Top 6 Window Styles for Maximizing Natural Light in Your Home
Natural light makes everything better. Rooms feel bigger, energy bills are a little lower, and your home just feels better to be in. The key is choosing the right windows to make that happen, especially in mid-Michigan, where sunlight can disappear for a week straight.
At Visionary Builders, we install windows that do more than look good. They perform. They keep the cold out, bring the light in, and hold up for years. If you’re looking to brighten things up, here are five window styles that get it done without messing up your comfort or your budget.
1. Picture Windows
All the views. None of the draft.
Picture windows don’t open. That means no breeze, but it also means fewer leaks and better energy efficiency. Big fixed glass brings in a lot of natural light and makes a room feel bigger and more open.
Best for:
Living rooms or family rooms
Stairwells or entryways
Anywhere you want lots of sunlight without extra fuss
We install picture windows with high-performance glass, so you get the light without the drafts in winter or the heat build-up in summer.
2. Bay Windows
More light. More space. Better view.
Bay windows are made from three or more connected panels that extend outward from your home. They catch sunlight from different angles and add square footage to the room.
Best for:
Breakfast nooks and kitchen seating
Home offices or reading corners
Anyone who wants more natural light and a better-looking room
Bay windows look great and feel bigger. We make sure they’re installed tight and sealed properly so they work year-round in Michigan’s weather.
3. Double-Hung Windows
Clean look. Great airflow. Classic choice.
Double-hung windows are one of the most common styles for a reason. They open from both the top and bottom, which makes it easy to adjust airflow while still letting in plenty of light.
Best for:
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Living spaces on any floor
Homes that want a simple, solid option
4. Single-Hung Windows
Simple, reliable, and gets the job done.
Single-hung windows look a lot like double-hung windows, but only the bottom sash opens. They are a solid choice if you want a clean look, natural light, and a window that is easy to use and easy to maintain.
Best for:
Smaller bedrooms
Guest rooms and garages
Homeowners who want good light without needing two moving parts
These are budget-friendly and energy-efficient since there are fewer moving parts to worry about. We install them with the same care and sealing as any other window, so they hold up just fine through Michigan winters.
Our double-hung windows are built for energy efficiency and installed to last through every season.
5. Awning Windows
Let in a breeze. Keep the rain out.
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. That means you can leave them cracked open even when the weather turns. They are especially useful in smaller rooms or as a backup to bigger fixed windows.
Best for:
Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
Smaller rooms with limited wall space
Mixing with picture windows to get both light and airflow
Our awning windows are weather-tight, easy to open, and built to hold up when the weather does its thing.
6. Transom Windows
Add more light without using more space.
Transom windows sit above doors or other windows. They don’t open, but they bring in light and add a custom look to your home.
Best for:
Entryways and hallways
Paired with sliding doors or double-hung windows
Areas where full windows don’t fit, but more light is needed
They are small, but they make a difference. We’ll help you choose the right spot to get the most out of them.
Why Homeowners Trust Visionary Builders
When we show up to install windows, we’re not guessing. We know what works for Michigan homes and how to do the job right.
Licensed and insured crew
Honest recommendations
Energy-efficient materials
Solid installation and real guarantees
We don’t cut corners and we don’t disappear when the job is done. We treat your house with respect and your time - because it matters.
Want more natural light without the headaches?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through your options and make it simple to upgrade your windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Nothing, it's 100% free and includes documentation you can use for your claim.
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No, you have the right to choose your own contractor. Visionary is your advocate, not theirs.
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It’s a formal request for additional scope of work coverage on damage that is discovered and not on the insurance companies estimate. If something is missing from the insurance estimate, we go to bat for you.
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It depends on your policy, but we can review it with you and help take quick action if you're still within your window.