In New Orleans, where afternoon Gulf rain showers roll in fast and the humidity rarely lets up, awning windows give Orleans Parish homeowners a rare advantage: you can leave them cracked for fresh air during a light shower without water sneaking inside. From Uptown doubles to Metairie ranch homes, the top-hinged sash sheds rain away from the room while stale, muggy air keeps moving. Here’s how to put them to work for natural light and airflow in your home.
Do you want to maximize natural light and airflow in your home? Awning windows are a great way to achieve both while still providing privacy. These special types of windows open outward from a hinged frame, which creates a “roof” over the window that blocks direct sunlight but still allows for some ventilation through the sides. Awning windows are unique because they bring in more airflow than other types of windows, while also allowing for more privacy than a typical window.
At Big Easy Windows, we understand how important it is for homeowners to have an effective ventilation system that also looks stylish and modern. That’s why we provide comprehensive guidance on how best to use awning windows for optimal natural light and airflow. Read on as we explain the basics of awning windows, their benefits, installation tips, and more!
Benefits of Awning Windows
Homeowners love the unique style of awning windows, which open outward from an upper hinge and provide plenty of advantages.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of awning windows:
- Increased ventilation: One of the main benefits of awning windows is that they provide excellent ventilation. When open, the sash of an awning window acts as a barrier against rain and other elements, while allowing air to flow into the room. This can be especially beneficial in rooms where you want to improve air circulation, like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Improved energy efficiency: Awning windows help keep your home cool through long, humid New Orleans summers and comfortable on cooler Gulf Coast nights. When closed, the sash of an awning window creates an airtight seal, which helps to prevent drafts and reduce energy loss. This means that your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can lead to lower energy bills.
- Increased natural light: Awning windows are often used in areas where natural light is desired, like in living rooms or bedrooms. Because the sash of an awning window is typically larger than other types of windows, it allows more natural light to enter the room.
- Enhanced security: Awning windows are more difficult to break into than other types of windows because of their design. When closed, the sash of an awning window is held securely in place by multiple locking points, making it more difficult for intruders to gain access to your home.
- Customizable design: Awning windows come in a variety of materials and styles, so you can choose the best option to match your home’s architectural style. They can be made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass and can be customized to fit a variety of sizes and shapes.
- Easy to use and maintain: Awning windows are easy to open and close, even in hard-to-reach areas like over a kitchen sink. They are also easy to clean, as the sash opens fully to allow access to both sides of the glass.
Proper Location for Awning Windows
When choosing the proper location for awning windows, it’s important to consider the unique features of each room and how the windows can be used to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
Here are some tips for choosing the right location for awning windows in your kitchen, bedroom, and living room:
Bedroom
Kitchen
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, where families spend a lot of time cooking, eating, and socializing. To maximize the benefits of awning windows in your kitchen, consider placing them over the sink or stove. This will ensure outstanding air flow for cooking and cleaning, as well as introduce natural lighting to make the area shine. In a New Orleans kitchen, that steady exhaust path also helps push out the sticky air that builds up when the stove and the summer humidity team up. Awning windows provide the perfect solution for a pass-through to your outdoor patio or dining area, allowing you to conveniently serve refreshments and meals to guests.
Living Room
The living room is a gathering space for family and friends, where you can watch TV, play games, and entertain guests. To create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, consider placing awning windows near the seating area. Illuminating the room with natural light and cleansing it of stale air, this feature will be an exquisite centerpiece to tie everything together. Awning windows can create a beautiful connection between your home’s interior and outdoor oasis. Open them to expose patios or gardens, infusing life into any living space!
Window Treatments for Awning Windows
Awning windows offer beauty and practicality, but the right window treatments can elevate both.
Here are a few options for window treatments that work well with awning windows:
- Roman shades: Roman shades are a popular choice for awning windows because they can be easily adjusted to control the amount of light and privacy. Whether you choose cotton, silk, or linen, curtains come in a myriad of colors and styles to fit any decor.
- Blinds: Blinds are a classic choice for window treatments and work well with awning windows. Blinds can be designed from wood, faux wood, or aluminum, and the slat size allows you to have complete control over how much light and privacy enters your home. With a few simple tweaks, these blinds can provide the perfect balance between airflow and seclusion.
- Sheer curtains: Sheer curtains are a great choice for awning windows because they allow natural light to enter the room while providing a layer of privacy. They come in a range of colors and patterns and can be easily opened and closed as needed.
- Valances: Valances are a decorative option for awning windows that can add a touch of elegance to your space. They can be made from a variety of fabrics and can be used alone or with other window treatments.
- Shutters: Shutters are a great option for awning windows because they provide excellent privacy and light control. From wood to vinyl, or composite materials and in a variety of hues and designs, you can find the perfect match for your home decor with these stylish options.
Awning windows are a great way to maximize natural light and airflow in your home. They can be placed near the bed, kitchen sink or stove, or living room seating area for maximum effect. Because the sash presses into the frame when latched, they also seal well when a storm blows through; for full hurricane protection, they can be ordered with impact-resistant glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can awning windows stay open during New Orleans rain?
During a light shower, yes. The top-hinged sash slopes outward and sheds water away from the opening, so you can keep fresh air moving through a typical afternoon sprinkle. Close and latch them when heavy weather or tropical systems approach.
Where do awning windows work best in a New Orleans home?
High on bathroom and kitchen walls, where they vent humidity while keeping privacy, and under large picture windows to add airflow without breaking up the view. Their compact sash also suits the narrow side walls of shotgun houses.
Are awning windows a good choice for hurricane season?
Their latching design compresses the sash against the frame, which resists wind-driven rain better than sliding styles. For protection from wind-borne debris, order them with impact-rated glass.
Awning or casement: which vents better in our climate?
Casement windows catch passing breezes better because the full panel swings open like a sail. Awning windows win on rainy days, since they can stay open when a casement would let water in. Many homes use both.
Whether you’re looking for peace and relaxation in the bedroom or want to create a more inviting atmosphere in the living room, let awning windows bring fresh air and natural light into any part of your home. Big Easy Windows installs awning windows for homeowners across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and Slidell. Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about the awning windows we offer.
