From grand glazing and minimalist frames to smart automation and sustainable materials, the residential window market in 2025 is transforming openings into high-performance architectural features.
In 2025, residential windows are no longer just transparent apertures to the outside world—they are fast becoming high-performance design elements that merge technology, sustainability, and aesthetics. Driven by stricter energy regulations, evolving architectural preferences, and consumer demand for smarter living, the window industry is undergoing significant changes.
Grand Views Are In Order
Today’s market showcases trends such as large-scale glazing and slim profiles. In other words, windows are going increasingly big, with large glass surfaces and slender aluminum frames delivering expansive views, maximizing daylight, and being able to maintain thermal and acoustic performance. Additionally, minimalist aesthetics remain prevalent, as thin or frameless designs contribute to modern architectural elegance.
Marvin‘s Modern Corner Window serves as an example of this trend. Part of the Modern collection, it consists of two direct glaze windows meeting at 90 degrees with a central post, which adds an open, exciting element to any space. Beyond its modern aesthetics, its high-density fiberglass material and proprietary frame design provide excellent thermal performance.
The one-of-a-kind frame connects people to the outdoors with sleek lines and sizeable glass while delivering strength, durability, and energy efficiency. All Modern windows have durable finishes that require little to no maintenance. Also, clients can choose split interior and exterior color finishes or matching finishes designed to coordinate. (See images below).
Majestic views and minimalist style can also be seen in Schüco’s AS PD 75.HI—the name stands for aluminum, sliding, panorama design, 75-millimeter basic depth, and high insulation. Launched in 2023, it is the new generation of the firm’s sliding system range.
The new lift-and-slide technology makes it possible to combine a frameless appearance with a barrier-free level threshold for the very first time. Individually scalable, the sliding system can be adapted to various usage requirements.
Energy efficiency and sound control
Energy-efficient features and sustainability are two other major trends in windows, to the point of becoming more and more non-negotiable. Double-glazed windows remain dominant, with triple glazing rapidly growing due to superior insulation (especially in colder regions). Other innovations include thermal-break frames and smart spectrally selective glazing that transmits visible light while reflecting infrared, balancing illumination and heat. Sustainable materials like recycled aluminum, fiberglass frames, and reclaimed glass are also on the rise, as well as lifecycle transparency and take-back programs.
The Pella Lifestyle Series windows exemplify this trend by offering energy-efficient options that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines in all 50 American states. They also offer optional sound control glass to deliver exceptional performance.
Other technical innovations
Pella Windows & Doors’ Pella® Steady Set™ Interior Installation System debuted last year at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. It is the first-ever interior installation system for new construction wood windows, created to meet the real-world needs of installers and the jobsite demands of architects and builders. This patented system allows 64% of the installation of the windows to be safely and precisely performed from inside, reducing dependency on ladders and exterior access. In practical terms, installers are no longer required to carry a window up a ladder, only a roll of flashing tape. Steady Set™ Interior Installation System is 3.15 times faster and takes a two-person install down to one, while also minimizing crew exposure to the elements by up to 72%. With easy-to-learn, pre-attached components, it ensures high-quality, repeatable, and reliable window installations. The Pella® Steady Set™ Interior Installation System is available on select Pella Reserve and the already mentioned Pella Lifestyle Series windows.
Another interesting example of innovation from Pella Windows & Doors is the firm’s patented Integrated Rolscreen® retractable screen, which can be seen when the window is open and rolls away, out of sight, when the window is closed. The Integrated Rolscreen® is available exclusively on traditional Pella Reserve double-hung and single-hung windows.
Automation
Smart and adaptive window technologies are transforming windows, with features like motorized blinds, app/voice control, remote operation, and weather-responsive automation becoming increasingly standard. Plus, dynamic glazing (such as electrochromic or switchable smart glass) allows tint adjustments on demand, reducing energy costs and enhancing comfort.
The Marvin Connected Home automation system provides effortless control, with easy access and enhanced airflow and natural light. It allows for the programming of smart windows and skylights to automatically respond to outdoor conditions such as temperature and humidity. The on-unit sensors keep rain and moisture out, with windows and skylights automatically closing when moisture is detected. The system can be connected to Amazon® Alexa® devices to enable voice assistants and integrated with select home automation systems like Crestron® Home and Control4® for a seamless experience.
Wireless control via remote control or an app is now possible in spaces of less than 200m2 for customers of Schüco Perfect units—the fully integrated systems made in partnership with GS Stemeseder, which consist of a window or sliding unit and a façade-mounted, patented Perfect module. All sun shading options can be time- or sensor-controlled and react to the respective weather conditions, moving automatically into the optimum position. Along with sun shading, a flyscreen can be installed either as a vertical roller shutter or as a horizontal pleated blind.
As a seal with the floor, the module can be fitted with a feature window sill, a safety barrier in the form of an integrated glass or balustrade design, or a level threshold with a drainage channel (option for a 20mm threshold). Subsequently, it is also possible to exchange components at any time. The latest edition of Schüco Perfect units is the Schüco AWS 75.SI+ Perfect ribbon window solution, which made its debut at BAU 2025 and is expected to be available for purchase by the end of the year.
