What is a window sightline?

The dictionary definition of a sightline is:

A line extending from an observer’s eye to a viewed object or area.

With window installation, the sightline is essentially the amount of window frame you see when you are looking directly at your window or expanse of windows, in other words, the thickness of the frame.

When investing in new windows or a glazed extension, the sightline is critical to your experience, so it’s not surprising that it’s a term that is often used by professional window installation companies.

Are slim or wide sightlines best?

The sightlines that are right for your home depend on a number of factors. The architectural style of your property may be more suited to a traditional style window frame with more substantial looking frames, which can be achieved with both PVCu windows and timber windows.

Or perhaps, you inherited crittall style windows and prefer to replicate a slimmer sightline. As an example, our Sheerline aluminium windows offer this type of subtle frame profile.

As you would expect, the slimmer the sightlines, the larger the areas of glass, which means more light can come into the room and views outside are less restricted.

If more light is something you wish to achieve, perhaps with a view over the garden within a conservatory or glazed extension, then this will dictate your sightline preference.

However, if you are choosing windows for the front of your house, you may prefer a sightline with more visible frame and bars to give you a sense of privacy and cosiness.

Are equal sightlines important?

Equal sightlines

Equal sightlines are formed when each section of the window is balanced and feels in harmony with the others. This means that every aspect of the window – the frames, glazed panes and bars are in line. This can give an overall aesthetic of proportion, which is often in keeping with character homes where symmetry was very much part of the original design.

Unequal sightlines

Unequal sightlines are usually formed when one window features an opening, while the other windows are fixed. The glass area for the fixed windows is typically larger, which means that the overall sightline is uneven.

For some properties, an unequal sightline is very much part of the architectural style. For example, fanlights, also called transom windows, are designed to create a separate sightline above the main window.

Whether you choose to have equal or unequal sightlines very much depends both on the style of your property, and how you want to use your windows to get the best out of them. We can help you to choose the right option both aesthetically and practically.

If you would like to know more about the technical aspects of replacement windows, we have more information online, such as an explanation of a double glazed sealed unit window and spacer bars.

If you would like to discuss your specific requirements, please call us on 01444 45 71 45 or visit our showroom.