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white glass windows in a white and grey kitchen

David Lebowitz

June 10, 2025

What Are Specialty Windows? Why Homeowners Love Custom Windows from Pella Mid-Atlantic

Windows are more than just functional, they’re a critical design element that can define the character, energy efficiency, and light flow of your home.. Specialty windows, especially custom windows from Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic, elevate your space with distinctive shapes, improved efficiency, and unmatched curb appeal. Specialty windows can add a unique character and elevated distinction to a room’s design, enhancing both the beauty and functionality of the natural light in your home. Specialty windows go beyond the purely static function of normal windows with unique structure, shapes, movement and function. 

Sometimes specialty windows serve a purely aesthetic purpose. French casement windows offer timeless charm, adding a romantic, old-world feel to your home. Who wouldn’t love the immersive wonder of a panoramic view from their living room?

Other times, specialty windows are simply necessary to transform a tricky wall space. Just the right (if oddly-shaped) window placed with a thoughtful eye for architectural nuance can make it as if the shaped window had always been there. 

In this article, we’ll explore exactly what specialty windows are, the different shapes and types available, why homeowners choose custom windows over standard options, and the vast array of customization options available from Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic.

What Are Specialty Windows and Why Choose Them?

Specialty windows encompass a wide range of designs that cater to unique architectural needs or aesthetic preferences. They include “special shape windows” — circular, triangular, or arched shapes — which can add elegance and sophistication to any room. Pella’s custom shaped windows can be used to accentuate specific features of your home, like a beautiful view or a stunning piece of art.

For more inspiration on custom window shapes and styles to fit your space, try out Pella’s custom shape window ideas tool.

Benefits of Custom and Specialty Windows

Custom shape windows offer several benefits over standard windows, depending on the homeowner’s needs. Just a few include:

  • Unique Design – Homeowners can express creativity and personalize their home’s architecture with one-of-a-kind window shapes.
  • Enhanced Functionality – Options like French casement windows or tilt-turn windows provide improved ventilation.
  • Increased Property Value – Custom windows can significantly boost a home’s value by adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Types of Specialty Windows: Fixed vs. Operational

Specialty windows can be broadly categorized into two main types: fixed and operational.

Fixed Specialty Windows

Fixed specialty windows are designed to be stationary and cannot be opened. They prioritize showcasing beautiful scenery and increasing natural light in a space, rather than providing ventilation. Fixed specialty windows offer:

  • Uninterrupted views without hardware obstructions
  • Improved energy efficiency over operational windows with moving parts
  • Less complicated frames with no openings or hardware to maintain

Operational Specialty Windows

Operational specialty windows are designed to open and close, offering added flexibility. They can be standalone features in any room, providing both function and aesthetic appeal. Operational specialty windows offer:

  • Improved ventilation, promoting a fresh and comfortable indoor environment
  • Versatility as independent features, enhancing both function and aesthetics in any room

Take Advantage of Our Current Offer: Buy 2 Windows, Get 1 Free + No Payments, No Interest Until 2027*

Design Options for Your Pella Custom Specialty Windows

Pella offers a wide range of customization options to ensure your speciality shape windows perfectly match your home’s style and needs. Here are the primary elements to consider as we assemble the perfect specialty windows for your space. 

Window Materials 

When choosing the material for your custom windows, you have three primary options: wood, fiberglass, and vinyl. Each option offers unique practical benefits and aesthetic appeal.

  • Wood: Classic and warm, available in pine, mahogany, or Douglas fir. Customizable with stains or paint.
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows are highly energy-efficient and durable, offering minimal conductivity and a stable seal over time. They are ideal for homeowners seeking a stylish yet functional option.
  • Vinyl: Vinyl windows are budget-friendly, energy-efficient, and require minimal maintenance. They are available in a variety of styles and colors, making them a versatile choice for most homes.

Window Finishes 

Once you have chosen your material, consider the wide array of finishes to enhance the beauty and durability of your windows.

  • Wood Species – Choose from pine, mahogany, or Douglas fir for your wood windows. These species can be stained or painted to match your home’s décor, ensuring a seamless integration with other design elements.
  • Interior Stain and Paint Options – Pella wood products can arrive factory-prefinished in eleven beautiful stain colors or four paint colors. Additionally, you can opt for primed and ready-to-paint interiors to customize the finish yourself.
  • Exterior Finishes – Pella’s EnduraClad aluminum cladding provides a durable and low-maintenance exterior finish, available in 27 standard colors and custom options. This ensures your windows resist chalking and fading over time

Custom Window Treatments

Enhance your new windows with custom treatments that match your style, from modern blinds to traditional drapery. Window treatments not only add aesthetic appeal, but they also provide functional benefits like light control and privacy.

  • Modern Options – Consider between-the-glass blinds or shades for a sleek, contemporary look. These are protected from dust and damage, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Traditional Choices – Opt for drapery, curtains, or cornices to add a classic touch to your windows. These can be customized in various fabrics and styles to match your home’s décor.
  • Custom Designs – If you have unique window dimensions or a specific style in mind, Pella can help create custom window treatments tailored to your needs

Ready to Install Specialty Windows? Here’s How to Start.

At Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic, we guide you through every step of the custom window process:

  1. ConsultationSchedule a free consultation to discuss your vision and needs and take advantage of our current monthly offer.
  2. Design and Creation – Work with our experts to design your custom windows, choosing from a variety of materials and finishes.
  3. Paint Shop – Utilize our custom paint shop to match any color or finish in your home.
  4. Installation – Our skilled installers ensure a precise and efficient custom shaped window installation process.

Ready to transform your home with custom windows? Take advantage of our current, limited-time offer and schedule your consultation with Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic today. Explore our project gallery for inspiration, and learn more about window replacement options. 
Ready to transform your home with custom windows? Take advantage of our current, limited time offer and contact Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic today to schedule your consultation and bring your vision to life.