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Window grilles have become a style statement over the years, however there are other uses for a window grilles. In today’s guide, we will introduce window grille, the different types of window grilles, what purpose do they have, how to make window grille inserts and more. The subject is very fast, but we’re not here to make an experienced carpenter out of you as the guide is comprehensive and touches on the main elements of window grille. This is so that you’re aware and perhaps can even try doing a DIY window grille. With our guide, hopefully you won’t have to resort to any other guide on window grilles.
Window grille basics
What is a window grille?
Before you read on how to make window grille inserts, let’s go over some basics that you should be knowing about window grilles. Just like how a jewelry box adds a bit of style to the jewelry inside, so does a window grille. A window grille is the design that makes the window look more aesthetically pleasing. Without a window grille, you would simply have glass for a window. Not that having just glass as windows is a bad thing as there are houses or commercial places that have large windows without any grille to give the feeling of sufficient sunlight flowing in the room. However, having a window grille can bring an element of style and personality in a room. People can match their window grilles with the designs present in a room.
Basically, window grilles are decorative patterns that divide the large piece of glass fit inside the window frame. Window grille has been an invention of the past. It was made to support the glass as back then there was no such technology that would allow us to create large pieces of glass. Due to this, the glass created back then was fragile and therefore had to be created in smaller pieces. Hence, window grilles acted as a sort of a frame to hold the small pieces of glass rather than a style statement in the past.
With machinery and equipment advancing over the years, we have the technology to create strong and large pieces of glass. This has removed the main purpose of window grilles as nowadays grilles are only an aesthetic consideration. With DIY running rampant, it’s become easy to make window grilles at home. So, if you’re looking for information on how to make window grille inserts then read on. We’ve got it all covered for you.
Different types of window grille
Yes, there are different types of window grille. Just like how a particular sock won’t fit everyone, similar is the case for window grilles. Not all window grilles fit a window as some windows might be larger than others or they might be in different shapes like round, rectangular, square and so on. Before you learn how to make window grille inserts, it’s important to understand the different types of window grilles.
True-divided
True-divided lite window grilles are the OG of the window grille world. These are the ones that were traditionally used in earlier times. The window grille has many small pieces of glass in it rather than a single pane of glass. Just like the name suggests, the window is actually divided.
Simulated-divided
Simulated-divided lites is an energy efficient window grille that only uses a single sheet of insulated glass. This helps in reducing the amount of energy lost. It is somewhat similar to the true divided lites window grille however focuses more on being energy efficient. What really differentiates it from true-divided is the fact that this gives the illusion of actually dividing the glass when in reality it does not. The window grilles are stuck to the large piece of glass and can easily be removed for cleaning purposes.
Between-the-glass grille
This involves a window grille being in between two panes of glass. It gives the effect that the window is divided like any other common window. However, what stands out is that when you reach for it you realise that the grille is inside the glass. This is convenient when cleaning the glass.
These are some of the common types of window grilles. Window grilles can be made from different materials. Let’s look at the characteristics of window grilles created from various materials.
Different materials for window grilles
Traditionally, window grilles have been made from wood. However, some materials do not work well in different environments. For example, wood in humid climates can reduce its strength and cause it to break easily.
So, what are some of the materials window grilles can be made from besides wood? There are different options consumers can choose from, however the three most common materials used to create window grilles are:
Steel
Steel is prone to rust and hence you might wonder why anyone would want a steel window grille. But steel is a very hard metal and it’s difficult to bend or break steel. Rust can easily be prevented by ensuring a good level of maintenance.
Aluminum
Aluminium is said to be one of the lightest metals and is used in houses made out of wood. This is because other types of grille besides wood, if installed in a wooden house, will put a lot of pressure on the building and can increase the rate of wear and tear.
Iron
Iron grilles although prone to rust are great for consumers looking for customization. Iron grilles can be bent into different shapes allowing it to fit into any structure. Iron grilles have recently caught on the hype due to increase in demand for retro victorian style designs.
The benefits of having a window grille
Window grilles not only provide aesthetic benefits but also ensure certain functional benefits. Before you start to learn how to make window grille inserts, it is important to understand the benefits of having one.
Some of the benefits of having window grilles are:
Security
Having window grilles in homes increases the level of security. Burglars looking to break in, can easily do so if there is a large window without any grilles. This can be an invitation to strangers or robbers to break in and steal things around the house or potentially harm you. Many third world countries where robberies are common, citizens install steel or iron grills to prevent break-ins.
Ventilation
In countries where it tends to get really hot in the summers, people open their house windows for ventilation. Having simple glass windows, when opened, would allow mosquitos, flies or other insects to enter the house. With wooden window grilles, one can easily avoid such a situation. A mesh with a wooden window grille allows users to open their glass window, while the mesh one is closed, ensuring air flow inside the room.
Aesthetics
Window grilles, as mentioned previously come in many different shapes, sizes and designs. This creates a whole lot of combination for consumers to choose from allowing them to match their window grilles with the entire aesthetics of the room making it complete.
How to make window grille inserts
Now that you know the basics of window grilles, let’s start with our DIY on how to make window grille inserts. So if you’ve been wanting to know how to make window grille inserts then your patience has been rewarded.
7 simple steps on how to make window grille inserts
Below are the steps to follow when learning how to make window grille inserts:
- It is important to have a clean window before attaching anything to it. So get a tidy fiber cloth and some window cleaner. Use it generously and wash the window. Once done, dry the window with another dry fiber cloth, this is so that the adhesive glue can stick.
- Once dried, measure out the window’s outer pane (horizontal). See how many vertical pieces of trim would fit the window or how many would make the window look nice. You can always replace vinyl trims with wood if you’re into extreme DIY, however working with vinyl trims is much easier.
- Once done measuring the horizontal length, measure vertical from top to bottom of the outer pane. Cut the vinyl trim according to the height of the window. Mark with a pencil or a highlighter the lengths on the vinyl trim.
- Cut the vinyl trims using the marks as a guide. Once cut, apply glue on the back of the vinyl trim generously and stick on the wall (The vertical trim goes first). Use painter’s tape to ensure the vinyl trim sticks to the window. If you’ve added way too much glue, it will seep out when you press it against the window pane. Don’t worry, you can use a towel to wipe the excess glue while it is still wet.
- Once you’ve installed the vertical trim (Height trim), you can start repeating the same process for horizontal vinyl trims.
- After you’ve completed one side of the window, you can work on the other side of the window.
- Once done, simply add white electrical tape on the backside of the vinyl trim to hide the trim and also the glue. This will also ensure that the slight gaps are also minimized. You need to do this on both the sides of the window.
Since you’ll be using quite a bit of tape, a tip that will help make your work easier is to put pieces of tape on the wall next to you. This will help clear your hands while fitting the window grilles. When reading this tutorial on how to make window grille inserts, you can think about creative ways on making different patterns using vinyl trims. See what works with your environment or surroundings.
Styles of window grids
Now that you know how to make window grille inserts, here are some of the common styles of window grids that you can try to recreate.
Colonial
These styles of grids have been around since the concept of window grilles started. The look elegant and their symmetry is what brings charm to the boring glass pane. Colonial style grids can be made in 4, 6 or 9 panes. If you’re looking to give your humble abode a clean look, go for the colonial grid.
Diamond
Diamond grids are not so commonly found but are still used in expensive homes. It was invented by keeping the old classic european architecture in mind which involved many diamonds. These types of grids are used to make the room stand out.
Prairie
If there is a grid honoring european architecture, know that the Americans are not left behind. Prairie grids are reminiscent of old american architecture. These are uneven grids with a large pane in the center. Many experts reckon that the prairie grid makes the living space look larger than it actually is due to more light seeping through it. The large pane is usually surrounded with 9 or 4 smaller panes.
Craftsman
These are one of the most clean looking window grille styles you will come across. They are also quite simple with the bottom having no grids while the top of the window consists of 2 equal panes. These can be used in many different types of home architectures however can be considered a bit too “normal”. The craftsman grid does not stand out unlike the other types mentioned.
There are many different ways on how to make window grille inserts at home. We’ve gone over the basic steps on how to DIY one with the additional options available to choose from in terms of design, material and more.
