Window Mullions vs. Window Muntins

What are window dividers called? If you’re installing new windows, you might have questions about different window shapes and styles. Understanding the terms designers use for window dividers can help you choose the best option for your home. Two important terms for window dividers are muntins and mullions.

What’s the Difference Between Window Mullions and Window Muntins?

Mullions add structure and support to a window by connecting separate window units. They can be vertical or horizontal, but they connect large units of glass to each other. 

Muntins are used to divide single-pane windows into separate panes. Today, muntins are strictly decorative whether they’re on top of the glass or placed between panes of glass. 

Fundamentally, mullions are used for support and muntins are strictly for decoration. Read more about the differences between mullions and muntins below. 

What Are Window Mullions?

Mullions are the vertical strips that separate two sides of a single window replacement unit. Before the Victorian era, it was nearly impossible to manufacture large pieces of glass. Instead, people could create larger expanses of windows by holding smaller panes of glass together with these supporting bars.

Are Mullions Out of Style?

Like muntins, mullions are very common, even if modern technology can support windows without them. People love the visual appeal of mullions and how they break up spaces. They also offer several functional options that can increase your window’s capabilities. You can find them in many colors to match your home’s appearance.

Mullions are very common in modern home designs to separate and support large windows. Because modern designs often use big, open spaces, mullions help add to the straightforward, minimalist design with clean lines associated with the style.

The Benefits of Mullions

Mullions are excellent design choices that can bring more character to your home and windows. These fixtures offer a few other benefits, including:

• Making windows look taller: Because mullions are long and vertical, they help make windows appear even bigger and taller than they are. While you can use this to make modern settings look more spacious, they are great for all spaces.
• Separating mobile and stationary windows: Mullions are excellent visual features, but they also have functional benefits. When you have sliding windows or other mobile features, mullions can help separate the components that move from those that do not.
• Adding depth and strength to windows: Mullions help set windows deeper into walls and facades, and the raised components can stick out. These physical features of mullions can help protect your windows from rough winds and storms by decreasing their impact on the glass.

What Are Window Muntins?

Window muntins are the decorative strips between window panes. Although frequently associated with windows, they can appear on any type of furniture as wooden panels. On windows, they are often grids or vertical barriers that separate glass windows into individual panes. 

Early builders utilized muntins because they were structurally critical. The outer walls of older buildings could not carry the weight when installing large-sized windows in the walls. Today, muntins serve only aesthetic purposes, allowing you to personalize your home’s design further.

Are Muntins or Window Grids Out of Style?

Muntins are very popular across various home styles and trends. These features help bring depth and character to your home’s facade.

Muntins and window grids can come in several colors and materials, helping them better match your home’s appearance. Further, you can elect for snap-on muntins, giving your windows the appearance of grids without separating your glass into various panes.

The Benefits of Window Muntins

Muntins offer several benefits to homeowners looking to replace or refresh their window fixtures. Some benefits of window grids and muntins include:

• Cleaning windows efficiently: Because muntins separate your windows into smaller sections, they simplify the cleaning process. Easier and more efficient cleaning can provide quality results, so you can better enjoy your home’s view.
• Creating a traditional appearance: Muntins were invented to support heavy glass, but modern window technology has enabled businesses and designers to move away from this function. Now, muntins allow homeowners to improve their homes’ appearance. While you can cater to many designs with muntins, you can use their historical feel to bring a more traditional and older look to your home.
• Making windows look taller: Muntins and grids can create visual illusions that make your windows and spaces look bigger than they are. While these features can come in various shapes, vertical lines draw attention upward and make windows look taller. You can use muntins when you want to make your rooms or home’s facade look bigger.