When working to update the look of your home much of your focus will be on the interior of your home. However, the outside of your home can also be dramatically changed with some decorative and versatile window accents.

Window Headers

There are several advantages to adding window headers to otherwise rectangular, ordinary windows. Window headers can great a balance to wide, squatty windows or may cap tall, thin windows to create a smoother visual balance when viewing the home from the road. Window headers also provide a touch of elegance and distinction to the windows, which may in turn improve the visual appeal of the entire home. A carefully placed sunburst header may smooth out a gable full of angles and coordinating headers can make mismatched and uneven windows look more uniform.

When considering the choices in window headers, there are two very popular styles:

• The crosshead choice refers to the most common style of window headers. These are usually long and narrow, with or without a slightly curved top. This type of header may also include a capstone as part of the design.
• The sunburst header often resembles an opened fan; the flat surface resting across the window, with the fanned section above that. The most common sunburst headers are half of a circle or the long half of an oval. There is a lesser known, but striking, triangular header as well.

These decorative window features are typically available in vinyl, wood or fypon.

Window Shutters

Window shutters are another very popular decorative accent for the windows of your home. Working shutters provide a way to block out excessive sunlight and can reduce the costs of cooling your home. They may also be purchased and installed in order to protect your windows and home from damage in hurricane areas. There are many homes with exterior shutters that are used to dress up the front of the home. Shutters add width to the windows, giving them the appearance of being larger. Shutters can also add an attractive final detail to the home, improving the overall effect.

There are several popular styles to choose from:

• Board and batten shutters provide a traditional appeal with the look of slats running horizontally over slats that are placed together vertically, within a similar frame.
• Raised panel shutters typically have two to three sections outlined by a frame.
• Louvered shutters are characterized by many thin, slanting slats that run horizontally within a frame.
• Bahama-style shutters provide an exotic, island feel to the window which is a little more casual than other window treatments.
• There is also the possibility of a combination of any of the shutter types.

Shutters for the window are often available in wood, vinyl or a composite material that will stand up well to the elements of nature.

Window Blocks

The use of window blocks offers one more attractive way to bring some variety to your windows. Window blocks provide the homeowner with a lot of versatility. Window blocks are used frequently in place of exterior windows. Bathrooms are a very popular room for their use. The blocks allow a great deal of natural light into the room, while all of the desired privacy is maintained. You may like to use window blocks in a kitchen or a sitting room for similar reasons, especially if you have a window that overlooks another person's yard or home.

Window blocks are usually available in glass or acrylic.

The next time you are considering a home improvement project, take a look at the windows. They just might be the best place to start.