Window Grids Guide

Window grids, or window grilles, often appear in homes to add architectural interest. They can also maintain the continuity of a home’s style. A lot of terms get used to describe window grids. Here’s a handy window grids guide to help you make the best choice for your home.

Window Grid Terminology

When it comes to window grids there are several terms to describe them. The terms are often used interchangeably. Window grids are also known as grilles, dividers, muntins, or mullions.

In the past, mullions used to support window glass pieces in single-pane windows. Now they serve decorative purposes.

Muntins also refer to the bars or dividers that form the decorative grille pattern of a window or door. Grilles specifically refer to muntins fastened to the interior side of a window sash.

Grids in windows are also called grilles. Muntins, also known as dividers or bars, create the grids and grilles.

Common Window Grid Terms

There are many terms and synonyms with different types of glass. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various terms before you get started on a window or door replacement project.

Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs)

Simulated Divided Lites have bars permanently attached to the outside surface of glass to form grids. The grids mimic traditional looks and can form symmetrical looks. Simulated Divided Lites can increase the appeal of a house by adding visual interest.

Mullion

A vertical bar of a sash that divides the sash into different sections. In older windows they supported window glass pieces, but now serve decorative functions.

Muntins

Bars that form the decorative grille pattern on a window or door. Also known as dividers.

= available in Marvin Replacement products

Marvin Replacement Window Grille Types

Marvin Replacement offers two types of window grilles: Simulated Divided Lites and Grilles-Between-the-Glass. There are many types of custom patterns you can build with those grilles. The difference between Simulated Divided Lites and Grilles-Between-the-Glass is the location of the bars.

Simulated Divided Lite

Simulated Divided Lites have bars permanently attached to the outside surface of the glass to form grids. The grids mimic traditional looks and can form symmetrical patterns. Simulated Divided Lites can increase the appeal of a house by adding visual interest.

Grilles-Between-the-Glass

Grilles-Between the Glass can also create grids. They differ from Simulated Divided Lites because the bars sit between the panes of glass. GBGs offer easier window cleaning because you don't have to work around the muntins, like with Simulated Divided Lites.

Window Grille Patterns

Rectangular Grille Patterns

Prairie style homes feature window grids that divide the window into unequal sizes. The grille runs near the perimeter of the window and creates architectural appeal.

Prairie style grids can have four, six, or nine unequal rectangles or panes. The lines of Prairie style grids create a sense of a prairie landscape. Craftsman and Farmhouse style homes often feature Prairie grille styles.

A simulated check rail appears on casement windows to look like a double hung or single hung window.

Selected: Traditional

A white Marvin Replacement Double Hung window with a standard divided lite pattern.

Marvin Replacement Casement Windows with Prairie Two-Wide Divided Lites.

Image of two white Marvin Replacement Casement windows with a Prairie Two-Wide Six-Lite divided lite style.

A white Marvin Replacement Casement window with a prairie nine lite style.

Image of a white Marvin Replacement Casement window with Cottage style divided lites.

Image of a white Marvin Replacement Casement window with a simulated check rail to mimic a double hung window look.

Round Grille Patterns

Round grille patterns feature spokes and hubs to make them unique. Our circle window can have six spokes while our round top windows can have three. Hubs can appear open or solid.

Selected: Circle Dual Hub Six Spokes

Marvin Replacement Half-Round Spoke Lites

Marvin Replacement Round Top Equal-Rectangular

Marvin Replacement Quarter-Round-Open-Hub

Home Styles that Use Grille Patterns

Grille patterns are often used to preserve the historic aspects of a home’s style. They can also maintain a consistent look. Many of the grille styles include Prairie in the name as in Prairie style homes.

Prairie Style Homes

Prairie style homes feature window grids that divide the window into unequal sizes. The grille runs near the perimeter of the window and creates architectural appeal.

Exterior view of a bungalow home featuring Marvin Replacement windows.

Traditional Home Styles

A traditional home style places an emphasis on window symmetry. When window grilles appear, they’ll take on the traditional style of window grids to maintain a symmetrical look. Georgian homes also feature symmetry with symmetrical window grilles.

Exerior view of Marvin Replacement windows with a bronze color finish.

Craftsman Home Style

Prairie style homes feature window grids that divide the window into unequal sizes. The grille runs near the perimeter of the window and creates architectural appeal.

Farmhouse Style Home

Farmhouse style homes can feature traditional window grille styles for symmetrical looks. Often the grid style separates the glass into four equal rectangles.

Living room view of a Marvin Replacement Bay window with an EverWood finish.

Colonial Grids

Colonial grids separate the window into either four, six, or nine equal portions for a clean look. Colonial homes feature symmetrical designs and window grilles follow the pattern. Some houses will feature grids on the upper sash of a window. Colonial style grids can often appear in Cape Cod style homes, too.

Exterior of stucco home with Marvin Replacement Double Hung windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people put grids in windows?

Grids used to hold individual panes of glass in place in single pane windows. They became a characteristic look for that home style. Today grids serve decorative purposes to add appeal to your home.

Are window grids outdated?

Window grilles aren’t outdated. They appear in many home styles and have found new popularity with Farmhouse style homes.

Upgrade Your View with Marvin Replacement

Learn more about Marvin Replacement glass options and energy efficient replacement windows. Start improving your living by scheduling a free, no hassle design consultation with Marvin Replacement today!

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Exterior image featuring Marvin Replacement Double Hung Windows in Ebony exterior finish.

Window Grids Guide

Window Grid Terminology

Common Window Grid Terms

There are many terms and synonyms with different types of glass. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various terms before you get started on a window or door replacement project.

Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs)

Mullion

Muntins

= available in Marvin Replacement products

Marvin Replacement Window Grille Types

Simulated Divided Lite

Grilles-Between-the-Glass

Window Grille Patterns

Rectangular Grille Patterns

Round Grille Patterns

Home Styles that Use Grille Patterns

Prairie Style Homes

Traditional Home Styles

Craftsman Home Style

Farmhouse Style Home

Colonial Grids

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people put grids in windows?

Are window grids outdated?

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Upgrade Your View with Marvin Replacement