glazed windows in the best plastic windows
4. Features
5. Insulating glass dimensions
6. Double-glazed windows with special functions
7. Sealing rubber
8. Fittings
9. Color windows
10. Lamination
11. Staining
12. Additional features of plastic windows
13. Window sills, flashings and slopes
14. Slopes and tides
15. Plastic window safety
16. Manufacturer rating

Speaking of glazing requirements, two parameters need to be taken into account - the type of room and the window configuration. The first parameter allows you to understand which model is better to choose for a room, whether it is a kitchen or a nursery. Here are the main parameters:

• Living room. This is the room with the largest glass area. You need to focus on protection from the cold. A profile with four or five cameras will do. In a double-glazed window, one or two cameras are enough. If the apartment is located on the north side or on the top floor of a high-rise building, the cavities can be filled with an inert gas. The installation of glass with a special coating is practiced.
• Bedroom or nursery. This room should be the warmest, high-quality ventilation is important. We recommend installing five-chamber models filled with inert gas and special energy-saving glass.
• Cabinet. The choice of glazing depends on the location of the workplace relative to the window opening. Standard window structures with double-circuit sealing and double glass are suitable.
• Kitchen. Here it is better to put a window with a special valve for ventilation. It will stabilize the operation of the ventilation system and prevent the formation of condensate.

The second parameter is the configuration. This is the ratio of sashes in the design. It varies depending on the size of the window opening.

Fixed sashes are cheaper, but the configuration must have at least one opening. If it is not there, it will not be possible to wash the glass. This option is possible only for private houses where there are attic spaces or apartments on the ground floor, which is easy to clean from the street.

Window base - profile. It is usually referred to simply as the frame. This is a rigid structure, inside which a double-glazed window is installed.

The profile itself is made of PVC. The polymer material is well protected from mechanical and climatic influences, does not fade in the sun, cracking is excluded. In order for plastic to withstand strong pressure, seasonal temperature expansion, it is reinforced. An internal metal profile is used. It makes the whole structure strong and stable.

An important part of the system is the seal. It guarantees internal tightness.

An important indicator of the profile system is the intimacy. Buyers often confuse cameras inside a profile and in a double-glazed window. These are different settings, but both affect the overall isolation level.

The more cameras a profile has, the warmer, quieter and more comfortable it will be in the apartment. This characteristic affects the strength of the entire structure and its ability to withstand strong pressure.

The obvious solution is to buy multi-chamber profiles. But they are expensive and large. They are often impossible to install on a balcony or loggia.

When choosing, you need to rely on the location of the room. Systems with more than five cameras are recommended for apartments on the north side, on the upper floors of houses, for the private sector.

There are many manufacturers on the market, new names appear periodically. We recommend using the services of companies such as Rehau and Veka, as well as the rest of our rating. These are certified suppliers whose products undergo strict quality control.

There are documents and standards that regulate production:

• DIN 53454 and ISO 179-61. They indicate the strength of the window, and that it will not be deformed under the influence of external factors.
• DIN 53456. Standard for hardness. A particularly important indicator for installation in the private sector, where houses are characterized by gradual shrinkage after construction.
• DIN 53387. The rules indicate the durability of the plastic. They make it clear that special plastic was used in window production, which can be installed outdoors.
• DIN 53460 and ISO 306-68. The certificate shows that the design can withstand high temperatures well. What is the window for? In summer, plastic gets very hot due to the sun. The standard guarantees that it will not melt and thermal expansion will decrease.

Having a certificate is an important competitive advantage. Therefore, if the manufacturer has such a document, he will easily provide it.

When compiling a rating of plastic windows, not only the profile is taken into account, but also the double-glazed window. To protect the room from cold, drafts, humidity, several glasses are inserted into the frame at once. They are separated by air chambers.

Double-glazed window occupies more than 80% of the entire area of ​​the window system, so it is important that it be reliable. There are two main types:

• Single chamber. Two glasses are installed, separated by an air chamber.
• Double chamber. The design provides for three glasses and two internal air chambers.

The windows are separated by a spacer. It is made of different materials - aluminum, steel and plastic. The element guarantees the tightness of the entire structure, does not allow deformation and other potential problems to appear.

A special air-gas mixture is pumped into the chambers. There are also energy-saving options, which have only an inert gas, such as argon, in the chambers. It reduces heat loss.

To install the required double-glazed window into the profile, you must first clarify the dimensions of the system. The permissible thickness is indicated in the characteristics of the profile structure.

There are a number of important characteristics that are also taken into account when looking for the optimal insulating glass unit:

• Safety level. It is especially important if the apartment is located on the first or second floor, next to the fire escape or gas pipe. In this case, tempered glass is installed. It is very difficult to break or damage by other means.
• Sun protection. Ultraviolet penetrating into the room strongly heats objects. It also causes the dyes to gradually fade. They produce many types of tinted glass with a special coating or a film applied to the surface. Optical properties are preserved and UV rays are cut off.
• Sound insulation. This parameter should be paid attention to those who live near sources of strong noise. The insulating properties are enhanced by increasing the thickness of the glass and pumping a special inert gas into the air chamber of the double-glazed unit.
• Thermal conductivity. The apartment loses a lot of heat through the windows - this can be seen on thermal images. To make the room warm, you can use special energy-saving windows with gas-filled double-glazed windows, external spraying.

When choosing a model, the location of the apartment is taken into account. This allows you not to buy the most expensive options, some of the functions of which will be useless in real use.

Sturdy sheet glass is installed in the window system. Speaking of thickness, two types of it are distinguished:

• Individual glass thickness. The standard value for an apartment is from 3 to 6 mm. There are also thicker varieties, but they are more expensive and unprofitable in the city.
• The total thickness of the double-glazed window. Depends on the profile settings that have been set. Standard from 24 to 32 mm.

The total glazing area also changes. It is indicated in square meters.

The manufacture of large area glass is very costly. Therefore, when the opening is large, compromise solutions are often used, such as installing a transom.

But if necessary, you can create a panoramic window of a large area. It will give a beautiful view and let a lot of sunlight into the room.

Manufacturers of plastic windows are actively introducing new technologies. This allows the design to provide additional features that increase convenience and duration of use.

Among the most common designs:

• Energy efficient. Significantly reduce the outflow of heat from the room. This is achieved by using special spraying on glass, injecting inert gas, and increasing the size of the inner strips.
• Multifunctional. Stabilize the microclimate in the apartment. It will be warm in winter, cool in summer. This improves the operation of the heating and air conditioning system. It is proved that the level of heat loss after installation is reduced by 80%.
• Impact resistant. Glasses are created using two technologies - armoring or tempering. Both options withstand strong mechanical impact, shock. The construction costs more, but it protects against burglaries.
• Sun protection. Reduce the penetration of ultraviolet radiation into the room. The function reduces the heating of things in the room, protects against fading in sunny areas.
• Reinforced. Help protect against vandals and thieves. When reinforcing, a special mesh made of metal or transparent durable fiber is used.

Self-cleaning options also available. Thanks to surface spraying, the window will always remain clean. This is a good solution for blind doors in hard-to-reach places that cannot be washed without industrial climbers.

Since the window structure is made of plastic, it is necessary to solve the problem of cracks through which cold, draft and dust can penetrate. It is also required to compensate for the thermal expansion that occurs during heating or freezing.

Manufacturers use a sealing loop. It runs along the perimeter of the sash from the outside and from the inside. The double-circuit sealing system does not allow cold to enter the room, and keeps the heated air inside.

When the seal is selected and installed correctly, there will be no drafts in the room, and condensation on the window glass. The duration of use depends largely on the material of the seal. Among the popular ones:

• TRE. It is a thermoplastic commonly used in the manufacture of inexpensive windows. Adheres tightly to the surface, durable, reliable. Lack of material in a strong reaction to heating. At elevated temperatures and direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation, its service life is greatly reduced. Therefore, an open sash with a sealing contour of this type should not be left open when the sun is shining on it.
• Silicone. Less common than thermoplastic. Does not change elasticity under the influence of temperatures, designed for long-term use. It is quite expensive, less common on sale than TPE.
• Ethylene propylene rubber. Marked as EPDM. More accessible than silicone, used for a long time, resistant to temperatures. During installation, you will have to abandon self-replacement plans - it is not provided. For this task, you will need to call the wizard.
• Rubber. It's cheap and wears out slowly. Like thermoplastic, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Temperature fluctuations also harm the material.

Finding the best windows requires a balance. Sometimes it happens that during the use of a durable seal, you can change the contour of rubber or thermoplastic several times. As a result, at the start you pay less, but over the years of constant replacements, a large amount accumulates.

Fittings are a set of details that affect the convenience and duration of window use. Products help to open and close the window, fix it in the selected position for proper ventilation.

There are several basic types of fittings:

• Hinge. Responsible for the correct opening of the sash. Loops can be hidden or screwed. Overhead products are more often used in production. They can be collapsible or non-collapsible. It is allowed to use enhanced security tools - they help prevent strangers from entering the premises.
• Interlock devices. Provide additional protection for opening against breakage, tampering and other potential problems.
• Strikers. Placed along the perimeter of the frame from the inside. When they are in order, the sash fits snugly against the main frame. If there are breakdowns or violations of the installation, there will be drafts, cold in the room, condensation will form on the glass.
• Handles. Rotation helps to open the sash or fix it in a certain position. The strongest materials are made from aluminum alloys or steel. Additional protection against hacking is allowed.
• Corner switches. Made from high quality stainless steel. Allows you to move the sash to the tilt-and-turn position.
• Locking pins. They guarantee that outsiders will not enter the room. They also ensure smooth operation of the locking device.

Special locking fittings are also installed. The main one is needed in order to simply close the sash. Auxiliary provides additional protection against breaking, extrusion of the sash and other actions of intruders.

Many customers think that all PVC constructions are only available in standard white. This is not the case - there are many color options available to choose from.

There are two main methods for coloring the profile:

It involves applying a special film to the surface. It conveys a certain tone. This provides the best protection of the profile from scratches and other types of damage. The material perfectly repels water and does not fade. There are options with different textures that also effectively imitate wood and other materials.

There are three methods for painting plastic profiles:

• Co-extrusion method. The method is rarely used because it can increase the total cost of the window by a quarter. A decorative acrylic layer is applied to PVC. At the same time, a classic coating is not created - both layers are soldered and become a single material.
  There are several advantages to using this method - the high quality of the acrylic layer, protection from cracking and other damage options. Under the action of ultraviolet radiation, the material does not fade and retains its saturation for a long time.

• Sprayed. Used much more frequently. In this case, standard painting is carried out - special sprayers transfer very small drops of paint to the surface. The coating is uniform, without defects.
  The pluses include cost, speed of production. Thus, it is possible to create a different texture of the coating - glossy or matte.

• Color by weight. The dye is added to the plastic while it is still liquid. Stirring helps make the color even.
  The advantage is that there is no outer coating - PVC itself has the desired color. This prevents damage to the decorative layer. There are many color options available to choose from. All of them will be well protected from ultraviolet, gradual fading.

What should be a good window? In addition to good protection against cold, drafts, humidity and extraneous noise, you need to take into account the requirements for safety and ease of use. All this can be achieved with the use of additional accessories.

All special attachments are not normally supplied with the window system because they add to the cost. But when agreeing on an order or already at the operation stage, you can provide for an additional upgrade of your window.

Useful accessories include:

• Nets. They are installed on the window in order not to let insects into the room, to prevent pets or children from falling out. Manufactured from various high strength materials. It can be either metal threads or thin fiberglass. The attachment method also changes. So some of the most durable options are fixed on special fasteners or self-tapping screws. They are designed for years of use.
• Child protection products. Needed so that the child could not open the sash. They are performed using different methods. There are special locks that can be locked with a key. Opening stops are also provided.
• Combs. Increase ventilation comfort. They fix the sash in a certain position that you choose. Also required to protect pets and children from falling.
• Vent valve. In window structures, a different ventilation system is implemented. A convenient solution is to install a ventilation valve. It lets fresh air into the room. To organize ventilation, you do not need to open the sash, which is especially convenient in winter. A removable filter against dust, insects and other contaminants is placed in the valve. It can be removed and simply rinsed under running water.

Coordinating a set of optional accessories will greatly increase the usability of your window system.

Window sill is a plate that is located under the window. The slab completes the look of the opening. Also, the element is needed for thermal control - it closes the heating radiator, the correct microclimate is formed in the room.

When installing, it is important to consider the dimensions of the part. It should protrude from the wall from 5 to 10 cm. If you do not comply with this requirement, you will encounter a situation of heat transfer violation. Condensation will appear on the glass, the seal will need to be replaced sooner.

Depending on the type of window sill, the material changes. Among the most common:

• Stone. Looks nice, can withstand heavy loads. Weighs enough, dear. You can choose from many options for colors and textures - it looks impressive from the outside.
• Wood. Eco-friendly material. The wood is covered with a special varnish, impregnated with compounds that prevent rotting, cracking and other problems. Despite all efforts, it is likely that the period of use will be short. The most durable models are made from precious woods.
• Chipboard or MDF. These are wood-containing materials that need to be protected from condensation, strong heat. They can imitate wood, but at the same time they are less durable and will not withstand heavy loads. There are many colors, texture types to choose from.
• Plastic. A universal solution for installing PVC windows is the use of window sills made of similar material. It withstands a fairly large load, looks beautiful, and is well protected from heavy wear, fading, and other potential external threats.

Slopes and flashings are design elements of a window opening that protect it from numerous types of external damage. They are made of plastic, withstand strong mechanical stress, repel water.

It is important to take into account the requirements for the installation of ebbs and slopes. They help seal the structure and prevent drafts from entering the room. All installation work must be carried out by highly experienced craftsmen.

When deciding which plastic windows to install in an apartment, potential risk factors must also be taken into account. One of the most important is the probability of being hacked.

Apartments are often entered through windows. There are many options - break the glass, squeeze out the window. The special risk group includes several real estate options:

• Apartments overlooking quiet streets, courtyards - where there are few witnesses.
• Premises on the first or last two floors of a building.
• Windows near which fire escapes are installed, gas pipes or other structures are fixed, giving access from the outside.

Owners of suburban real estate need to be careful. In the private sector, thefts are especially frequent.

To prevent anyone from entering the apartment through the window, several basic methods are used:

• Installation of special fittings. It makes it impossible to force the method of penetration. Attackers will not be able to open the sash by extrusion or crowbar, or it will take them much longer.
• Installation of special glass. It can be hardened, armored or reinforced. Robbers and vandals cannot break it.

Do not forget about safety methods against children and pets falling out of windows. For this, special tightly stretched nets made of special materials, locks and opening restrictors are used.

A set of additional accessories is formed at the stage of choosing a window structure. You can also upgrade during use and supply additional fittings.

The rating of window companies in Moscow in 2022 will make it possible to understand whose profile is the most reliable. There are several main manufacturers that are consistently trusted by consumers:

• Rehau. A German company that has been producing profiles for over 50 years. It creates many design options - from budget ones to the most expensive multi-chamber ones with high insulating properties. Thickness of profile systems from 60 to 70 mm.
• KBE. Another German manufacturer of models with a system depth of 58 to 70 mm. The level of insulating qualities is high.
• VEKA. One of the largest window concerns in Germany, the main competitor of Rehau in the international market. The windows are of high quality, our own innovative technologies are used.
• Salamander. Product of German production. Less known in Russia, but distinguished by quality and environmental friendliness. PVC is reinforced using a special technology, which makes windows especially in demand in the private sector, where house shrinkage is likely. Mounting depth ranges from 60 to 76 cm.
• Trocal. A brand with a focus on sustainability. Greenline technology is applied. It guarantees that there will be no harmful impurities in the plastic composition.
• Proplex. A Russian manufacturer ready to offer a profile up to 127 mm thick. The advantage is that when developing solutions, climatic conditions were taken into account from the very beginning. This made it possible to increase the service life and insulating characteristics.

Our company is included in the rating of plastic window installation companies. When a client contacts us, we will select the best solution for him, answer all questions about the characteristics, installation features and other parameters. To call a measurer, leave a request on the website or call us at the indicated numbers. We give official guarantees, perform fast installation, provide service, upgrades and repairs.

Which plastic windows are the best in 2022

PVC windows are the most popular in glazing. Although their design looks simple, many details are hidden from view. Each element performs its functions and is the product of the most modern developments. Let's figure out which plastic windows are the highest quality. Let's define the main criteria for choosing the most reliable window systems. Let's designate the rating of the leading manufacturers.

Quality criteria for plastic profile

• Plastic surface . It comes in glossy and matte. In the first case, it is impeccably smooth, repels dirt well, and can be cleaned; in the second case, it is rough, gets dirty quickly, and is difficult to clean. Matte PVC is cheaper, but less convenient to use.
• Mounting depth . The standard for the European part of Russia is its value from 58 to 60 millimeters. A system of this depth is usually three-chamber. Models with 4-5 cameras and a mounting depth of 70 mm are installed for operation in strong winds, on high floors of buildings. Although it is believed that the more chambers, the warmer the window, for thermal insulation it is more important not the chamber profile, but the size of the chambers and the amount of air in them.
• The most demanded window systems are with three and five chambers. On the first or second floor of apartment buildings, in openings on the south or west side, in the absence of highways and autobahns, a three-chamber profile is usually installed nearby. On high floors, windows on the north, east side of the building facing the highway are made from a profile with 5 cameras. They effectively block noise, cold.
• The thickness of the outer walls of the frame and partitions inside. Depending on them, the profile is classified as class A (with outer / inner wall from 2.8 / 2.5 mm), B (from 2.5 / 2 mm), C (objective PVC suitable for use in non-residential premises) .

3- and 5-chamber profiles

• Chamber number is the number of chambers in a profile. They isolate heat and reinforce the frame. Protected from condensation (due to the temperature difference inside and outside the room) with moisture-wicking holes. The most popular windows with 3-5 cameras. If we talk about the European part of Russia, here in a quiet apartment on the sunny side of the house you can mount a three-chamber profile with an installation depth of 58 mm. It is better to glaze an apartment in a noisy quarter with windows on the north side of the building with a 5-chamber PVC profile. In harsh northern climates, a system with 5 or more cameras should be installed.

• metal reinforcement. Protects the PVC system from deformation. It is made of a steel contour with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm. Coated with zinc. The cross section of the reinforcing contour is U-shaped or square. The second type is more resistant to loads. Therefore, square reinforcement is used in large windows. It is not necessary to reinforce frames with a length of less than 80 cm.

High-quality PVC profile looks beautiful, without roughness and defects. It matches the opening in size, reliably insulates sound and heat. Noise and heat protection of the profile must meet the climatic conditions of operation of the glazing.

Window plastic is made from PVC. It is 66% chlorine of a type that is safe for health. Window PVC does not have a specific smell, it is resistant to winter temperatures up to -25 degrees. The material holds its shape well at high temperatures up to + 65 degrees.

Plastic windows have high moisture insulation. They can be mounted in the kitchen, in the bathroom, where the level of humidity is usually high. The tightness of the profile system is supported by a sealing contour fixed around the perimeter of the frame, double-glazed window. It is easy to replace when worn or damaged. For strong fixation of double-glazed windows, PVC glazing beads are used - plastic fasteners.

Several types of plastic are used in glazing:

• Connecting. Relevant for complex structures with beveled elements in various planes. They are found in winter gardens, bay windows, facade systems.
• Doborny. When the seat for a window of non-standard sizes, the profile is adjusted to the opening with additional plastic 2-10 cm wide.
• Stand, with 2-3 chambers. Allows you to securely mount ebbs and window sills, protects the system from damage during transportation. Typical value (in centimeters): depth - 2-4, height - 2-3, length - 60.
• Starter. It is applied at installation of slopes, and connection. It is fixed with adhesive composition, hardware. It happens with a section of different shapes (type F, I, L, LL).
• Drainage bar made of plastic. Protects glazing from moisture penetration when the profile is open. Suitable for any profile system, except for color.

To make the interior unique or harmoniously integrate a window into the exquisite architecture of the facade allows colored PVC for glazing. It is more expensive than white plastic, differs from it in its properties. On hot days, it heats up faster and stronger. In order to avoid deformation of the profile, it is made reinforced, even if very small parts are produced from colored PVC.

Acrylic paints are used for coloring plastic, lamination - a thin film, color sputtering. An elite profile in color is made from multi-colored plates of various shapes. The plastic surface is flat, corrugated, round.

Which plastic windows to choose, the accompanying documentation for them will tell you. The quality of windows is regulated by ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 standards. Strength standards are specified in international standards DIN 53453 and ISO 179-61, temperature resistance - in DIN 53460, ISO 306-68, PVC service life - in DIN 53387, and plastic hardness - in DIN 53456. An object profile for non-residential objects is either not marked at all, or is marked with the inscription "object".

Choosing double-glazed windows

Glass package — hermetically joined sheets of glass. It fills sashes with a minimum distance of 15 mm from the front plane of the window. It is better to choose a profile with a thickness of 50-70 mm with an 18 mm glass filling indent from the PVC edge.

Distance frames separating glass in a package are made of:

• aluminum,
• steel,
• made of plastic.

The coldest frames are aluminium, the warmest are plastic.

Thickness of glass packs

There are glass packs on sale with options:

• Energy efficient . With titanium and silver plating. Reflect heat from heaters into the room. They can be recognized by the reflection from the flame. Bring the lighter to the window, and a double reflection of fire will be visible in the energy-efficient double-glazed window. Moreover, the second is less bright.

• Sunscreen . Protect the room from heating due to intense sunlight. Covered with light absorbing film.
• Laminated (Armored) . Laminated glass is highly durable and impact resistant. Collapsing. it does not shatter into fragments, but only cracks. Good sound isolation.
• Multifunctional . With metallic coating. Reflect IR rays. Keep indoors up to 80% heat in winter. Keep the room cool in summer. Help save energy. They transmit light 20% worse than their counterparts.

• Hardened . Stronger than standard glass by 6-7 times. Resistant to mechanical shocks. When destroyed, they do not form sharp fragments.
• Reinforced. Reinforced with PVC mesh. Much more resistant to hacking.
• Self-cleaning . They are cleaned from pollution under the influence of precipitation.

Double-glazed windows vary in size. For residential glazing, packages of glass sheets 3-6 mm thick are used. Approximately 90% double-glazed windows are made with a system thickness of 24, 26, 32 mm. The minimum length of a high-quality double-glazed window is 30 cm. The maximum possible aspect ratio of the system is five to one. Packets with 1-2 chambers (cavities between adjacent sheets of glass) insulate heat well enough. 3-, 4-chamber analogues weigh a lot and are mounted less often.

For greater thermal protection, double-glazed windows are sealed around the perimeter, filled with krypton or argon. Do not know which plastic windows are better to choose among similar solutions? Compare their double-glazed windows by several criteria.

• Thermal conductivity . It is increased by a larger number of chambers in a double-glazed unit, an inert gas inside the chambers, and heat-shielding coating on the glass.
• Sound protection . It is higher if the system is filled with an inert gas, a wider spacer is installed.
• Safety . Less brittle glass is one that is tempered, reinforced with mesh or formed from several layers using triplex technology.
• Sun protection . Provided with mirrored or tinted glass. Such glasses block up to 50% of solar radiation.

A low-quality double-glazed window can be recognized by the following signs:

• No marking (indicating the trademark, production date, information about the configuration).
• Violation of the integrity of the double-glazed window . There should be no cracks or chips.
• Bad seal . There are cracks on the sealing polymer at the top.
• Incorrect proportions and dimensions. If the difference between the diagonals of the system is more than 3 mm, the glass package has an incorrect geometry. The thickness of the block measured with a caliper in several areas can differ by a maximum of 1 mm.

Choosing a sealing circuit

The seal maintains the tightness of the glazing, enhances sound insulation. It is pressed into the PVC grooves along the perimeter of the profile system. A double-circuit seal is applied on both sides of the sash. For a three-circuit analogue, the third circuit is mounted in the middle of the fold. The most popular seals are from:

Two- and three-circuit seals from REHAU

• Thermoplastic (TPE). They are flexible, easy to weld, compress, replaceable. But they quickly become unusable at extreme temperatures.
• Silicone. Wear resistant. Heat resistant. They are quite expensive.
• Ethylene propylene rubber. Heat and wear resistant. Cheaper than silicone counterparts. You need a master to replace them.
• Rubbers . Wear resistant. They are inexpensive. They can be changed without a contractor.
• Foam. Elastic, heat resistant. Good sound and heat insulation. Retain the original color for the entire service life. If damaged, they lose their operational properties. They are expensive.

We recommend a silicone or rubber seal.

Choosing glazing beads

The rail that fixes the double-glazed unit in the profile is called a glazing bead. It comes in round, rectangular and curly shapes. Single-chamber profiles are equipped with wide glazing beads, three- and four-chamber profiles are reinforced. You can order glazing beads based on your requirements for glazing design.

Which accessories for plastic windows are better

Fasteners happen:

• Swivel . Allows the sashes to rotate around a vertical axis.
• Sliding . Popular in balcony glazing. Provides for a profile shift in the opening along its plane.
• Hinged . Allows sashes to rotate up to 180 degrees, transoms to recline.
• Universal . With it, the sashes rotate around the axes vertically, recline horizontally. Their lower edge is fixed. To select an option, move the handle.

• Mounting plates . Mounted inside the frame in the amount of at least 4 pieces in the profile system, make it possible to tightly fit the sash to the frame.
• Incorrect handle rotation blocker. Helps protect fittings from breakage due to improper use of glazing. If the blocker is not installed, when the sash is folded down, the transom is held only by the lower hinges.
• Hinges. There are hidden (opening the profile less than 100 degrees) hinges, screw-in (fixed with pins), collapsible or non-collapsible linings. Also, linings are tilt-and-turn, reinforced burglar-resistant, rotary. Distinguish between upper and lower fastening loops.
• Handles. Brass, PVC-coated aluminum are stronger than those made only from plastic. Burglary-resistant models with a locking mechanism prevent the doors from being opened from the outside. There are flat and curly. Roto and Maco handles are the most durable.
• Corner switches. Allows the lock to be moved in the corners when the sash is tilted. Formed by several plates.
• Locking pins. Increase burglary protection. Mounted with slats without special settings, make the locking system move smoothly.
• Locking hardware. Allows you to close, open, tilt the profile window, that is, move the sash to different positions. There is a main one (depending on the type of fastener), an auxiliary one (responsible for a tight vestibule, located next to the hinges), an intermediate one. If the locking becomes loose or difficult, the locking mechanism must be adjusted.

Reliable window systems with expensive German fittings made of alloy steel - these are the best plastic windows. It's not worth saving on fasteners. This threatens with additional costs for window repairs soon after they are installed. Poor-quality cheap fasteners wear out quickly, can lead to damage to the window system, injuries. Fasteners of the brands Siegenia, Maco, Roto are known for their excellent performance.

Convenient accessories for glazing

For greater comfort, the window system can be supplemented with window accessories and additional mechanisms. Consider the most popular of them.

PVC frame filled with polyester mesh in different weaves. When the windows are open for ventilation, the mesh keeps dust, insects, specks, fluff, and serves as a protective screen. The frame is fixed in the opening on the mounting corners or using metal brackets.

Nets are available in rolls, with sticky tape, magnets. The first do not need to be removed from the window. They go up like curtains. But rolled nets are more expensive and harder to keep clean. "Mosquitoes" on the frame can be easily removed from the opening, cleaned, and can be put away in the pantry for the winter.

For homeowners with pets, window companies offer "mosquito nets" with a reinforced sheet. They are stronger and remain intact after being hit or scratched by cats.

It is installed at the top of the window system in order to allow air exchange when the windows are closed. You can adjust the air exchange rate. The ventilation valve is easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner, it is silent, does not require power from the mains. Some ventilation valves of the heat exchanger type are designed in such a way that they provide heating of the supply air due to the heat of the exhaust air.

With a comb that limits the interval of 1-7 cm between the leaf and the frame, it is convenient to regulate the air exchange. It serves as a fixator for the stepped abduction of the profile. Allows you to ventilate the room with a slightly open, securely fixed sash in the opening. The comb does not allow opening the sash wider than 7 cm from the frame to small children, pets.

Fixes the profile 6-8 cm from the frame. The interval is sufficient for the flow of air from the street. A similar element is the profile step abduction retainer.

The option is also known as "winter ventilation". Allows you to ventilate the room in winter without significant heat loss and drafts.

Provides airflow through the gap (the leaf is 4-5 mm away from the frame) at the top of the opening. The gap is formed when the handle of the window system is turned up 45 degrees.

To keep children safer, child locks are installed on the windows. They prevent small children from opening the sash more than adults did. More often they mount mechanisms that block the rotation of transoms. Also install handles of a removable type or with a locking mechanism, a key.

Window sills are not just decorative elements of glazing. This is a practical and functional part of the window. On the windowsill they arrange a home garden, a playground for a child, a cat's house, a storage of household appliances, an auxiliary countertop.

Window sills are made of plastic, wood, chipboard, stone, MDF. They come in a variety of colors, textures and sizes. More environmentally friendly and durable stone models. But they are expensive and weigh a lot. Wooden window sills are also environmentally friendly, they have a pleasant texture and beautiful colors. But wooden models wear out quickly, are expensive and vulnerable to moisture.

Products from MDF, chipboard are moisture resistant, not afraid of temperature jumps, ultraviolet rays. They are inexpensive. But such window sills are not very durable, they include chemical components (adhesive, with resins).

Plastic versions are the most practical. They are not afraid of moisture. They endure ultraviolet rays and temperature fluctuations with firmness. At the same time, the PVC profile is durable and inexpensive. It isolates heat well and is easy to clean. The load resistance of a PVC window sill depends on the number of stiffeners in it. The more of them, the stronger the window sill board.

TOP-10 window manufacturers

To make it easier for you to decide on the choice of glazing, here is a rating of plastic window installation companies in Moscow 2022. The most popular and high-quality products are the following brands:

What kind of plastic windows is better to put in an apartment? The choice is yours. In addition to the performance characteristics of glazing, consider your taste preferences, budget, location of the facility. In any case, the best windows are of high quality. You can order high quality windows in our company. We release them from the original REHAU profile. We install in openings of various shapes and sizes. To call a measurer for free, call us on the website or leave a request in the online form.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review #1

We had a very cold balcony in our apartment. The house is located in such a way that the wind blows all the time. We decided to install windows, on the advice of the master Rehau Grazio. The drafts have disappeared, the windows do not let anything through at all. Satisfied by 100%

Customer Review No. 2

I ordered Diamond windows in the shape of arches. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail, the windows are made perfectly. Installed quickly and without problems. Thank you for bringing the original design to life!

Customer review No. 3

When buying an apartment in a new building, we decided to immediately change all the windows, because. developers often save on this. We replaced everything with Rehau Thermo windows and made an insulated balcony. Were satisfied with the work, nothing blows, very warm.

FAQ

How long does it take to make?

We will make a standard white profile in 6-7 days, production of a profile with lamination will take from 10 to 14 working days.

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