Table of contents:
- The return of the muntin bars
- Which windows do the muntin bars fit?
- When not to insert muntin bars?
- The colors of the windows with muntin bars
The return of the muntin bars
Traditionally, muntins, otherwise known as lamellas, appeared in wooden window frames. They combined smaller lenses into one, larger whole. Therefore, they fulfilled the structural function of the window. Along with the growing interest in cheaper PVC windows, their popularity gradually decreased, and instead of panes divided into smaller parts, large glazing without muntins began to be preferred. So for some time, investors gave up using them.
Fashion, however, is changing and what once ceased to be popular, after some time often begins to return to favor. This is also what happened with the muntin bars, which again began to be widely used in single-family housing, but more often they only had a decorative function. In some styles, they have even become an inevitable decorative accessory.
The muntin bars are available in various widths. They can be installed straight, diagonally and even curved. Everything depends on how they visually harmonize with the rest of the building.
Which windows do the muntin bars fit?
The muntin bars are currently mainly a design accessory, and less and less a constructional one, so when deciding to use them, it is necessary to take into account the aesthetics of the entire building and its interior.
The muntin bars do not match every architectural style. However, there are some where architects use them often and willingly. First of all, it is perfect for historic or stylized buildings , e.g. in downtown tenement houses. In such buildings, they will perfectly match wooden or PVC windows imitating wooden joinery, such as Wood Look .
The muntin bars can be used not only in historic tenement houses. Also, buildings that are typically rural or referring to the country style will aesthetically benefit from their assembly. The same applies to villas stylized as noble mansions.
There is a place for muntin bars not only in old buildings or investments for such stylized ones. Also, new houses in a classic style can visually benefit from such an addition, provided that such windows match the entire shape and general style of the building.
Not only the architectural style of the entire building matters. The muntin bars in the windows can significantly affect the visual perception of the room, so it is important that the interior design harmonizes well with them. Therefore, houses and apartments decorated in a rustic or industrial style can only benefit from such a decorative window accessory. The muntin bars will also fit well, for example, in loft apartments.
See: Muntin bars for PVC windows
When not to insert muntin bars?
The muntin bars do not work well in modernist and minimalist buildings. Thus, all kinds of office buildings, production halls, modern museums or other public utility facilities will rather do without this addition.
Their usefulness is similar in single-family housing. Where architects opted for a minimalist form and large glazing, dividing the panes with muntins should rather be avoided.
If we want high light transmittance and insolation of the room, we should also abandon the installation of muntin bars. To a small extent, but still noticeable, they limit the access of sunlight and affect the interior lighting. Thus, in such a situation, windows with large panes and no visual obstacles will be preferred.
The colors of the windows with muntin bars
Finally, it is worth considering the color of windows with muntin bars. Considering the fact that this accessory fits into classic or country style windows, the muntin bars will look great in wooden or PVC windows with wooden veneers. The choice of wood-like colors is very rich, so you will certainly be able to choose it to match the rest of the building.
Traditional white windows can also benefit visually by adding muntins to them. They look especially good when they are contrasted with the darker facade of the building.
Veneers imitating the aesthetics of metal structures are popular in minimalist and modernist styles. Matching muntins to such windows can be an extremely difficult task. So it is probably better to give them up then.
See: The full color palette of MS products more than WINDOWS
When deciding on windows with muntin bars, it is worth considering the overall style of the building and the aesthetics of its architecture. If it turns out that the muntins will fit, they will certainly enrich the visual effect and make their installation fully justified.
