The windows you choose will shape the comfort and performance of your sunroom or four-season room. Finding the best windows for these spaces means balancing size, function, and natural light. At Craftsman’s Choice, we help homeowners find window styles that offer expansive views, smooth operation, and long-lasting performance. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes a window ideal for sunrooms and share the top styles to consider for your space.
What Makes a Window the “Best” Choice for Sunrooms?
Before we get into specific styles, let’s talk about what makes a window a good fit for a sunroom or a four-season room.
These rooms are designed to be open, airy, and full of sunlight. You want to feel connected to the outside—but protected from the weather. So while energy efficiency is a factor, it’s often less important than maximizing your view. In fact, many of our customers are willing to trade a little efficiency for bigger glass and fewer frame lines.
So what are the top priorities?
Key Priorities for Sunroom Windows:
- Maximum Glass Area: More glass means more sunlight and better views.
- Ease of Operation: You want to let in fresh air easily on a nice day.
- Durability: These windows face more exposure to sunlight and changing temperatures.
- Clean, Modern Look: Most homeowners want large, clean window surfaces—not chunky frames.
Why Gliding Windows Are the Best Windows for Sunrooms
When it comes to meeting all these goals, gliding windows are one of the top options we recommend. Here’s why:
1. They Offer Bigger Sizes
Gliding windows are available in larger formats than many other window types. That means more uninterrupted glass and fewer frames breaking up your view. In a sunroom or four-season room, this really makes a difference. When you sit in the space, you want to see your backyard, your garden, your trees—not the window trim.
2. They Maximize Glass-to-Frame Ratio
Not all windows are created equal when it comes to how much actual glass you get. Gliding windows give you more glass and less frame than double-hung or casement windows. That makes them ideal for sunrooms where the main goal is bringing in natural light.
3. They’re Easy to Use
Sliding them open is a breeze. No cranks, no lifting, no effort. This makes them user-friendly, especially in a room where you might want to quickly open a few windows to enjoy a breeze.
4. They Offer a Clean, Modern Look
Gliders offer a sleek, minimal appearance. The large panes give the room a modern and airy vibe that’s perfect for both sunrooms and four-season rooms.
Are Gliding Windows Energy Efficient?
This is where we give you the honest truth: gliding windows are not the most efficient windows available. There are other styles, like casement windows, that seal tighter and perform slightly better in extreme temperatures.
But in a sunroom or four-season room, most of our clients tell us efficiency ranks lower than the look and feel of the room. And that’s okay—because these rooms are designed more for comfort and atmosphere than year-round tight insulation.
The good news is that modern gliding windows still perform well enough for most Minnesota homes. If energy efficiency is a bigger concern for your space, we can guide you toward options that balance performance with the wide-open look you’re going for.
Other Window Styles That Work for Four-Season Rooms
While gliding windows are our go-to, here are a couple of other styles that may work depending on the design and layout of your room:
- Picture Windows: These don’t open, but they offer the most glass possible.
- Casement Windows: Hinged on the side and crank open, they seal tightly and offer solid energy performance.
- Awning Windows: Hinged at the top, these can be great for ventilation, even when it’s raining.
Each of these can be used in combination with gliding windows to create the exact look and function you want.
What’s the Difference Between a Sunroom and a Four-Season Room?
We often hear these terms used interchangeably, but they can be a little different:
- Sunrooms are typically three-season rooms that aren’t fully insulated or heated.
- Four-season rooms are built to be used year-round, with full insulation, HVAC, and permanent windows.
That’s why it’s important to work with a contractor who understands the structural needs of your space—and can help you pick the right windows for your usage.
Why Choose Craftsman’s Choice?
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners create beautiful, functional sunrooms and four-season rooms across Minnesota. Our team doesn’t just sell windows—we help you think through every part of your space to make sure the finished room feels exactly how you want it to.
From maximizing your views to helping you choose the best windows for sunrooms, our experience ensures you don’t have to guess. We bring the options, the know-how, and the professional installation that gets the job done right the first time.
In Summary
Choosing the best windows for sunrooms comes down to finding the right balance between style, size, and function. Gliding windows continue to be a top choice because they provide expansive glass, easy operation, and a clean look that fits perfectly in both sunrooms and four-season rooms. Even though they may not be the most efficient option, they deliver the open, airy feel that homeowners want from these spaces.
If you’re ready to build or remodel your sunroom, contact us today. We’ll help you choose the best windows and handle the installation from start to finish—so you can enjoy your space all year long.
