Some people have bars, or window grills, on the outside of their windows at home. They come in different styles but mainly help keep the home safe. Some grills have curves, making them look nicer.
Safety First
A window grill is a great way to add security to your home and some style to standard box or rectangular windows. They can have decorative bars, like diamond shapes or curled ends. While they help make your home safer, they don’t do much to change the look of typical homes in the U.S.
Why They Have “Potbellies.”
Fortunately, curved or “potbellied” window grills are available as a more decorative option. They make the outside of your home look more interesting and provide space for planter boxes, which add colorful flowers and a cheerful touch for people walking by.
Additionally, the curved design allows room for an air conditioning unit or window fan to be installed.
Safety Matters to Window Grills
SafeandSolo is a blog by a woman who lives alone. She has spent time and resources learning the best safety tips for living by herself. She says that window grills are very effective for making your home safer. She especially recommends having window grills if you:
Live alone
Live on the ground floor
Have valuable items, art, or family heirlooms that aren’t securely locked away
You or your neighbors have experienced intruders or attempted burglaries before.
Evidence the Window Grill Serves Its Purpose
Statistics show that burglaries decrease in areas where window grills are installed, but there’s even more proof of their effectiveness. Channel KTVB7 wrote to 86 inmates in the Oregon Department of Corrections, asking them how they broke into homes and how people could reduce their risk of being robbed. Some of the most common responses were: “Put bars on your windows and doors, get an alarm, keep an extra car in the driveway, and leave lights, TVs, and radios on when you leave home.”
Pros of a Window Grill
They add an extra layer of protection.
They can be affordable and save you money.
Window grills come in many designs and colors.
They can enhance the look of your home’s exterior.
They require very little maintenance.
Window grills are usually easy to install.
Cons of a Window Grill
They can limit access and block a possible escape route in case of a fire.
They might reduce the amount of natural sunlight coming in.
Window grills might not match the style of your home.
They can become expensive if you need to hire a professional to install them.
Various Window Grill Designs
This modern rectangular shape is sleek, stylish, strong, and long-lasting. You often see them in modern buildings, and they can come in different geometric or abstract designs and finishes. Usually made of steel, these window grills can rust, so they need to be treated to prevent that.
Resembling a 90s Baby Safety Gate
Although this window grill might remind you of safety gates from the 90s used in homes and schools for young kids, it has a detailed design that can add style and safety to many homes. A design like this offers great safety and durability but requires regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Intricate and Costly
Intricate patterns like these offer an intricate design to add complexity and dimension to even the simplest or most box and rectangle-shaped homes. Sadly, this kind of window grill is expensive and requires more maintenance than other window grill options.
Complex and Curly
While the inspiration for these designs spans several historical periods, their elaborate design is uncommon. Therefore, it offers a rare aesthetic that can make any house stand out. Sadly, these too will require maintenance and costly installation and fees. As such, they may not be the most cost-effective option, despite their cool design.