Are you selecting which window grid patterns will work best for your home? Well, you have come to the right place in cyberspace. We have got you covered because our team is obsessed with all things windows. As a result, you find many window grid styles, sometimes called window grill, muntin, mullion, or pane divider.

Notably, some people use these grids for their aesthetic purpose. Meanwhile, something like an old-school window muntin or mullion provides vertical support to hold a big window in place. For example, muntin applies to inner vertical pieces in the window, while the outer pieces forming the frame are rails and stiles. They are supportive devices, especially for older buildings that could not carry the weight of a large window in the walls.

However, most window companies today do not make a distinction between the differences of the industry jargon because homeowners are not concerned about technicalities. Today, window manufacturers offer a variety of grid designs and may call them grilles, muntin, or dividers. Since modern buildings are more structurally sound, these window implements are included not for their supportive function but their aesthetic appeal.

These grids are partitions utilized to visually divide your window into smaller sections to make them look more pleasing to the eyes. You will find many styles, so it can be confusing to choose which suits your property best. We will discuss the different window grid patterns available so you can decide which one works best for your window replacements.

Explore The Different Styles

You cannot take your window grid pattern lightly because they affect the overall look of your home. Window grids have the power to improve the curb appeal of your house because it is a wonderful design element. Today, they no longer serve to provide structural integrity for your windows.

Instead, the window grid pattern you choose deals more with the theme of your home because it provides a certain aura as it divides the glass pane. You can find numerous standard grid designs, or you can have it custom-made, too. The major influencing factor for your chosen style is the architecture of your home.

There are numerous grid patterns available, so you can work with your window supplier to find the best one that suits your needs and preferences. Now, let’s explore the seven of the most popular grid patterns here:

Colonial Pattern

This grid-style evokes a classic feel. It will divide the pane into even and well-proportioned panes. As a result, you will have a window that looks beautiful and traditional. Typically, they divide windowpanes into nine, six, or four sections.

These segments create the appearance of smaller, individual windows within the larger frame. A popular choice for this look is the double-hung window design. However, it will also work well for large, static, picture windows that you do not operate. This colonial grid pattern is commonly found in these housing architectural themes:

  • Colonial
  • Cape Cod
  • Tudor
  • Victorian

This is the perfect choice when you want a clean look with a classic charm. It will do a great job of updating your old home or sprucing up a new custom-built one.

Farmhouse Pattern

This lives up to its name and evokes a casual vibe. This pattern is often in double-hung windows. It offers a conventional look as it divides the panes into four lites.

Though it is another classic pattern, it varies from the colonial grids because they are typically asymmetrical. The vertical angles appear taller and narrower. At times, they partition the top windowpane, while the bottom may not have a grid. This pattern is often found in:

  • Classic Farmhouse
  • Modern Farmhouse
  • Other Contemporary Styles

Decorative Pattern

As its name suggests, this grid pattern is a stunner. It is perfect if you want a particular window to stand out and make a statement. It does not have proportional grids like the colonial but follows a unique pattern.

It can look like anything, based on your choice, so you can mix and match squares, diamonds, or rectangles. This customized style can be crafted for you by a reputable window supplier. This decorative Grid pattern is often found in the Craftsman-Style or Queen Anne homes.

Modern Pattern

This is a perfect choice when you are looking for something simple, elegant, and minimalist. They are commonly in contemporary homes like ranch houses or modern eclectic beach houses.

This grid pattern can add interest when you desire a grid but want something more subtle. This modern pattern uses a simple design, featuring horizontal lines commonly found in large awnings or casement-style windows. Some refer to this as a “specified equal light” pattern because it provides equal light.

Prairie Pattern

Do not confuse this with the humble design of the Little House on the Prairie. In contrast, this unique prairie grid pattern offers a stunning design. The lines are found only in the top, sides, and bottom of the pane frame. As a result, the middle glass has a nice decorative touch with small squares and rectangle patterns surrounding it.

The center serves as the focal point as it is free of lines. At times, the top and bottom sashes may not even be framed symmetrically with the horizontal grid line. The choice is up to you as the homeowner.

You can find different types of prairie patterns like:

  • Perimeter or 6-lite continual prairie
  • Double perimeter or 15-lite double continual prairie
  • 9-lite prairie
  • 25-lite prairie

Notably, the prairie grid pattern is best for Prairie architecture. Some also assert that this pattern creates an illusion of a larger living area. After all, more light comes in through the center because the grids do not interfere with the rays.

Diamond Pattern

A diamond is a girl’s best friend, right? Well, in this case, the diamond shape design creates an impressive feature on your windows. It can also be your home’s new BFF. This pattern is detailed and used as accent windows for expensive homes because it makes the other windows stand out.

The diamond grid is often associated with classic European architecture. This looks conspicuous because of the stunning crisscrossing lines. It will work well for larger homes that have accent windows.

Craftsman Grid Pattern

When looking for something simple, the craftsman window grid pattern is the answer. This design is clean-cut and neat-looking with its bottom sash that is free from grids. Meanwhile, the top sash has two panes.

Because of its simple design, it will fit extremely well with many types of home architecture. However, if you desire something fancy or eclectic, you may find this design too bland and simplistic.

Again, no matter what pattern you choose, window grids will make your new replacement windows stand out. It will beautify both the interior and exterior of your home, so it is hard to argue against adding window grids. Window grids are a classic beauty that has withstood the test of time.

The Different Types of Grids

When talking about types of grids, we often refer to where they are in the window and how the grid is attached. There are many different ways to place the grid, such as: between the glass panes, outside of the glass, permanently secured with adhesive, or removable from inside the house for easy cleaning. Let’s take a look at each one below:

Full Divided

This type of grid has three parts to create the illusion of authentic individual lite. You will find applications on both the interior and the exterior. On top of that, there will be a spacer in between the glass. The layered grid element looks stunning because you carry the look from the exterior to the interiors. However, you cannot randomly change the grid without replacing the whole glass.

Simulated Divided

As its name suggests, this only simulates the look of the full divided lite. Although they look similar, the grid bars are only attached to both the exterior and interior. There is no spacer in between, unlike the full version. You can choose between a permanent versus removable simulation if you wish.

Between the Glass

This lives up to its name by offering an internal grid that is sandwiched between two glass panes. There are no external or internal grid applications. Clearly, this one is not removable, so if you want to change the grid pattern, you must change the entire glass. However, this is easy to maintain because you only need to wipe the glass panel and not worry about the crevices between the grids.

Removable

When you want something, you can easily take off for cleaning, this is the answer. You can also opt for this when you always like to change the look of your home. Notably, removable grids are on the surface of the glass window. You will commonly find it inside the home, making it easy to remove and modify the grid as you wish.

Different Grid Materials

When shopping for grids, the most common materials are vinyl, wood, or steel. Vinyl is an affordable and sturdy material that can withstand the test of time. Meanwhile, wood provides a classy look, but it is quite expensive. Maintenance is also a problem because once the waterproof seals wear off, the wood can warp with exposure to environmental elements. The worst-case scenario is wood rot or decay.

As for steel materials, aluminum is the lightest type of metal used for grids and one of the most affordable ones. However, it is not as durable as the other metals. Iron is the strongest material that proffers great security protection, but it can eventually succumb to corrosion. Finally, mild, or bright steel is also popular amongst manufacturers because it is a high-quality, strong material they can weld into different shapes.

Figuring Out the Grid Width and Profile

When talking about grid width, you are referring to its thickness. Meanwhile, the profile refers to the shape and size of the divider itself. When choosing the profile of your window grid, you must consider the clearance between the glass for internal grids.

You will find many kinds of profiles and widths that have a different window line and look for your home. For best results, choose one that matches the look of the window. Your grid must be proportional in size and shape. To give you an idea, here are the typical width sizes of window grids:

  • ⅝”
  • ¾”
  • ⅞”
  • 1″
  • 1-⅛
  • 1-½”
  • 2-¼”

Make Your Home Stand Out With Grids

There is no doubt that having window grids will improve the curbside appeal and make your home stand out. Though homes without grids look beautiful, there is something eye-catching when you have got a window with diamond or decorative grid patterns.

If you are thinking of replacing your old windows with newer ones with grids, you must consider several things. Should you live in an area covered by an HOA (homeowner’s association), you must first check the rule book if you are allowed to make this kind of renovation.

Another factor is the cost because grids will increase the price of the window. If you have a budget, some homeowners choose grids for their front windows and leave the sides and back as standard.

As a rule of thumb, the chosen window grid must complement the look of your home. For instance, some homeowners may have to forgo their grid pattern choices because it does not work with the building’s architecture. Hence, you must research first or ask your designer for sound advice.

You can also contact our team at North Shore Window Inc. Our product specialists can guide you on your window replacement and grid pattern selection. We can help you find the best products that meet your budget and style requirements to ascertain your dream windows become a reality.

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