Grids or No Grids in Windows

Grids or no grids in windows? That's a question homeowners often ask when considering residential window designs and costs. Are grids in windows worth the additional cost? We'll discuss that and more in this post. 

Use the links below to skip ahead:

• What are window grids?
• Muntins vs mullions
• Window grid patterns
• Window grid types
• How much do window grids cost?

What are Window Grids?

Let's start with the lingo. If you haven't heard the term 'window grids' you may be familiar with 'window grilles' or 'window muntins'.

• Grids
• Grilles/Grills
• Muntins

Window grids are a decorative element that make the window glass look as though it is divided in multiple sections. When purchasing new windows you'll face the decision of grids or no grids and you may wonder if grids have a functional purpose. Grids in modern windows are just a decorative feature. Today's grids are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic and they can be applied to windows in many ways.

Most windows in newer homes are at least a double pane window, double pane windows have two sheets of glass in a sash. If the window has internal grids, the grids will be located between the panes of glass. 

Windows in older homes may have muntins instead of grids. Muntins are bars of wood or metal that separate and hold panes of glass in a window sash. Unlike modern grids, muntins do serve a functional purpose. Muntins allowed window makers to sell larger windows at a time when window glass was made in much smaller pieces.

While there are challenges with building large high performance residential windows today, making large sheets of glass and insulated glass units is much easier than it was in the 17th century. A standard window today has a double-pane glass unit which includes two parallel panes of glass in one sash and windows with muntins are similar to modern single pane windows. The difference between single pane windows and windows with muntins is that modern single pane windows are made with one sheet of glass while windows with muntins have multiple panes arranged in intersecting right angles filling the sash. 

Muntins vs Mullions

What about mullions? Although, mullions aren't grids, the term often comes up in discussions on window grids. Muntins and mullions are often confused because the words are so similar but they aren't actually the same. While muntins hold small panes of glass together, mullions hold window units together. 

Window Grid Patterns

Window grids are available in multiple patterns. The name of the pattern may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but they generally fall into three categories; standard patterns, specified equal light patterns, and custom patterns.

Standard Patterns

The most commonly used patterns are included in the standard patterns category because most manufacturers won't deviate from these names. 

• Colonial
• Prairie
• Diamond

Specified Equal Light Patterns

Specified equal light patterns fall somewhere between colonial style and a custom pattern. The specified equal light just means that the grids are placed in a way that equally divides a pane of glass. You might ask for this option if you want to design a window that looks like it's made with three stacked panes of glass, a look that's popular in contemporary design. 

Custom Patterns

Creative custom patterns perfectly complement the artsy and extravagant features of craftsman and victorian homes. You may be able to work with your window manufacturer to design custom patterns or choose from pre-designed nontraditional patterns.

Window Grid Types

In addition to window grid patterns, you should also become familiar with window grid types there are generally two types of grids. 

1. Grids between the glass
2. Simulated divided lite grids (interior, exterior, and internal grids)

Beyond window grid types, some companies also offer decorative grid profiles. Imagine, a simple grid is essentially a piece of wood or plastic cut into the shape of intersecting rectangles but decorative grid profiles will vary in shape. 

How Much Do Window Grids Cost?

Adding grids to your window design will increase the price of each window. The more decorative the grids the more expensive it will be. For example a window with simple grids between the glass an increase the cost of the window by at least 8% and windows with very decorative grids can cost upwards of 40% or more.

Let Your Decision Be Crystal Clear

Choosing between grid vs no grid windows is a personal preference. Is your home traditional or contemporary? Do you want unobstructed light or energy efficiency? Are grids a must-have or would you prefer to save a little money? Make sure you weigh your options before you decide.