Whether it’s for capturing a stunning vista outside, letting in maximum natural light, or adding a streamlined and modern design, a corner window is a stunning statement in a home’s design. However, adding corner windows can be a challenge, particularly if they aren’t planned for in the initial stages of a project.
But when an uninterrupted view is important to you … well, you’ll have to get creative. And that means learning more about all the types of corner windows available to you. In this article, we’ll cover different types of corner windows and details about installing them.
Types of Corner Windows
Corner windows are sometimes called “cornerless” windows because they replace the corner of the wall with glass. However, not every corner window can be installed the same way. Learn more about the three most common types of corner windows, glass on glass, coupled, and TonyView windows.
Glass on Glass Corner Windows
This is the type of corner windows most people think of. With no mullion in the corner to provide structural support, these windows rely on cantilevers within the structure itself to bear the load. The glass does not bear any load but its own weight.
These windows make for stunning, expansive glass walls, but cantilevered construction is expensive, and not always possible depending on the design of your home. In an existing space, adding a cantilever to support these fully glass “cornerless” windows is often cost-prohibitive.
Coupled Corner Windows
A coupled corner window is simply a framed window, typically with wood, that has a mullion in the corner for support. Though this type of window is suitable for a corner, it doesn’t offer a fully unobstructed view, due to the necessary vertical super where both sides meet. However, this option is easier to install, and does not require special engineering. They can be manufactured with sleek trim, so the sightlines are very narrow, and these look more like traditional windows, which can be the right choice when blending architectural styles in an existing home.
TonyView Windows
TonyView Windows are a new entrant to the corner window market, and offer the concept of an uninterrupted view with the structural integrity of a coupled window. With a patented design and is ICC-ES Certified, which means it has been independently evaluated and confirmed to meet the highest standards for safety, structural integrity, fire resistance, and energy efficiency.
TonyView windows are created with ultra-light structural aluminum, which allows them to support up to three stories, while offering an unencumbered view. This strong yet sleek material offers a seamless look that can merge into any style, traditional to modern.
In addition to energy efficiency, TonyView windows are designed for different climates, with the flagship window being perfect in warm and dry conditions, with a cold weather prototype currently in the works.
Corner Windows for New Builds & Existing Homes
When you want a corner window, whether it’s for a sunroom, primary suite, or living area, the type of window you choose will depend on whether you are designing from the group up, adding on to your home, or retrofitting an existing space.
When building a new home, you can choose any type of window you like, though a glass-to-glass corner window will be the most expensive option due to the engineering and installation demands of the cantilevered design.
Can You Retrofit a Home with Corner Windows?
The short answer is yes, but it really depends on what type of window you choose.
If you are set on glass-to-glass windows, a retrofit installation will require major structural work. That means it’s less of an installation and more of a full-scale construction project. If you are already adding on to your home, it’s possible to plan ahead for this type of window.
That’s because these types of windows require a cantilevered structure to support the building’s load. This requires precise engineering and the installation of beams to support your home.
A TonyView window can offer the same unbroken view, but can be built into an existing home due to its structural stability. Since its design can support up to three stories, a cantilever is not necessary.
Similarly, a coupled window with a vertical mullion on the corner can be retrofitted to an existing space. However, this doesn’t always provide the desired effect of a fully glass corner.
Learn More About TonyView Corner Windows
Whether it’s new construction or a renovation in an existing space — TonyView offers a stunning option that’s easy to install, structurally sound, and beautifully designed.
Our windows are certified to the highest standards, offer thermal insulation that improve energy efficiency for warm and dry climates, and most importantly, provide a stunning view for any corner of your home.
Read more about our certifications here, or get in touch for pricing and more information.
