What Are Palladian Windows? One of the most romantic and beautiful types of windows ever is the Palladian window. Palladian is a European style of architecture attributed to Andrea Palladio, who was a 16th century Venetian architect. The Palladian window is one of the world's most recognizable and attractive styles of window available today. Though only derived from Andrea Palladio's true 'Palladian' window, which consisted of a central light with a semicircular arch over it, today's Palladian window is an enclosed three-light window that, just as Palladio's window did, features a central arched window as well as balanced rectangular lights on each side. Palladian windows are the stuff of romance and fantasy in many homes today in Arundel County and throughout the country, especially since they allow in just enough light to create a soft ambiance as well as a rich and enchanting style. If you're considering having any window replacement done in your Arundel County home, but you want an added bit of elegance and charm, the Palladian window may be the right choice for your home. History Palladian windows featured largely in Andrea Palladio's work, making them a major trademark of his architecture. Though they were used in the 1500s when Palladio was alive, Palladian windows began to become popular in the 17th century when these windows were updated into a style that became known as Palladianism. This style of architecture and window continued to advance and develop well into the 18th century. True Palladian windows typically are very large window structures that are divided into three tall, rectangular segments. In this style, the center window is the largest and is topped with an arched window. In America, one of the most famous uses of the Palladian window shows up in Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, for which he studied Palladian's writings and used his architectural principles. Palladian windows are sometimes also referred to as Venetian windows because Andrea Palladio was known for working in Venice. Advantages Arguably the biggest advantage of installing a Palladian window in a home today is the beautiful and dramatic effect it can bring to just about any house or in any room. Palladian windows are an elegant addition to a home because they are aesthetically pleasing, and also because they allow a lot of natural sunlight into a home. Because it is a piece of artwork itself, a Palladian window does not even really need to have window treatments added to it. Additionally, because it is often a focal point of a room, artwork often isn't even needed either in a room that contains a Palladian window. Palladian windows also allow homeowners to enjoy a significant amount of privacy because of their design, even while they allow in enough natural sunlight to be sufficient in a room. Disadvantages
One of the biggest disadvantages of a Palladian window can be the cost to install it. Because a Palladian window is not an average or standard window, it often takes more of a design implementation to install it. In today's designs, Palladian windows often include three picture windows, and the center window has an arched top, which can be more expensive than regular windows. Palladian windows also often have a thick molding that can be costly, and they can even include columns between frames that add to the expense. Additionally, Palladian windows aren't appropriate for just any type of architectural style. Some homes that have a more modern look won't necessarily look right with a Palladian window added. However, because they are not standard and can be designed to a homeowner's taste, this can be remedied in the design itself for a homeowner whose heart is set on having a Palladian window in their home. Palladian windows are a favorite choice for homeowners looking to do window replacements with an added bit of romantic and refined style. Palladian windows may not be right for every home's architecture, but if you're a homeowner in Arundel County who's looking for elegance in your window replacements, you may want to consider the luxury and romance of a Palladian window. For more information about Palladian and other types of windows, contact a top window replacement contractor in your area of Arundel County to schedule a consultation.