ᐅ Types of Windows: Single- or Double-Leaf, Which Widths – Experiences?

Jorobel schrieb:
I like floor-to-ceiling windows with a fixed lower pane. However, I decided against these because, as you mentioned, cleaning these windows is somewhat complicated.

What are the dimensions of your windows?

The windows have an installation width of 1.75 m (5.7 ft) at both the top and bottom according to the construction drawings.

Cleaning the windows is a bit more complicated, but it’s not dangerous. We use a device from Kärcher with a spray and squeegee attachment. You spray it on, wait 2 minutes, and then use the device to pull off the water. Done.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on the upper floor let in a lot of light and look really nice. The advantage of a fixed lower pane is that you can let small children play safely inside while still having a view outside (including tilting or fully opening the window). Of course, with floor-to-ceiling terrace doors upstairs, you need a safety grille, which is neither as attractive nor as affordable. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves. As you can see, floor-to-ceiling windows are visually impressive and look even better from the inside (nice and bright).

P.S.: Another disadvantage, as I shared: if you want to install pleated blinds, this element is quite expensive because the width of the blind determines the price (for us, one blind costs around €250). But you almost have to use them because anyone can look into the room from outside. Of course, roller shutters aren’t always kept closed...

On the ground floor, we have
2 x floor-to-ceiling windows, 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) high (bedroom, living room)
1 x floor-to-ceiling window, 4 m (13 ft 1 in) wide (2 m + 2 m fixed) (living room)
2 x floor-to-ceiling windows, 1 m (3 ft 3 in) wide (living room, utility room)
1 x 3 m (9 ft 10 in) lift-and-slide door (dining area)
1 x window with 94 cm (37 in) sill height, 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) wide with fixed sections above the sink (kitchen)
1 x window with 94 cm (37 in) sill height, 1 m (3 ft 3 in) wide (kitchen)
1 x window with 100 cm (39 in) sill height (?) and 0.75 m (2 ft 6 in) width (WC)
1 x front door with side panel, 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) wide (hallway)
1 x window with 94 cm (37 in) sill height (?) and 88.5 cm (35 in) width (master bathroom)

On the upper floor, we have
4 x windows with 40 cm (16 in) sill height, 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) wide, fixed bottom parts (children’s rooms, office, guest room)
2 x skylights (bathroom, upper floor utility room)
2 x windows with sill height (?) 0.75 m (2 ft 6 in) in the cold roof area

All windows that are 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) wide are double casement.

We are very pleased about the 40 cm (16 in) sill heights on the upper floor — airier than regular sill heights but more private than floor-to-ceiling windows (sounds odd, but it’s hard to describe).
The 4 m (13 ft 1 in) window in the living room makes the space very bright. The 3 m (9 ft 10 in) lift-and-slide door is very practical because it can be open without getting in the way (no idea if this will actually be used much in practice) — those are my impressions.

Windows with a 40cm (15.7 inches) sill height are quite interesting. They probably look very stylish. Definitely worth considering.

How high is the fixed part of these windows then? 50cm (19.7 inches)? So that the total height reaches the required 90cm (35.4 inches)? Or are the regulations different in this case? Because, in theory, children could climb onto the window sill and fall out more easily. Or am I mistaken?

Interesting thought - no, the fixed part is about 50cm (20 inches); but it seems fine. The windowsill isn’t that wide either.
Whether it looks nice is probably a matter of personal taste.

Payday schrieb:
ps: another downside shared: if you want to use pleated blinds, our panel is quite expensive because the width of the pleated blind determines the price (ours costs about €250 (around $270) for just one). But you almost inevitably need them because anyone can look into the room from outside.

Therefore, I often recommend windows with a 90 cm (35 inches) sill height. This also increases the options for placing desks, dressers, beds, and so on. I don’t find it very appealing when furniture pieces or cable clutter from the desk become visible in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.

We were told that windows larger than 1.20 m (4 feet) with only one sash (due to triple glazing) would be too heavy. Therefore, we chose all windows and doors larger than 1.20 m (4 feet) to have two sashes without a central mullion.