If you’re shopping for new windows, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your options. After all, there are a plethora of styles—bay, single-pane, bow, and double-hung windows just to name a few.
​
When it comes to stationary casement windows (or fixed casement windows) and picture windows, the two styles look quite similar. However, when you take a closer look there are actually a few key differences that set these two window styles apart.

What are Fixed Casement Windows?

Fixed casement windows look almost identical to traditional casement windows. The only difference is that fixed casement windows do not open.

Fixed casement windows are often placed next to other windows and are commonly used to create bay window layouts. They’re a great option for anywhere in your home that you want more light but don’t necessarily need ventilation. They can be designed with or without sash bars.

What Are Picture Windows?

Picture windows, sometimes referred to as direct set windows, are large, fixed-pane windows that have a clear pane of glass with no sash bars. They’re called picture windows because they create a clear frame for viewing the outside surroundings.

Fixed Casement vs Picture Window—What’s the Difference?
Fixed casement and picture windows are both non-operational windows, meaning they do not open. Both these styles are also great for letting in natural light and boosting energy efficiency. The main difference is that fixed casement windows often have sash bars and tend to have a larger frame size than picture windows.
Fixed casement windows are better for creating a decorative focal point, whereas picture windows are better for offering unobstructed views of your outdoor surroundings.

Visit the Window Showroom at Glendale Supply & Design
If you’re looking for beautiful, long-lasting replacement windows in Chicago, turn to the building supply experts at Glendale Design & Supply. We offer a wide array of windows to help you find just what you need.

If you’re redesigning your kitchen, you likely have some very big decisions to make in regard to your flooring and cabinetry. If you want to go with dark cabinets, choosing the right shade of hardwood can create a stunning look.
Keep reading to learn which wood floor options work best with dark cabinets.

What Color Wood Floor for Dark Cabinets
If you love the look of dark cabinets, choose a hardwood that’s at least 1-2 shades lighter than your cabinets. In general, white and grey woods go well with black, dark blue, and green cabinets, while natural woods, like oak and maple, will match dark brown, burgundy, and burnt sienna cabinets.
Here’s a closer look at the 4 best wood floor options for dark cabinetry.

Gray

Whitewood is an excellent choice for dark-colored cabinets. This combination creates a stark contrast that lends toward modern, boho, and mid-century modern design aesthetics. The two most popular whitewood choices are White Oak and White Pine. Although whitewashed wood is another popular option.

Bamboo

If you’re looking for hardwood floors for a low-traffic room, bamboo will be a great choice. Because bamboo often comes in naturally-golden shades, it works well with dark, warm-hued kitchen cabinets.

Can You Mix Dark Flooring and Dark Cabinets?
Yes, it’s possible to mix dark wood flooring and dark cabinetry, especially if you’re looking to create a dramatic look. If you go this route, it’s recommended that you choose flooring that’s at least two to three shades lighter than your cabinets. This will help create some dimension and prevent clashing. Otherwise, you may end up with an overly dark kitchen.

How to Match Dark Cabinets to Wood Floors

Choosing a wood type that complements dark cabinets is not enough to create a good match. To ensure your cabinets and hardwood don’t clash, it’s important to match the undertones of both pieces.

Warm undertones include yellow, orange, and red. Cool undertones are generally grey or bluish. You can easily determine the undertones of a piece of wood by comparing it to other wood. Natural wood tends to have warm or neutral undertones, while stained hardwoods often have cooler undertones.

Once you know the undertones of your cabinetry, you can begin comparing your hardwood options. The easiest and most accurate way to do this is to bring hardwood samples home and hold them up next to your cabinets.

Visit Our Showroom
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, turn to the experts at Glendale Design & Supply. Our company provides top-quality windows, appliances, cabinetry, and more. Best of all, we can help you choose a color scheme that will make sense for what you’re envisioning. We’re the best option for custom cabinetry in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.