Good windows can make any room look stunning, so you can be tempted to go crazy and spend most of your renovation budget on windows alone. If you have the budget, why not get the best, but the good news is you can still make beautiful rooms using less expensive windows.
A good way to make a room look expensive at a fraction of the cost is to mix standard sized windows with customised highlights. This gives you the best of both worlds, with the major part of the window being a large standard size and the smaller custom parts being less expensive. You can also create the look of customised full height windows by adding an infill panel at the bottom of the window section so it can reach the ceiling.
Deciding on the window frame material is also key. The two main options are timber and aluminium with brushed steel a third, yet pricey option. Aluminium is of course cheaper than timber and comes in a range of finishes and colours. It requires basically no upkeep and does not warp with temperature variations. The downside of aluminium is that it can look a little stark if left unpainted and the thermal properties are not as good as timber as timber.
Timber is an elegant option that can give warmth and character to a room but can cost substantially more. A good budget conscious option is to use Victorian ash timber windows which are much cheaper and come pre primed to reduce painting costs.
There are many options when it comes to suppliers depending primarily on the budget. Brio are some of the best in the business with many years of experience primarily with bifold doors and accordion style windows which can really open up a space. All their window frames whether timber or aluminium use top quality door hardware and stainless steel bearings for years of smooth function.
With windows being one of the largest factors in cold and heat entering and exiting a house it makes sense to opt for double glazing in all your windows. These days the cost is really surprisingly small and the benefit immense to both your comfort and the environment.