Your Comprehensive Guide to Window Grids

Before we dive in, let’s clear something up. At Pella, we use the term window grilles to describe the decorative lines used to visually separate a window into panes. However, we know that homeowners often refer to these features as window grids. So, for this article, we’ll use those two terms interchangeably.

Historically, window grilles, or grids, use to be an essential part of windows because they held together the multiple glass panes in a window. Today, window grilles are generally decorative, meaning the choice to add grids or not is usually all about aesthetics. Decide whether grilles are the right look for your home as we explore the different types of grilles, profiles, pattern options and more.

At Pella, we offer three main types of grilles: Integral Light Technology®, Simulated-Divided-Light and between-the-glass. Below we’ll describe each kind in more detail.

Integral Light Technology grilles are permanently attached to the interior and exterior of your glass. Metal spacers are added in between the grilles to cast a realistic shadow like individual windowpanes would. Helping to capture the look of true-divided-light without sacrificing energy performance, this is an innovative grille option for those who need to meet requirements from a historical preservation society. These historically-accurate grilles are available on Pella® Reserve™ windows and doors.

Available exclusively on Pella® Lifestyle Series, Simulated-Divided-Light grilles are another energy-efficient option if you want the look of divided-light windowpanes. On dual-pane windows, grilles are permanently bonded to the interior and exterior, but do not have spacers in between like Integral Light Technology grilles.

Grilles-between-the-glass are permanently sealed between a window’s panes of glass. This allows for smooth glass surfaces on both the inside and outside, making the window easy to clean. Where the look of divided light is desired, grilles-between-the-glass are a convenient, sleek option. Aluminum between-the-glass grilles are available on vinyl, fiberglass and wood windows, with color options differing by product line.

Pella offers several different grille profiles including ogee, putty, square, contour and flat. Ogee, putty and square are wood window profile options for the interior and exterior of windows. Contour and flat are the choices for grilles-between-the-glass, available on wood, fiberglass and vinyl windows.

An ogee profile looks historic and ornate. It combines two round coves to produce an "S" shape. In addition to window grilles, you might recognize an ogee profile on handmade table edges and crown moldings. If you’re going for a traditional aesthetic, a putty profile is another great option. It is less ornate than an ogee profile but still designed to look like profiles made with a putty knife in traditional window making. A putty profile, recreated with historically accurate angles, furthers your traditional aesthetic by providing meaningful depth and a realistic shadow.

For those who want their window grids to look contemporary, square profiles are the way to go. Our industry-leading modern designs provide a sleek, squared-off look.

With wood, fiberglass and vinyl windows, you have the option to add grilles-between-the-glass. Contour and flat are the two grid profiles available for between-the-glass grilles. Contour has grooves and detailing that lend a traditional look whereas flat grilles are sleek and minimal, exuding modern style.

Window grids, or grilles, come in many patterns and designs. Used intentionally, grids can further the specific style or architectural design of your home. In this section, we’ll discuss some popular grid patterns including Traditional, Prairie, Top Row and Cross. Some examples of custom grids will also be shared.

As you might have guessed, the Traditional grille pattern exudes the style of traditional windows. This pattern can be recognized by its vertical and horizontal lines that visually divide the window into equal sections. Paired with a brick house or historic elements, this pattern furthers traditional architecture and style. On double-hung windows with shutters, the Traditional pattern can help convey colonial window grids. Colonial style is all about symmetry, so this pattern will fit right in with the overall aesthetic.

Prairie window grids are quite different from the symmetrical look of Traditional grilles. The Prairie pattern divides the window into unequal sections, featuring a large rectangle in the middle and a small square in each corner. This grid is common in contemporary, ranch and rambler homes as it showcases abstract, asymmetrical style with straight, simple lines. With the vast space in the middle, this pattern leaves more glass unobstructed, a hallmark of modern design.

The Top Row window grid pattern is synonymous with craftsman style. Top Row grilles feature straight grid lines only on the top portion of the window. This pattern adds sophisticated yet understated character to any home. It’s great for those who want the additional interest that grilles provide, but don’t want grilles obstructing all parts of the glass.

The minimalism of a Cross pattern is common in farmhouse-style homes. This pattern can be recognized by two simple lines across the window, one vertical and one horizontal. Modern farmhouse design showcases large windows with grilles that maximize both light and style. Black farmhouse windows paired with simple equally divided grid lines, white siding and rustic furnishings create a comfortable and stylish look.

If you don’t find a standard grille pattern that achieves your vision, dream up your own design and have it custom made. Custom grids can range from diamond window grilles to round and decorative grilles. The possibilities are nearly endless and reach as far as your imagination can. We love the way custom windows and grilles elevate a home and make it feel truly one-of-a-kind.

Choosing whether or not to add grilles is a common design challenge that many homeowners encounter. Grilles are not outdated. In fact, they are essential for certain types of architecture and add design interest to homes. Window grilles are hallmarks in traditional, colonial, farmhouse and craftsman design. If you want to add special character to your home, grids are an easy way to do so. So, when should you consider not using grids? For homes with ultra-modern style, unobstructed glass offers a clean and sleek look.

If you choose to add window grids, they are sure to bring design interest to your home. From simple and sleek to ornate and historical, there are countless ways to further your style with window grids. Have more questions? Reach out to a Pella expert to talk about how grilles can elevate your home.