Design with Glass to Create a Modern Exterior Look

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Glass is a versatile, sustainable, beautiful material for home exteriors. While most homes already use glass in one way or another, choosing to design with glass strategically and creatively can give your home a more modern, unique look and feel.

From adding larger windows to incorporating glass doors — or using glass together in multiple ways — explore our favorite ways to design with glass that will transform your home.

At brick&batten, our seasoned team is here to help bring your exterior vision to life in an eco-friendly way. We’ll work with you to customize your exterior design, from choosing the materials to the color palette, and give you a photorealistic rendering that makes your dream a reality. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.

Picture windows

If you want to prioritize natural light and create a beautiful focal point in your home, consider adding picture windows to your exterior. These single-pane windows — also called fixed windows — get their name thanks to their picture-frame-like appearance.

While traditional windows still allow natural light into a space, picture windows are typically much larger. This not only lightens up a home’s interior but also creates a distinct exterior look, too. Though picture windows are more commonly found in certain architectural styles like mid-century modern, they can be incorporated into any style of home for an unexpected way to design with glass. You can also pair your picture window with other accents, like stone detailing, contrasting trim, or unusual sizes to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Glass front doors

Instead of a traditional front door, opt for something a bit more modern. Glass front doors are the perfect way to not only design with glass but also amp up your home’s curb appeal and offer a sleek, timeless look. 

Glass doors also come in countless styles, ensuring you can find one you love. From wooden doors with large glass panes to double-glass doors with thin metal frames, the possibilities are endless. You can also choose from doors with a single glass pane or multiple to achieve the exact look you envisioned.

When choosing your favorite, consider which style pairs best with your home’s existing design details. If you have a more traditional home, opt for a glass door that matches the existing aesthetic. You can also incorporate a bright pop of color to make your exterior color palette your own. 

Bay windows

Like picture windows, bay windows are a dual-purpose addition to your exterior. Not only do they let in plentiful natural light, but they also add a distinct detail to your exterior that makes it feel unique. 

Though similar to picture windows, bay windows are typically three windows angled beyond an exterior wall. And while a trio of windows is most common, bay windows can also have more panes, like in the example above that features four. Often used as the focal point of the living space, bay windows offer a classic look that will never go out of style. Because of their more traditional nature, we recommend bay windows for more traditional architectural styles like craftsmen, Cape Cod, or Victorian-style homes. 

Glass railings

If your home has a balcony or patio, adding a glass railing is a sleek design detail. This industrial approach pairs perfectly with homes that feature wooden and metal accents, clean lines, and other modern finishes. 

While glass railings create a sophisticated feel, they’re also practical. They don’t obstruct the view of the rest of the home exterior, allowing the rest of the design to be on full display. You can also choose to add wood or metal accents to your glass railing to create a customized look.

Glass elevator

While elevators are an extravagant addition to a residential home, they are a practical element for many. Though metal elevator shafts are the norm, you can also create one out of glass for a true statement piece. 

The glass elevator shaft not only offers an architectural “wow” factor for a home exterior but also allows ample light to stream into the space. It serves as almost a multi-level, floor-to-ceiling window where light can stream in, both during the day and at night. When paired with a glass elevator cab, it creates a modern, sleek, and unexpected addition to any home.

Transom windows

Transom windows are windows added above door frames that allow extra light to flow into a space. Not only do they illuminate any room, but they add visual interest from the exterior, making it a smart choice for both exterior and interior design.

Transom windows also help amplify a home’s height, making it appear taller and more grand. These additions are often paired with sidelights as well, making the front door appear larger and drawing the eye right to the entryway. You can choose from transom windows that are single-pane or multiple panes and from those with different types of trims and styles to find the perfect pair for your existing front door.

Sliding glass doors

While adding a glass front door can elevate the look of your home, you can also incorporate sliding glass doors in other areas. Commonly used as the entrance to your back deck or patio, sliding glass doors help you achieve an indoor-outdoor feel. Not only do they let ample light into the space, but they also allow you to take in the beauty of nature around you.

Adding multiple sliding doors next to one another amplifies the effect even in the future. Like in the example above, consider adding four doors to capitalize on striking views. Not only does it allow you to take in the stunning vista, but it also adds a modern, sleek feel to the exterior by creating a wall almost entirely made of glass.

Floor-to-ceiling windows

While bay windows and picture windows are a beautiful addition, you can design with glass in other ways as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows, like glass doors, can help you achieve a sleek, modern look. They also allow plentiful light into your home, creating an airy and bright aesthetic.

Whether you use picture windows, multiple windows stacked on top of one another, or another creative variation, you can create the floor-to-ceiling effect in many ways. You can even use this approach to create a sunroom or three-season porch or patio. No matter which avenue you choose, this change will transform the look and feel of your exterior for a timeless finish. Just be sure to opt for high-quality windows that will help regulate your home’s temperature for a more eco-friendly, energy-efficient solution.

Design with glass to transform your home exterior

From making a simple front door swap to totally overhauling your home with new windows or even a glass elevator, the possibilities are endless to design with glass. Not only will these upgrades allow natural light to flood your space, prioritize a sustainable design material, and help increase curb appeal, but they will also add a fresh, modern feel to your exterior.

Ready to make the leap and design with glass? Our experienced brick&batten team can help make any vision a reality. From adding glass railings to selecting new windows, we’ll help you incorporate different glass elements to create a stylish, striking design. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.

Author

Hannah is an experienced copywriter, journalist, and content writer who loves bringing brands to life. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Boston University, Hannah spent a decade in New York City honing her skills by working on in-house creative teams for global brands like Estee Lauder, Douglas Elliman, Tiffany & Co., and Groupon. She also partners with small businesses across industries — from interior design to real estate to tech — to help bring their brands to life through print and digital content. Hannah recently relocated back to the greater Boston area, where she loves exploring the city’s different neighborhoods by way of new restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.

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