Choosing the Best Office Windows for Your Home Workspace

Whether you work from home or simply have a dedicated space for doing things you love, like reading, writing or crafting, windows can make all the difference for your workspace. Inviting more natural light and fresh air into your space, office windows can help create an inspiring environment and maximize productivity.

When it comes to creating an inspiring home office, ensuring it is clean, safe, comfortable and distraction-free are basic requirements. What often gets overlooked though is the natural light brought in by home office windows. Windows for offices should provide suitable lighting, as a dark workspace can strain your eyes and a workspace that is too bright can cause glare on your computer screen. According to a Forbes article about the effects of workspace lighting on mental health, “often just 13-15 mins of exposure to natural light are enough to trigger the release of endorphins or ‘happy hormones.’” It shares there is sufficient evidence showing that a person’s well-being can be hugely improved by bringing more natural light in with large windows.

For those who spend part of their day on video meetings, natural sunlight is also the best lighting choice for your virtual calls. When taking video calls, we recommend placing your desk so that you can see out of a window, rather than having the window as your backdrop. This allows the light to naturally disperse across your face without washing you out.

Another factor to consider when choosing windows for offices is your desire for ventilation. Depending on the type of window, panes can open and close to offer a refreshing breeze when you need a breath of fresh air to stimulate bright ideas.

Casement windows are perhaps the most popular choice for a home office. Hinged at the sides, casement windows open outward, providing a clear view of the outdoors. They are coveted for their ease of operation and frequently installed in spots that are difficult to reach.

Casement windows have become a staple of home offices as they provide a clean and uncluttered look. The simple design of casement windows helps create a well-lit and comfortable atmosphere. They open up your home office with more natural light and fresh air, encouraging productivity.

In addition to function, style is also an important consideration when choosing a window. Casement windows with grilles are great for traditional home offices. Without ornamentation, casement windows can provide a sleek look that would feel right at home in a more contemporary setting. Depending on the color palette of your space, windows also present an opportunity to incorporate color through the interior finish and hardware selections.

Single-hung windows are another classic choice. The bottom sash of a single-hung window moves up and down, while the upper sash is fixed in place. Double-hung windows are a bit more versatile because both the top and bottom sashes can be opened to increase air flow.

Single-hung windows generally cost less than their double-hung counterparts, and thus can be a cost-effective solution if you are designing your home office on a budget. Don’t underestimate the benefit of improved air flow that double-hung windows can provide, though. The additional ventilation capability of double-hung windows helps circulate air in the office.

In addition, the sashes of double-hung windows can be tilted down and in so you can clean the entire exterior of your windows from inside the office. This makes window cleaning simpler and more convenient, especially if your home office is not on the ground floor of your home.

If your home office is limited on space, sliding windows are a simple solution. Sliding windows glide open horizontally from one side to the other, requiring no additional space to operate. Offices that overlook a walkway, patio or porch also commonly feature sliding windows, as there is not space for the window to swing open outward.

Not only are sliding windows great for tight spaces, but they are also easy to use and require minimal maintenance. You can’t go wrong by keeping it simple with an office sliding window.

Finding the right window treatments for your home office is very important when you consider how sun glare can reflect on your computer screen and affect your ability to make out details. Integrated shades and between-the-glass blinds give you both privacy and control over the amount of sunlight allowed in your space.

Both options are cordless, which is recommended if you live with children or pets. Tucked between panes of glass, Pella’s shades and blinds feature raise-and-lower functionality and are protected from dust, harboring fewer indoor allergens than roomside window treatments.

There are several home office window ideas to consider when designing a work environment conducive to productivity. Explore all your options before deciding on what works best for your home office. Ready for new windows for your home office? Get in touch with a local Pella expert near you.