When choosing replacement windows, you have lots of options to choose from. Some of the options are fixed and picture windows. Although both of these windows have a wide range of benefits that can make you consider them, you should note that a few factors differentiate them.

To help you choose one of these replacement windows, here is the difference between fixed and picture windows.

Fixed vs. picture windows: design

As the name suggests, a fixed window is a kind of window that cannot be closed or opened. It is a static window that provides your home with natural light that can make it look awesome and spacious.

A picture window is a form of a fixed window and also can neither be closed nor open. The main difference between these two types of windows is that the frames of picture windows are usually larger than those of the regular fixed windows.

Fixed vs. picture windows: placement

Although you can use a fixed window for most rooms, they are best recommended for family rooms, living rooms, basements, dining rooms, bathrooms, and other areas with vaulted ceilings.

On the other hand, a picture window is best suited for areas where you want to enjoy awesome outdoor views. Hence, it is good for your backyard and rooms that can provide outdoor views and bring natural light into your building.

Fixed vs. picture windows: benefits

If you are planning to get fixed or picture windows as replacement windows for your home, it is necessary to note their benefits.

Fixed windows allow natural light into your home and provide excellent views. They are easy to clean, secure, energy-efficient, and require low maintenance. Also, fixed windows are cheaper to use as replacement windows than picture windows. Furthermore, if you want to choose a window for floors above ground level, a fixed window is your best bet.

Otherwise, picture windows provide a more expansive view and usually look more beautiful than fixed windows.  Since they increase your home’s sightline, picture windows tend to make your home look bigger than it is.

Fixed vs. picture windows: drawbacks

Both picture and fixed windows have certain demerits that differentiate them. For fixed windows, they don’t provide enough ventilation; hence, you may have to rely on your heating and cooling system to be comfortable inside your home. Also, you can use these windows as a fire escape route.

Like fixed windows, picture windows also do not offer enough ventilation. However, the difference is that you can solve this problem by combining your picture windows with operable flanking windows. Unfortunately, you cannot do this for fixed windows.

It is worthwhile to note that you cannot clean the exterior part of these two types of windows from indoors.  So, you should think about this before choosing any of them as your replacement windows.

Having known the major differences between fixed and picture windows, it should be easier for you to select one. It is recommended that you take the time to check out the features, benefits, downsides, and placements of these windows before you choose one.