IN THIS POST
- What is a greenhouse window?
- Greenhouse vs bay window
- Considerations for greenhouse windows
- Pros of garden windows
- Cons of garden windows
- Materials used for greenhouse windows
Have you ever come across pictures of plant-filled sunrooms or modern greenhouses and wondered how you could possibly add one to your home? While there are a lucky few who have enough space in their gardens or houses to make such grand renovations, many of us do not have this luxury. However, if you love decorating your home with indoor plants or want to start your own kitchen garden, adding greenhouse windows to your house could be a more cost-effective alternative yielding similar results.
These unique windows serve as miniature greenhouses, allowing houseplants to thrive as they soak up the sunlight. It is also an ideal choice for those who want to keep their beloved plants alive year-round, as greenhouse windows keep the potted greens safe from cold drafts while ensuring they receive sufficient natural light.
If you have a green thumb or want to incorporate nature into your home, keep reading to learn more about these sustainable architectural structures.
What is a Greenhouse Window?
More commonly referred to as a garden window, this structure is the next best thing for homeowners who dream of adding a greenhouse to their backyard. Instead of being located outside the house, this structure extends off the wall at a 90-degree angle like a box and usually features a slanted glass roof to allow bright light directly into the space.
The length and width of the window may vary with each architectural style, but it typically has enough space for homeowners to place their potted plants underneath the glass roof. Some greenhouse windows may also have shelves for herbs and succulents, as they tend to be lighter in weight and can easily grow on a wooden plank hanging by a few nails.
Windows that are larger and deeper may also be used to cultivate a few varieties of fruits and vegetables from the convenience of your home. A kitchen greenhouse window can be extremely resourceful for those who like adding fresh ingredients to their meals. In addition, these spaces allow one to enjoy nature at its finest without exposing themselves to harsh weather conditions.
Difference between Greenhouse Windows and Bay Windows
It is not uncommon for homeowners to get confused between bay windows and greenhouse windows, as they both could have a similar appearance. Moreover, they both let in plenty of sunlight and create a window nook that can be used to set up creative window seats.
However, fundamentally, these windows serve different purposes and feature distinct architectural details.
| Greenhouse Windows | Bay Windows |
| Stretches out of the house at a 90-degree angle | Stretches out at a 25- to a 45-degree angle |
| Has a slanted glass pane for the roof | Does not have a separate roof pane |
| May use four to five window panes | Uses three window panes on average |
| Often outfitted with shelves for smaller plants | Generally larger than greenhouse windows |
Now that we know about the difference between garden windows and bay windows, let’s discuss a few things one must take into account before adding the former to their home.
What to Keep in Mind Before Installing a Greenhouse Window?
There are a few things one must consider before deciding on greenhouse windows for homes. The first item on the list is the availability of space. As a homeowner, you must determine whether your home has enough space for a garden window. It is also worth mentioning that these structures come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to worry about dedicating an entire wall to this passion project.
Nevertheless, please consult an expert to figure out if the walls of your house will be able to handle this type of renovation without undergoing any damage. You may also have to make sure you are not breaking any housing society bylaws by making such a drastic (though aesthetically appealing) change to the façade of your property.
The second thing you must take into account is the orientation of your house. Garden windows need to be constructed on the side of the home that receives the most sunlight. In other words, you may want to add this window to an east-facing wall to ensure maximum exposure to the sun.
Last but not least, you may want to do some light research on which houseplants are better suited to the climate and require indirect sunlight to grow. You can also choose to grow flowers, fruits, and other types of flora inside these structures.
What Are the Pros of Greenhouse Windows?
Here are some of the most noteworthy pros of greenhouse windows that you should know about:
Brighten Up Your Space
They illuminate the space by allowing more to enter the room. Compared to a flat window, these windows are an excellent source of natural light and provide more fresh air when opened.
Work Like an Actual Greenhouse
The box-shaped design of garden windows allows homeowners to control the temperature and humidity, much like an actual greenhouse – except this one is situated right inside your room.
Create an Illusion of a Bigger Room
These structures can not only make your home feel brighter but also create an illusion of a larger space. They are also visually appealing and can serve as the focal point of any room.
Good for the Health and Environment
Greenhouse windows are not only pretty to look at but they are also good for your health. Apart from the plants purifying the indoor air and removing pollutants from the environment, the large glass panes allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of the outdoors, which could have a positive impact on your mind and body.
On a side note, the focus on wellness is expected to be a recurring theme in interior design trends for 2023. Feel free to check out our blog to learn more.
What Are the Cons of Greenhouse Windows?
Like everything else, greenhouse windows for homes also come with a few drawbacks.
Not Energy-efficient
Garden windows may add value to your home, but they are not very energy efficient. The large expanse of glass offers little protection against harsh sun rays, which could make your house feel several degrees hotter during the summer months. However, the best way to counter this problem would be to install high-quality glass panes that offer improved energy efficiency.
Could Cause Structural Damage
If not installed and supported properly, these structures might cause structural problems in the long term. Therefore, make sure to get in touch with a professional to avoid bends or cracks in the wall, which could lead to hazardous situations.
Materials Used to Build Greenhouse Windows for Homes
Interior design experts use a diverse range of materials to create garden windows for the kitchen and other parts of the house. Nonetheless, when it comes to the frame, treated wood and steel are considered the most durable materials, followed by fibreglass and aluminium, which also enjoy immense popularity.
It is important to understand that greenhouse windows are prone to leakage and receive a lot of sunlight. Therefore, it is wise to choose materials that remain unaffected by the harsh gazes of the sun, are highly resistant to moisture and humidity, and can bear the weight of potted plants.
Meanwhile, there are different qualities of glass available in the market depending on your budget and lifestyle requirements. You can opt for expensive glass panes that are heavier and generally have a longer lifespan or choose a cheaper alternative with a similar appearance yet possibly lower life.
Furthermore, please note that the price of glass window panes varies according to their toughness and transparency. However, if you are looking for something other than crack, acrylic and clear rigid plastic could be good options.
To conclude, garden windows could be an excellent addition to homes in Pakistan. They are not only an affordable and space-saving substitute to building a greenhouse or a sunroom, but they also add to the aesthetics of your house and allow you to grow your favourite plants with utmost convenience.
In the meantime, if you enjoy gardening, here are a few guides that you may find helpful.
- Amazing Tips for Home Gardening with Kids
- Some of the Best Tools for Home Gardening
- Advantages of Having a Kitchen Garden
This brings us to the end of our blog on greenhouse windows for homes. For more home décor and interior design tips, please stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can also reach out to us by emailing at blog@zameen.com. Moreover, don’t forget to like our Facebook page to receive the latest updates about the real estate industry.
