Window Grid Options: Choosing the Right Style for Your Home

Window grids significantly affect exterior aesthetics. Here's a guide to the types and how to choose what's right for your home.

Window and Door Replacement

Window grids — also called grilles, muntins, or SDL (simulated divided lites) — divide window glass into smaller sections, referencing the multi-pane windows of historic construction. They're a purely aesthetic choice in modern windows.

Simulated divided lites (SDL) have individual spacer bars applied to both inner and outer glass surfaces, with a matching spacer between panes. They closely mimic true divided lites from most viewing distances.

Energy Efficiency and Style

Grilles-between-glass (GBG) have a single grid suspended between the panes of an insulated glass unit. They're visible but not tactile from either surface. Easier to clean than SDL; less authentic appearance.

Snap-in interior grilles are removable interior-only grilles. The least expensive option, they're also the least authentic in appearance. The exterior glass appears as one pane.

Getting a Free Estimate

Colonial grid patterns divide windows into equal sections with both vertical and horizontal muntins. Traditional and versatile, they suit a wide range of architectural styles.

Prairie-style grids have a border of small lights around the perimeter of the window with a central glass area remaining clear. They're associated with Arts and Crafts and Prairie-style architecture.

Grid choice should align with your home's architectural heritage. Research original window styles for your home's era — colonial homes had true divided lites in 6-over-6 or 9-over-6 configurations; mid-century modern homes had no grids. Matching the period strengthens the design.

Devon Moore, Operations Lead Co-Founder & Operations Lead — D&D Exterior Finishing

Devon Moore is the co-founder and Operations Lead at D&D Exterior Finishing, specializing in siding, roofing, windows, and exterior renovations across Waterloo Region.