Designer Windows

Photo courtesy of Andersen Windows

When thinking about windows, whether you’re designing a brand new home, renovating an old one, building an addition or just sprucing up your current house, consider something beyond rectangles, squares and clear glass.

Larger companies, such as Andersen Windows and Marvin Windows and Doors, and small specialty companies, like SGO Classical Glass in Amherst, all have a wide variety of decorative window options that range from grille designs to stained glass overlay and intricately patterned glasses.

Photo courtesy of Andersen Windows

As Cameron Snyder of Andersen says, “There are a number of ways to go above and beyond a typical window.”

A beautiful option offered at Andersen Windows is art glass. With 11 glass designs to choose from, there’s likely something to fit your taste and home décor. The art glass collection includes the Artisan Series, the Classic Series and even a number of patterns inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Stained glass is a timeless and beautiful option for your home. The piece pictured above was designed by Christian Boyér of Boyér Interior Design. Boyér, who has worked as an interior designer in New England for more than 25 years, offers residential, commercial and liturgical decorating services. Visit

These panels are actually inserts available in a range of sizes designed to fit Andersen windows and patio doors. The inserts are easy to install and remove for maintenance and cleanings.

If art glass isn’t for you, grilles come in a number of pre-designed patterns and can also be custom designed for a truly unique look.

“If you can put it on a piece of paper,” says Snyder, “we can probably do it.”

There are both permanent and “easy clean” versions of grilles.

Photo courtesy of SGO Classical Glass

These are just a few decorative window designs offered at Andersen. By going online to

While a decorative window is beautiful in and of itself, many homeowners choose to install them as a way to increase privacy.

“We solve problems,” says Chris Landry of SGO Classical Glass. People love the look of natural light, he adds, but there are some downsides, such as windows over tubs and near showers that give passersby a little too much insight into your home.

Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors

Drapes aren’t always the best or most attractive solution, since they somewhat defeat the purpose of a window and often end up remaining closed. With textured glass or by using stained glass overlays, adds Landry, homeowners can keep the look of natural light and add an extra element of design to a room.

SGO Classical Glass began as a company by installing stained glass overlays, which are stronger and less expensive than stained glass, says Landry. Now the company has expanded to include a large range of options including slumped glass, laminated glass, etched or textured glass, window films, faux wrought iron and more. These days, adds Landry, stained glass overlay remains popular and accounts for about 40 percent of his business.

Whether you have a design in mind (like a favorite pet or flower, for instance) or want to find some inspiration, Landry and his staff often sit down with customers to create the right design for the home.

“Part of our job is to work with people to find what’s right for them,” says Landry. NH

SGO Classical Glass
(603) 577-9108
131 Rte. 101A, Unit 21
Amherst

Andersen Windows and Doors
Visit online for various New Hampshire locations.

Marvin Windows
(888) 537-8261
Visit online for various New Hampshire locations.