Grills or No Grills? One Small Detail That Can Completely Change the Look of Your Home
- Tricity windows and doors
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 27
When homeowners start shopping for new windows, they usually focus on the big decisions: frame colour, window style, double or triple pane glass.
Then we ask one simple question:
"Have you thought about adding grills?"
More often than not, the answer is, "I'm not sure."
And that's completely normal.
Many people don't realize how much this one detail can change the appearance of their home. In some cases, grills can give a home more character and curb appeal. In others, leaving the glass clear creates a cleaner, more modern look.
There isn't a right or wrong choice. It all comes down to your home's style and the look you're trying to achieve.
What Are Window Grills?
Window grills are the decorative bars that create the appearance of multiple panes of glass.
Years ago, each pane was actually separate. Today, most replacement windows use grills that are built into the insulated glass unit or applied to the glass to recreate that classic look while still providing the performance of a modern energy-efficient window.
Why Some Homes Look Better With Grills
Grills add depth and architectural detail.
They're often the finishing touch that makes a house feel complete, especially on homes with more traditional designs.
They're commonly chosen for:
Century homes
Farmhouse-style homes
Colonial homes
Craftsman homes
Traditional brick homes
If your home already has grills, keeping them usually helps preserve its original character while giving you all the benefits of new replacement windows.
Why Some Homeowners Choose No Grills
On the other hand, clear glass creates a completely different feel.
Without grills, windows look larger, brighter, and more open. They allow more natural light into the room and provide an uninterrupted view outside.
This style is especially popular for:
Contemporary homes
Modern renovations
Large picture windows
Homes with beautiful backyard views
Sometimes removing the grills is enough to give an older home a much more updated appearance.
You Don't Have to Choose Just One Style
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every window has to look exactly the same.
That's simply not true.
Many homeowners choose grills on the front of their home to enhance curb appeal while leaving the backyard windows clear to maximize natural light and enjoy the view.
Others add grills only to certain windows, such as those around the front entrance or on the upper level.
Mixing styles often creates the perfect balance between character and simplicity.
Not All Grills Look the Same
Once you've decided you like the look of grills, the next question becomes...
Which style?
Colonial
Colonial grills divide the glass into evenly sized sections and create a timeless, traditional appearance.
They're one of the most popular choices for classic homes and never really go out of style.
Prairie
Prairie grills form a border around the edge of the glass while leaving the centre clear.
This style adds character without blocking your view, making it a favourite for homeowners looking for something that feels both classic and modern.
Cottage
Cottage grills feature smaller panes across the top with larger panes below.
They're often used on farmhouse and cottage-style homes and create a charming, distinctive look.
Custom Designs
Not every home fits into one category.
Many manufacturers offer custom grill patterns, allowing you to match existing windows or create a design that's unique to your home.
Internal Grills or SDL?
Another decision many homeowners don't know about is how the grills are built.
Internal Grills
Internal grills are sealed between the panes of glass.
They're the most common option because they're easy to clean, require virtually no maintenance, and provide the classic divided-light appearance at a more affordable price.
SDL (Simulated Divided Lites)
SDL grills are applied to both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass with a spacer between them, creating the appearance of individual pieces of glass.
They offer more depth, more shadow lines, and a much more authentic look, making them a popular choice for luxury homes, custom homes, and heritage renovations.
Does the Width of the Grills Matter?
It definitely does.
Just like choosing the right frame colour, the width of the grills can completely change the finished appearance.
Narrow grills create a more subtle, refined look.
Wider grills make more of a statement and often suit larger windows or homes with bold architectural features.
It's a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference once the windows are installed.
Do Grills Affect Energy Efficiency?
Yes, although the impact is relatively small.
Internal grills are typically made from aluminum, which transfers heat and cold more readily than glass. Because of this, windows with internal grills are generally slightly less energy efficient than the exact same window without grills.
That said, modern energy-efficient windows with grills still perform exceptionally well. The quality of the glass package, Low-E coatings, argon gas, spacer system, and proper installation all play a much larger role in your home's comfort and energy savings.
For most homeowners, choosing grills comes down to balancing appearance and performance.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There's no universal answer.
The best choice depends on your home's architecture, your personal style, and what you want to see every time you pull into your driveway.
One of the things we enjoy most during our consultations is showing homeowners photos of similar projects we've completed. Sometimes it only takes seeing one house with grills and one without to know which direction feels right.
After all, you're not just replacing windows. You're changing the look of your home for many years to come, so it's worth taking the time to choose a design you'll love every day.
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