A living room with a focus on the large, hopper windows that look out onto lush greenery.

Divided-light windows might sound rare in a home, but they’re more popular than you think. Also called divided-lite or multi-light windows, these windows have small panes of glass separated by thin frames called muntin bars or grilles.

Divided-lite windows can either be “true” or “simulated,” so which is best for your home? Zen Windows St. Louis breaks down the benefits of replacing your windows with divided-lite windows and the differences between the two types so that you can decide what suits your property.

Benefits of Divided-Lite Windows

Divided-lite windows have withstood the test of time for a variety of reasons. Many people install these windows in their homes because they’re:

  • Stylish: These windows look good with both modern and classic architecture.
  • Energy-efficient: Because they’re so large, many people assume these windows aren’t energy-efficient, but that’s not true. If you install divided-lite windows with insulated glass or low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, they’ll be just as energy-efficient as most modern window designs.
  • Easy to maintain: If a window pane in your true divided-lite window chips or cracks, you can replace the single pane instead of the whole window. If you have simulated divided-lite windows, you can remove the muntin bars or grilles and clean them as easily as normal windows.

Differences Between True & Simulated Divided-Lite Windows

True divided-lite windows have multiple panes separated by muntin bars or grilles, all fitting into one large window design. Simulated divided-lite windows have the look of a true divided-lite window but without the single panes. A simulated divided-lite window is one large window pane with muntin bars or grilles placed on top of it.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:

True Divided-Lite Windows Simulated Divided-Lite windows
Pros
  • Meet modern energy-efficiency standards
  • Are easier to repair than simulated divided-lite windows due to the individual panes of glass
  • Are structurally stronger than simulated divided-lite windows
  • Meet modern energy-efficiency standards
  • Are easier to clean than true divided-lite windows due to the removable muntin bars or grilles
  • Are easier to find from window manufacturers
  • Typically cost less than true divided-lite windows
Cons
  • Are harder to clean than simulated divided-lite windows
  • Aren’t as readily available as simulated-divided lite windows
  • Typically cost more than simulated divided-lite windows
  • Are harder to repair than divided-lite windows
  • May lack architectural authenticity
  • Are less strong than true divided-lite windows

Zen Windows St. Louis Offers True & Simulated Divided-Lite Windows

Due to their timeless design, divided-lite windows can make an excellent addition to any home. Choosing between true divided-lite windows and simulated divided-lite windows will depend on your budget, the design you’re after, and whether you value ease of cleaning or maintenance.

No matter your choice, Zen Windows St. Louis can handle your window replacement or installation needs from start to finish. Our highly skilled window installers are dedicated to providing each customer with a stress-free Zen experience.

We work only with top-quality window manufacturers, so our customers get windows that are built to last. We can replace your current windows with true or simulated divided-lite windows that match your home design.

Contact us now to schedule a consultation about your window replacements. You won’t pay a dime until our work is done to your satisfaction.