Why Do Some Window Grills Have Curves At The Bottom? The Answer Is Surprising

Some people have bars, or window grills, on the outside of their windows in their homes. They come in various styles but serve an important purpose: enhancing the home’s safety. Some are curved, offering a more aesthetic alternative.

Safety First

A glass door with panes. A backyard with stones a garden bed, and greenery. Brick wall in the background. — *Image Credit: Andrew Vassallo*

A window grill is an excellent option for adding security to a home and a touch of style to traditional box or rectangular-shaped windows. They come with decorative bars, including those with diamonds or curled ends. Although they serve the purpose of increasing safety, they don’t do much to break up the monotony of traditionally shaped homes in the U.S.

Why They Have “Potbellies.”

A window with a "potbellied" metal grill. White wall and newspaper in the background. — *Image Credit: Andrew Vassallo*

Luckily, curved or “potbellied” window grills are available as a more decorative alternative. They add depth to the outside appearance of one’s home and allow space for planter boxes, which add vibrant colors and a cheery welcome to passersby.

Second, the curved window grill allows space for an air conditioning unit or window fan to be installed.

Safety Matters to Window Grills

A balcony with bars and a glass door. Curtains and white walls in the background. — *Image Credit: Andrew Vassallo*

SafeandSolo is a blog written by a woman who lives on her own. As such, she’s invested time and resources into learning the best safety practices for living alone. She confirms that window grills do a great job of increasing security around the house. Additionally, she highly recommends having window grills if you:

Live alone
Live on the bottom floor
Have valuables, art, or family heirlooms that aren’t safely locked away
You or your neighbors have had intruders or attempted burglaries in the past.

Evidence the Window Grill Serves Its Purpose

A curved window grill with plants. Window and brown wall in the background. — *Image Credit: KaufmanIron*

Statistics show a decrease in burglaries in areas where window grills are installed but there’s more evidence to prove their effectiveness. Channel KTVB7 sent letters to 86 inmates in the Oregon Department of Corrections. They were asked how they broke into someone’s home and how someone might minimize their risk of being burglarized. ”Put bars on your windows and doors, get an alarm, keep an extra car in the driveway, keep lights, TVs, and radios on when you leave your home,” were some of the most common responses.

Pros of a Window Grill

Art deco style window grill. Stone wall and window reflecting a building in the background.

They provide an extra layer of protection.
Furthermore, they can be affordable and cost-effective.
Window grills come in numerous designs and colors.
Window grills can help add some depth and dimension to a home’s outward appearance.
They’re low maintenance.
Window grills can be easy to install.

Cons of a Window Grill

A window with white bars over it. Stone wall and white walls in the background. — *Image Credit: McCoy Mart*

They can restrict access and eliminate a possible fire escape route.
Moreover, they may reduce natural sunlight.
Window Grills may not work with the aesthetic of a home.
Additionally, they can become costly if professional installation is required.

Various Window Grill Designs

Rectangular window grill. — *Image Credit: McCoy Mart*

This modern rectangular shape is clean, contemporary, robust, and durable. These are often found in modern architecture and can be made in various geometric or abstract patterns, and finishes. Typically made of steel, these window grills are prone to rusting and need to be treated.

Resembling a 90s Baby Safety Gate

A window with a blue window grill on it. — *Image Credit: McCoy Mart*

Although this window grill may be reminiscent of a 90s safety gate found in homes and schools with infants and toddlers, it’s an intricate design, making it a great addition to many homes for some flare as well as safety. A complex design like this offers the most safety and durability but does need regular maintenance to prevent rusting.

Intricate and Costly

A window with bars and a decorative pattern. White walls in the background. — *Image Credit: McCoy Mart*

Intricate patterns like these offer an intricate design to add complexity and dimension to even the simplest or most box and rectangle-shaped homes. Sadly, this kind of window grill is expensive and requires more maintenance than other window grill options.

Complex and Curly

Intricate circular designed window grill on a window. Stone wall in the background. — *Image Credit: McCoy Mart*

While the inspiration for these designs spans several historical periods, their elaborate design is uncommon. Therefore, it offers a rare aesthetic that can make any house stand out. Sadly, these too will require maintenance and costly installation and fees. As such, they may not be the most cost-effective option, despite their cool design.