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Create Stunning Designs with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Floor to ceiling windows create architectural interest and allow in floods of natural light.

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ByEmily Grant

Published 2020-04-30

Contemporary gray home with high windows and pool in deck

Imagine sitting in your living room on a bright, sunny day with streams of light flowing in from floor-to-ceiling windows. The monumental windows make you feel as if you’re sitting in a grand room that opens to the outdoors. Beautiful window walls blur the lines between indoors and out and allow in an abundance of natural light. With both operable and non-operable window options, floor-to-ceiling windows create architectural interest for nearly any room in your home.

Wood frame windows behind dining table with lake view

What Are Walls of Windows?

Floor-to-ceiling windows, commonly referred to as walls of windows, are made up of a combination of large windows that give the appearance of a glass wall. Typically, window walls are made of a combination of picture windows and awning windows. Depending on your design goals, home style and desired sightlines, other types of new construction windows can be used in these combinations, such as double-hung or casement windows.

Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, allowing in sunlight and, with operable windows, a fresh breeze. Because large walls of windows require special structural considerations, floor-to-ceiling windows are normally only seen in new construction homes.

black framed floor-to-ceiling windows in bedroom

Where You Might Find a Window Wall in a Home

Walls of windows can be found in nearly any room, but they are most common in living rooms, kitchen and bedrooms. Living rooms and kitchens are common places for gathering, and window walls blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Corner floor-to-ceiling windows add design interest in living rooms and kitchens. The large amounts of glass allow in more light and can help make rooms feel larger. In bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows can create a calm and serene environment for relaxing.

Floor to ceiling windows on both walls of a corner home office

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows That Open

While floor-to-ceiling windows are commonly created with fixed, or non-operable windows, you can create unique designs with operable windows. Consider pairing an operable awning window with a casement window above to create a beautiful, large window wall. For windows that are in a place that is easier to reach, single-hung and double-hung windows are a great option. Stack several single- and double-hung windows together for a floor-to-ceiling window combination.

floor to ceiling window kitchen barstools natural light

An Abundance of Natural Light

For a bright and welcoming space, floor-to-ceiling windows allow in streams of natural light. Window walls are used in both modern and traditional settings, although they are more common in modern homes. Minimal sightlines paired with large amounts of glass create a wall that is virtually invisible, helps make a room feel larger and helps create a welcoming environment for indoor and outdoor living. While walls of windows are typically more expensive than a regular wall, they are a mark of grandeur and elegance.

Creating Architecturally Interesting and Energy-Efficient Homes

Adding grand floor-to-ceiling windows to your home will help add architectural interest and character while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency. These walls of windows have the ability to complement any style of home, from modern to traditional and everything in between.

Bedroom with floor to ceiling windows that extends into entryway

Complementing Various Home Styles

Depending on what you choose for the material, features and options, your floor-to-ceiling windows can meet a variety of design styles. For a traditional and historic home, consider the beautiful wood windows. Made with historic detailing and architect-inspired hardware, these traditional windows will be a beautiful addition. Modern homes are complemented with narrow sightlines and clean, sleek hardware. These custom modern wood windows are available with clean lines and architect-inspired hardware.

Pella Lifestyle Series windows are a perfect option for transitional homes – ones with both modern and traditional detailing. They are designed to deliver exceptional performance and create unique room-by-room solutions with performance options and time-tested innovations. For a timeless look, consider using Pella Impervia® windows in your floor-to-ceiling combination. They’re made from our proprietary fiberglass material which delivers unmatched strength and lasting durability for sleek, timeless style.9

Depending on the material you choose and features and options you select, we have windows available at a variety of price points to meet your design and budget needs.

Energy-Efficient Windows Keep Your Home Comfortable

Floor-to-ceiling windows from Pella are available in three energy-efficient materials — wood, fiberglass and vinyl. Each material has its own set of unique benefits that help keep your home comfortable, all year round. These large glass windows will allow in warm sunlight in the winter, and help keep cold air in your home during the summer.

Wood windows are made from a naturally energy-efficient material. Optional triple-pane glass and foam insulation, available on select products, help to further increase your floor-to-ceiling windows’ energy efficiency. In fact, certain Pella Reserve and Pella Architect Series windows have been certified by Passive House Institute, US (PHIUS) for use in a passive home. A passive house is incredibly efficient and comfortable, and uses only small amounts of energy for heating and cooling.

Fiberglass windows are made from our proprietary fiberglass material and are incredibly energy-efficient. They’re available with optional triple-pane glass and foam insulation, and feature products that will meet or exceed ENREGY STAR® guidelines in all 50 states.1 With fiberglass floor-to-ceiling windows, you can get outstanding resistance to water, wind and outside noises all while increasing energy efficiency, security and ease of operation.

Vinyl windows are created from our exclusive vinyl formula. Multi-chambered frames feature pockets of air that help slow the transfer of heat, keeping your home more comfortable. Pella 250 Series windows are designed with an exclusive energy savings system, which includes optional triple-pane glass and foam insulation, along with a multi-chambered frame. Our multiple insulating frame chambers and exclusive weather repel system deliver energy efficiency while channeling water away from your home. Upgrade to optional triple-pane glass to maximize your home’s energy efficiency and reduce outside noises. Add optional foam insulation to further improve energy efficiency.

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow in floods of natural light and add interest to your home and are available in a variety of styles made from your choice of three materials. 

Schedule a free consultation to find windows and doors for your home.

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