Last week we shared our new guest bedroom window with you. We’ll we’ve been a bit sneaky – we had our bedroom windows replaced, too!
Whilst the old windows generally didn’t look too bad on the photos, they were in pretty bad shape.
When we bought the house, we already knew that they would eventually need replacing, but like a lot of things, we didn’t have the budget to replace all of the windows straight away.
One of the first things we did when moving into our home, was to give everywhere a good clean. The windows in particular, looked like they’d never been cleaned or even opened for that matter, as the dirt on some of them was so thick, that it had almost glued the opening part to the rest of frame.
After a lot of scrubbing and cleaning, they actually didn’t look too bad, but we always knew it would just be a temporary solution. The main reason for going ahead with the project now, is that the double glazing units have recently started to mist up.
There is so much moisture in the double glazing that it actually looks like it’s raining outside!
Not only does this mean that they are all cloudy, it also means that the insulating properties of the double glazing are pretty much none existent.
We also assume that the window frame in our bedroom wasn’t watertight anymore either, as there was a bit of mould developing around the frame. Needless to say, mould in the bedroom is really not something that is a good idea.
As with the guest bedroom window, we initially had the window installed with temporary window boards in place of the stained glass.
The reason the stained glass took such a long time to make is because we chose proper stained glass panels, like they would have been originally been, except for the fact, that the stained glass is sandwiched between the double glazing.
For us it’s the best of both worlds. There would have been other (much cheaper) options available, but we didn’t like any of the fake ones. The stained glass tulip design is the design that the window would have had originally.
In an ideal world we would have of course gone for timber frames, but with the usual budget restraints we had to cut back somewhere.
Having had the windows in for about a week now, we’re really surprised at how much quieter it is in our bedroom. Don’t get me wrong, it really wasn’t loud before, but the new window just seems to cut out every bit of noise.
As in with our guest bedroom window, we obviously still need to add a window sill and architrave, but for now we’re really happy that we finally have a window that is airtight, not leaking and – best of all – has some beautiful stained glass.
Do you believe in reinstating original period features like stained glass? Have you recently had a new window fitted and found your room to be much quieter, too?
Vanessa says
Gorgeous!
Christine says
Thanks, Vanessa!
Cx
Jude says
Love love love! Looks fab! x
Christine says
Aww, thanks, Jude!
Fx
Jessica@CapeofDreams says
We replaced all of the windows in our house last year. It was a big expense, but well worth it. I am, however, very jealous of your stained glass. It is simply stunning.
Christine says
Ohh, all windows in one go… so jealous. We only have another 11 or so to go ;). Glad you like our stained glass, Jessica. We love it, too!
Cx
flea and bear says
Your windows look lovely! We are currently renovating our Victorian house and have been taking lots of inspiration (and very helpful practical advice!) from your blog so thank you! New windows are also on our very long list of things that need to be done!
Christine says
Thanks! Always happy to help if we can! Windows are a big budget eater, but so worth it – especially as we’ve already noticed a difference in temperature in the house!
Cx
Claire says
Great stuff! We commence 5 days of having all our windows and external doors replaced tomorrow… I’m so excited about having double glazing and windows that actually open and close without the mechanisms threatening to fall apart! I think they’ll do about two windows a day, which seems really slow…!
Christine says
Wow, 5 days for new windows is a long time. I bet it’ll be an amazing transformation! Fingers crossed it all runs smoothly!
Cx
Claire says
Husband has reminded me it’s 11 windows, patio doors, uPVC back door and composite front door, so perhaps I was being a little unfair in calling them slow ;)
Christine says
Wow, that’s a lot! They’ve certainly got their work cut out! I have to admit that I’m rather jealous – would love all new windows.
Cx
Claire says
Yes, it’s quite a luxury and I feel very lucky! It was one of the things we budgeted for when offering on this house, along with the cost of a new heating/hot water system and radiators etc.
Your windows are beautiful – our house is 1980s so no period features worth keeping!
Stacey @ dohiy.com says
Great windows! I love the tulips. Now I need to go look up “architrave”.
Christine says
Haha, thanks Stacey! The architrave is the timber moulding around the window.
Cx
Kelly G. says
Those are gorgeous!
Christine says
Thanks, Kelly! We love them, too.
Cx
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I love that you reinstalled stain glasse windows that would have been there originally. It looks gorgeous and really adds character to the room. I have had all the downstairs windows replaced and it’s also much quieter. One is leaking though, but we found where the problem come from and we are only waiting for the rain to stop to fix it (God knows when that shall be!) My upstairs windows are the same mess yours were!
Christine says
Haha, I know what you mean about the rain! I think today is the first day this year that it hasn’t rained! We really think that the windows finish the room off, too!
Cx
Julia says
looks fab.
Christine says
Thanks Julia!
Cx