By MATT MAURY

Pick up a recent issue of Sunset Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens or Good Housekeeping and you will find a number of ads for windows.

Thatıs because windows are now seen as a design element in the home, rather than just serving their utilitarian functions of the past. Itıs also because window manufacturers are finding that sales to the remodeling market are increasing in volume.

Manufacturers are not just focusing more of their advertising directly to homemakers, but are also expanding their product lines to offer new products and custom capabilities. This is a new focus since windows have not historically been considered a way to dress up a home. Two things have changed over the past 100 years ‹ glass technology and window frame manufacturing.

At the turn of the century, windows were true divided lights (each piece of glass was fully encased) in wooden frames. As glass technology advanced, larger and larger plate glass window options became available. Increasingly, through the first half of the 20th century, windows became an important part of the design of a home. The goal was to open walls to let the light come into the house.

Then came World War II and with it the need for ³black-outs² ‹ covered windows to keep the light in at night. Suddenly, windows took on a utilitarian role. That role continued into the energy crisis of the 1970s and the security concerns of the 1980s. Builders and consumers became more interested in how a window functioned than how it looked.

Today, with recent advancements in glass, plastic and wood technologies, people are once again looking at windows as an important design element in a home.

Looking at the ads and dreaming of new circles, half rounds, triangles or other decorative window styles can be fun for a homeowner. Yet the reality of replacing windows can mean a sizable financial outlay, which will affect a homeıs value. Nobody wants to make a mistake. On a traditional style house, for example, it might be inconsistent to install a round-top window, even though it looks good in the showroom. In remodeling, careful thought must be given to both the interior and exterior look of the new windows.

There are contractors who specialize in window replacement, some of whom have the capability to supply custom sizes or designs, including leaded glass.

NOTE: This article and illustrations are excerpted from ³at home,² the official Home Owners Club newsletter. Illustrations were by Maven artist, Brehme. Feel free to make copies of this article and give it to your friends. İ August, 1997 Home Owners Club.