Windows have become a key element In any housing project, they are much more than just openings that let in light. Today, they are crucial elements for the thermal insulation, acoustic comfort, safety and design of a house, and they make the difference between an ordinary home and one that is truly efficient and pleasant to live in.
In recent years, the combination of Technological innovation, environmental awareness and new aesthetic trends It has completely revolutionized the world of carpentry. Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, the most in-demand window models will focus on... Energy efficiency, large glazed formats, home automation and sustainable materialsAnd let's not forget color, which is gaining increasing prominence on facades and interiors.
From holes in the wall to smart windows: a quick look at their evolution
Throughout history, Windows have been changing in step with architecture and the available technology. In the early civilizations of Antiquity, it was common to simple openings in the wallscovered with fabrics, rudimentary boards or very basic shutters to protect themselves from the weather, without glass and with quite precarious light control.
With the Middle Ages came the more widespread use of glassalthough it was still an expensive material. They were combined wooden shutters with small glazed panels that allowed light to pass through, but reduced the entry of cold or heat. In Gothic cathedrals, these appeared stained glass windows with religious sceneswhere windows began to have a very powerful symbolic and decorative role.
The important leap occurred during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when glass It reduced costs and improved its manufacturingThat allowed us to design larger and brighter windowswhich became authentic compositional elements of the facades. The frames became more elaborate, with Decorations and moldings are the main features of stately buildings.
The true democratization of windows as we know them today came with the Industrial RevolutionThe mass production of flat glass and the introduction of new materials such as iron and steel They allowed the creation of giant windows and almost continuous glass facades, something unthinkable in previous eras and fundamental to the development of the skyscrapers and modern architecture.
In recent decades, concern about the Energy savings, indoor comfort and environmental impact This has led to much more technically complex windows: double and triple glazing, profiles with thermal break, solar control glass, advanced sliding systems and integrated home automationAll of this has set the perfect stage for current trends.
Window trends that remain consistent year after year
There are a number of Window design trends that are here to stayAlthough technology evolves, the foundation remains and continues to dictate what architects, developers, and individuals demand.
On the one hand, there is an increasing focus on minimalist lines and very thin profileswhich leave almost all the prominence to the glass. This type of thin frame maximizes the entry of natural light and creates a feeling of spaciousness and visual continuity which fits very well with open spaces and modern homes.
Another constant is the use of sustainable and recycled materials in the manufacture of frames and glazing. Recycled aluminum, the certified wood sourced from responsibly managed forests and recycled plastics are increasingly used to reduce carbon footprint of windows and promote the circular economy.
It has also gained strength integration of technology into the enclosure itselfWe're talking about glass that changes opacity, sensors that detect temperature, humidity, or air quality, or systems connected to home automation that allow Open, close or adjust blinds and slats from your mobile phone or by voice..
This entire set of trends serves as a clear guide on How to choose windows adapted to current needs: good aesthetics, high thermal and acoustic performance, and environmentally responsible solutions.
Window designs that will set trends in 2025
In 2025, the New window models combine design, efficiency and technologyIt's no longer enough for them to ventilate and let in light: now the aim is that Save energy, integrate with home automation, and protect against noise and sunlight. and, in addition, fit with the architectural style of each project.
High energy efficiency windows
The main protagonist of the coming years will be the window with very high thermal insulationThese enclosures are designed for minimize heat loss in winter and limit heat gain in summerso that heating and air conditioning consumption is significantly reduced.
To achieve this, there is an increasing reliance on triple or even quadruple glazingwhere several layers of glass are separated by chambers filled with air or inert gases that act as a thermal barrier. This is further enhanced by Low-E coated glass, capable of reflecting part of the infrared radiation inwards or outwards as needed, without sacrificing a good amount of natural light.
These types of high-end windows not only help to lower energy bills and reduce the home's carbon footprintbut rather provide much more stable thermal comfort, avoiding the typical cold spots next to the window. Furthermore, thanks to the glass thickness and the air chambers, a Excellent sound insulation against outside noise, which is essential in urban areas.
Manufacturers like Guardian Sun or solutions with advanced frameworks such as Kömmerling AluNext They have developed optimized glass and profiles to achieve outstanding insulation values, combining airtightness, efficiency and the possibility of controlled ventilation.
Smart and automated windows
Another trend block is the smart windowswhich integrate electronics and automation to make life much more comfortable. electrochromic glass or dynamic control allow vary its transparency or obscuration using an electric currentadapting to the outside light and managing the flow of heat practically in real time.
Some solutions incorporate sensors that measure temperature, humidity, CO₂ or rainand can command the opening or closing of the associated leaves or blinds without the user having to do anything. All of this can be connected to home automation systems so that the Management can be carried out from your mobile phone, computer, or via voice assistants. like Alexa or Google Home.
Industry experts predict very strong growth in these sectors. smart glass and window automation systemsboth in new construction and renovations. Companies like Kömmerling, for example, have launched solutions such as Könect Elite, a sensor-based home automation system for blinds that It works without switches or hubsControlling the movement simply with gestures in the air or from the mobile phone, while improving the airtightness of the drawer by dispensing with traditional tapes.
Large-format windows with a minimalist aesthetic
In high-end residential architecture, the clear trend is towards large windows with ultra-thin framesFloor-to-ceiling glass surfaces are sought to enhance the Visual continuity between interior and exteriorflooding the rooms with natural light and creating a very pronounced sense of spaciousness. This approach is especially common in high-end residential architecture where integration with the landscape is key.
In order to reduce the profile section so much without losing performance, the main approach is to aluminum with thermal break already state-of-the-art sliding systems. One example of this is STRUGAL S140RP Infinitya minimalist sliding door with a central node of only 25 mm, concealed handle and horizontal profiles, and options such as multipoint locking, reduced or completely concealed side panels, which achieve a almost total transparency.
Also noteworthy are systems such as the CRS-140 minimalist sliding door by Exlabesa Architecture, designed for create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors with a central node also of 25 mm, invisible horizontal profiles and the possibility of fully recessing the frame and sash, including technical solutions such as free corners and continuous floors.
In practical ones, the K·Line KL-FP window It offers a 180° opening with a concealed hinge, a very narrow 50mm central inverter and handles without escutcheons lacquered in the same color as the woodwork, which reinforces a clean, modern and very bright design maintaining excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
Sustainable windows and eco-friendly materials
Sustainability is no longer an extra, but a requirement. That's why they are becoming mandatory. frames made with recycled or low-impact materialssuch as recycled aluminum and PVC, recovered plastics, or FSC-certified wood or similar.
A notable example is Kömmerling AluNexta hybrid system that combines aluminum with recycled PVC and sets new sustainability standards in carpentry. In the world of glass, products such as Climalit ORAÉ® Manufactured by Saint-Gobain Glass, they use up to a 64% recycled glass and reduce the carbon footprint by up to 40%, also incorporating solar control glass such as PLANISTAR ONE® ORAÉ® and STADIP ORAÉ® safety layers on the inside.
Regarding PVC profiles, systems such as Deceuninck Elegant Infinity ThermoFiber They replace the classic steel reinforcement with ThermoFibera material based on fiberglass strands integrated into the sheet during extrusion. This allows reduce the glazing wing to achieve very minimalist designs, achieving Uf transmittance values of 0,85 W/m²K combined with Forthex frames, suitable for Passive House buildingsand offer a fully recyclable solution by eliminating the steel from the interior.
Integrated sun protection and light control
In climates with long summers or intense radiation, such as central and southern Spain, the integrated sun protection in the window itselfThis is achieved by combining several elements: tinted or solar control glass which reduce the entry of direct radiation, integrated blinds or blinds within the glazing and specific treatments that filter UV rays.
These solutions allow Keep indoors cooler without relying so much on air conditioning.while protecting floors, textiles, and furniture from fading. It's no coincidence that many new glazing products, such as those from Climalit, combine solar control, high light transmission, and impact protection using laminated glass, especially designed for homes where children or elderly people live.
High-end wooden windows: warmth, design and performance
Within the premium segment, the high-performance wooden windows They continue to play a leading role, especially in luxury residential projects and boutique hotels where a carefully curated aesthetic and a warm and natural environment.
An example of this can be found in the project Reforma 1810 in Mexico City, near Chapultepec Forest, designed by Cuaik Architects and executed, among others, by Torinco and its partner VensterIn this single-family home with a ground floor plus one upper floor, the following work was carried out windows with interior Mallorcan shutters in grey lacquered pine wood, taking care of every detail down to the millimeter, from the exact position of the handles up to the window sashes.
The windows were manufactured with the profile EUROTORR68, incorporating a Delicate latticework that complements the building's classical aesthetic and a RAL 7030 color finish. In addition, a opening to the outside following the criteria defined by the project management team to balance design and functionality.
A very particular feature of this project is the use of interior shutter-type blinds, with hinged leaves and movable slats that allow a very precise control of natural lightThis solution simultaneously addresses the need for blackout, sun protection, and visual comfort in specific areas of the home.
Torinco's bet on the Research and innovation in wooden windows has allowed us to enhance the natural properties of this material, which is already a excellent thermal insulatorand add highly sought-after features: High sound insulation, anti-theft options, and even fire resistanceIn fact, the firm has developed the First European profile window with 60-minute fire resistance certificationThis makes it a very interesting option for buildings with special security requirements.
In short, Modern wooden windows combine beauty, energy efficiency, and security.Therefore, it remains a very solid choice in high-end projects where something more than just standard white joinery is desired.
Premium systems and solutions in PVC and aluminum
Beyond timber, the market is rife with high-end PVC and aluminum systems that seek to anticipate the design, durability and efficiency needs of the coming years.
One of them is GEALAN-KONTUR®, a premium PVC window and door system that uses the GEALAN-acrylcolor® surface. Thanks to a coextrusion process PVC is combined with an outer layer of colored acrylic glass, achieving greater resistance to weathering, wear and thermal deformation, and a range of more than 60 colors, including shades such as anthracite gray or jet black.
This system has a Multi-chamber structure and three jointsachieving thermal insulation values Uf of 1,0 W/(m²K) and excellent acoustic performance. In addition, enhanced protection against theft and narrow profiles that maximize natural light. Furthermore, it can combine with aluminum for specific customizationsand the entire system is completely recyclable.
In aluminum, companies like CORTIZO They have launched systems such as the 4600 Plus Lift & Slide Door, designed to offer near-infinite views thanks to a 50mm central node and a very small perimeter view section. This series combines minimalist design with high thermal performance, with 42 mm thermal break in 80 mm sheets and capacity for glazing up to 65 mm, allowing Uw values from 0,65 W/m²K, ideal for severe climates.
The 4600 Plus allows you to cover openings up to 26 meters in eight-leaf configurationswith leaves up to 3,3 m wide and high and 400 kg in weight, which opens the door to very spectacular facade designs without sacrificing performance.
Another interesting sliding system is VEKAMOVE 76, an innovative solution designed for projects where the aim is save interior space But they don't want to use the typical simple sliding door. This is a sliding system classified as Class A according to the UNE EN 12608-1 standard, with 2,8 mm outer walls and an integrated perimeter center seal that guarantees excellent airtightness and high levels of insulation.
Trendy window colors: from black to earth tones
Color has gone from being a secondary detail to becoming a fundamental design tool in carpentryIncreasingly, windows are being conceived as a aesthetic feature on the facade and interiorand not just as a functional space.
In 2025 and 2026 we will see a clear commitment to colors inspired by nature and metallic finishesWarm shades of brown, especially those reminiscent of wood, are gaining prominence in PVC and aluminum windows, reinforced by the choice of “Mocha mousse” as color of the year Pantone's choice is a soft brown that evokes coffee with milk and chocolate and that combines very well with both modern and classic architecture.
The following are also being consolidated: Colors of nature in shades of warm beige, olive green, and sandy brownwhich help convey a more ecological image of the building and integrate better with the surroundings. As a counterpoint, many architects opt for more intense tones such as dark green, navy blue or terracotta to break the monotony of monochromatic facades.
Of course, the anthracite grays, graphite and black profiles They will continue to be very fashionable, especially in minimalist designs where a striking contrast with white or very light-colored facades is sought. In addition to this, metallic finishes (bronze, gold, anodized gray silver, platinum quartz…) and the slightly rough matte textures that imitate the powder coating of aluminum.
White frames, far from disappearing, are also making a strong comeback thanks to their versatility and timeless aestheticsbecause they match any style and tend to "age" visually better than other more strident options.
Opt for Windows in modern colors is not just an aesthetic whim.A modern and well-chosen carpentry shop can increase the market value of the hometo enhance its appeal and reflect the personality and good taste of its inhabitants, without sacrificing durability, since the quality finishes are resistant to solar radiation, salinity and scratcheswith guarantees similar to those of a traditional white window.
Frosted glass and new privacy solutions
Looking ahead to the trends that will solidify in 2026, the following appears strongly: Frosted glass as an alternative to classic clear glassespecially in spaces where privacy is prioritized without sacrificing light.
El Frosted glass is glass treated to acquire a translucent and velvety finish.either through physical processes (sandblasting, for example) or chemical processes that erode the surface in a controlled manner. The result is a glass that It diffuses the light but prevents you from seeing clearly through it.which makes it perfect for bathrooms, interior glass doors, partitions or certain facade areas.
It is important to distinguish it from opaque glasswhich completely blocks vision. Whereas the frosted glass maintains a Partial transparency with light transmissionOpaque glass doesn't allow anything to be seen from the other side. Furthermore, opaque glass is usually made by adding pigments during the melting process and its surface is smooth to the touch, while frosted glass has a somewhat rougher texture.
Beyond the residential aspect, the Frosted glass is widely used in sectors where aesthetics and hygiene are desired. At the same time, it is used in applications like sanitary or food service, thanks to its ease of cleaning and the very clean visual impression it conveys. Companies specializing in glass treatments, such as those working in perfumery, wine, or cosmetics, also use this finish in containers, jars and decorative elements to reinforce the image of exclusivity.
Keys to choosing the right window model in 2025 and 2026
With so much on offer and so much technology, Choosing windows has become a strategic decisionIt's not just about looking at the price, but about taking into account a set of factors that will determine comfort and energy expenditure for decades.
Climate and geographic location
The first point is to analyze the climate of the area where the house is locatedIn cold regions, it's best to opt for windows with a high level of thermal insulationwith triple glazing and thermally broken frames that are very well designed. In warm climates, however, it may make more sense to prioritize solar control and UV protection glass that reduce heat gain.
If the house is exposed to high humidity, rain, wind, or marine environmentsIt will be essential to choose corrosion-resistant materials and quality sealing systems that hold up well without requiring excessive maintenance.
Architectural style and interior design
The window must to fit with the architectural language of the buildingIn rustic or traditional homes, they tend to work very well. windows with wood-look finishes or directly in wood, while in contemporary projects the dominant materials are straight profiles, thin frames and finishes in neutral or dark tonessuch as anthracite or matte black. This can help to modernize an old house.
The possibility of customize colors, textures and two-tone combinations (one tone for the interior and another for the exterior) allows the woodwork to be adapted very well to the interior design of the home, reinforcing the character of each room and creating smooth transitions between inside and outside.
Energy efficiency and acoustic comfort
Today almost no one disputes that Investing in energy-efficient windows pays off in the medium termFeatures such as double or triple glazing, frames with thermal break, high airtightness gaskets and low emissivity glass They are essential to reduce heat loss and prevent the electricity bill from skyrocketing.
In urban environments or near traffic routes, the Sound insulation is equally importantChoosing acoustic laminated glass, asymmetric chambers, and frames with well-designed joints can make a huge difference in the quality of rest and the feeling of tranquility at home.
Materials and durability
The three main materials remain the PVC, aluminum and woodEach has its pros and cons. PVC offers Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, good price and very little maintenanceAluminum, especially with thermal break, provides high rigidity, very thin frames and a modern lookHowever, its intrinsic insulation is lower if it is not combined with good glazing.
Wood provides a unparalleled aesthetic warmthIt allows for many customizations and, when properly treated, can offer very high insulation, but it requires more regular maintenance and a larger initial investmentThat's why many manufacturers are opting for hybrid systems that combine the best of both.
Type of opening and available space
On a practical level, you have to think very carefully about the type of opening that fits each room. The casement windows They provide full opening and a very tight seal, but require free interior space to allow the sash to rotate. sliders They are perfect in large spaces and in areas where the furniture is placed against the wall, although their opening is partial.
tilt and turn and oscilloscopes combine the best of both worlds: they allow a Controlled ventilation in hinged position without taking up space, and a wide opening when used as hinged or sliding doors. In very large openings, the lift-and-slide doors and accordion-type folding doors They are a very interesting option for integrating terraces, patios or gardens.
Safety, maintenance and budget
In ground floors or detached houses, it is important not to neglect the intrusion securitySecurity hardware, multipoint locks, laminated or tempered glass and sensors connected to alarms These are increasingly common resources that add an extra layer of protection.
El Maintenance is also key.PVC and aluminum are practically limited to periodic cleaning, while wood will require repainting or varnishing from time to time to keep it in perfect condition. Regarding the budget, it's worth considering that A highly efficient window can pay for itself. thanks to energy savings and the fact that many administrations offer grants and subsidies for window replacement when the building's insulation is improved.
In a booming market, with systems like those of Alapont Hermanos, Cristalería Rivera, Hermet 10 and other leading manufacturers, combining minimalist profiles, maximum glass surface, high-performance glass, home automation and trendy colors It is setting the direction for everything we will see in carpentry over the next few years.
Everything points to the windows of the immediate future being thinner, bigger, more efficient, and much smarterAnd choosing well today means enjoying a comfortable, quiet, bright and stylish home for decades, while reducing environmental impact and increasing property value.
