As we look ahead to 2025, the focus on residential windows and doors is stronger than ever in home design. To understand what’s driving this interest and the latest demands of homeowners, we reached out to industry leaders, who shared valuable insights into the most popular features and innovations. With homeowners seeking to enhance both style and energy efficiency, the demand for modern window and door solutions is increasing. According to experts, these upgrades boost curb appeal, play a significant role in increasing property value, and keep energy bills down. Many households are dedicating a significant part of their renovation budget to these improvements.
In this report, we explore the key trends we can expect in the coming year with input from window and door experts, currently working at the forefront of the residential sector of the industry.
Key Findings:
Aesthetics and durability are most important to homeowners, say 96% of experts.
60% of professionals say stack sliding doors are the most popular for indoor/outdoor living.
According to 68% of industry insiders, minimalist frame designs are the top window trend.
84% say energy efficiency is either important or very important to homeowners.
Tall doors are the biggest front door trend, 60% of pros agree.
75% say that wood-grain is the most requested front door color.
Double-hung windows are the most requested type of window, say 44%.
Windows and Doors
Homeowners’ Priorities in 2025
Experts in the industry have clients tell them on a daily basis the aspects of windows and doors they consider the most important. Here, 96% reveal that aesthetics and durability are top of the priority list, being either important or very important. Both windows and doors make up a huge part of the overall look of your home while protecting you from the elements. So it’s no surprise that their look and durability are considered so important. “Exterior doors, in particular, are seen as a key element in creating a positive first impression,” says Gal Cohen, Field Area Manager at JDM Sliding Doors.
The next highest priority for homeowners when choosing new windows and doors is energy efficiency, with 60% of pros citing it as very important. Michele Linton, Marketing Manager at SoftLite Windows & Doors says “Energy efficiency stays at the forefront for homeowners - both for cost savings and the impact on the environment. Having Energy Star 7.0 options and the most efficient options for federal tax credits is paramount.” Cohen agrees, saying “Increasing demand for energy efficiency with rising energy costs and a greater focus on sustainability, homeowners are prioritizing energy-efficient windows and doors.”
Homeowners also appreciate the peace of mind of having a warranty and good after-sales service, this is according to 48% of professionals who say it’s very important. Another key aspect of homeowners feeling safe with their new windows and doors is security. Security features were said to be both important and very important by 38% of experts. Which specific security features are most popular can be found later in this report.
Further down the priorities list, we find that the availability of financing options is not important to homeowners, according to a majority of 33% of pros.
Are Brands Important to Buyers?
We asked industry insiders if they believe that window and door brands and their reputations are influential aspects when deciding on purchasing. A majority of 44% said that they are important with another 40% believing that they are very important.
Related article: Best Entry Door Brands
Brand reputation instills confidence in the buyer, meaning they are more likely to trust a name they know than a name they don’t. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be one of the big names in the industry. Local companies often have great reputations due to satisfied clients that help their success.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Windows and doors play a huge role in the energy efficiency of your home. But which specific feature ranks amongst the most important for homeowners in 2025? According to a 60% majority of professionals, insulating efficiency (U-Value and R-Value) is the most in demand. This is not just a customer preference, however. Mike Peck, Vice President of Installation at Leaf Home advises “When replacing windows, considerations like U-factor, which measures insulation efficiency, and regional requirements must be taken into account.”
While noticeably lower, another 16% believe eco-friendly materials are a priority for homeowners. “People are really catching up on sustainability and eco-friendly principles when it comes to their windows and doors, so that's becoming a lot more important to customers,” says Dan Staupe, Co-Owner of Compass Exteriors.
Double and triple glass windows provide much better insulation because of the dead air spaces between the panes. Triple glass windows not only make your home more comfortable by reducing temperature fluctuations but also help you save on utility bills. With this improved insulation, you won’t need to adjust the thermostat constantly, making your home more energy-efficient and cozy.
Indoor/Outdoor Living
One of the biggest trends in home design in recent years is indoor/outdoor living. But how are homeowners achieving this? According to 60% of industry professionals, stack sliding doors are the most popular way. They are sought after thanks to being able to open the space up, removing the divide between the interior and exterior without invading any floor space. Similar to how pocket doors achieve the same effect, stack sliding doors may be preferred due to their ease of retrofitting. The renovation is a lot less invasive, which might be why pocket doors only achieved 12% of experts saying they are the most popular.
Another common choice is using French doors. French doors fit well into smaller spaces which means that those that do not have such large rooms for stack sliding doors, can still open the space up to the outside. French doors are also timeless, with many color and material options, allowing lots of natural light into the home.
Bifolding doors open the divide between your living space and your exterior living space completely. The downfall of bifold doors is that they occupy floor space due to how they function which is not ideal for smaller homes. Yet, due to their benefits, 40% of pros say they are one of the most popular indoor/outdoor living features.
Picture windows, which 20% say is a top choice, rather than blend the divide of interior and exterior, allow the outside in visually. These are great for people who want to achieve indoor/outdoor living in any area of the home, especially if your outside living space is limited or non-existent.
Residential Windows in 2025
Biggest Trends in 2025
A large majority of 68% of experts say that minimalist frame designs top window trends in 2025. Minimalist window frame designs feature sleek, thin profiles that maximize natural light and create a clean, modern aesthetic. These frames prioritize simplicity and functionality, often using materials like aluminum or steel for a streamlined, unobtrusive look.
Another popular trend this year is windows that enhance indoor/outdoor living, according to 64% of professionals. As mentioned, creating seamless transitions between both areas of the home has been an ongoing trend for a while now, so it’s no surprise that this still tops popularity lists.
Continuing from the minimalist frame trend are dark color frames and trims. This complements the overall modern look well, and 52% of experts agree that it’s a popular trend among homeowners. Dark colors also help make windows pop when set against light siding colors.
Natural light is one of the main focuses when it comes to choosing windows. Large windows allow just that, and having them above the kitchen sink is a design trend continuing to take off in 2025 with 36% of pros naming it a top trend.
Some experts also opted for natural and eco-friendly materials as a popular trend, as well as bold colors, industrial looks, and tilt/turn casement windows.
Most Wanted Type of Window
Most experts, 44%, say that double-hung windows were the most requested type of window over the past year. While slightly more expensive than single-hung windows, double-hung offers more benefits by opening more than one way. Most noticeably, they can release hot air while simultaneously allowing cold air to enter. They are also safe on upper floors where you can open from the top, making sure small children do not lean out from them. Double-hung windows have a more traditional, classic look. As John Nelson, Owner of Austin Retrofit, Inc., points out “We are in a weird trend where there is a balance between customers wanting super modern and going back to traditional.”
Related Article: Single vs Double-Hung Windows
Most Popular Frame Colors
72% of window experts say that black window frames and trims are set to be the most popular in 2025. This matches up with the previous trend of people wanting minimalist aesthetics, as black is often used for this design style: simple, clean, and limited color. Black window frames and trims also match well with any siding color making them an easy choice for the exterior look and curb appeal.
A more classic color is white, which 56% of professionals believe is the most popular. Similar to black, white matches with any other color, making it a safe color choice regardless of your siding color, front door color, or interior design. As Sharon L Sherman, Owner of Thyme & Place Design LLC says “Styles and trends are always evolving but quiet luxury never goes out of style.”
Most Popular Multi-Functional Use
Related article: Best Window Companies
Windows make certain areas of the home an ideal place to carry out other activities thanks to the abundance of natural light they let in. 25% of industry experts say that breakfast nooks are the most popular windows multi-function this year. Eating outside is ideal in warmer climates, but a breakfast nook surrounded by windows is perfect for those colder months. The table and chairs setup can also become a space to work or for kids to do their homework.
Reading nooks are cozy spots that you can combine with windows. For example, placing a bench in a bay window is a great way to make the most of the extra space. 17% of pros say it's the most wanted multi-functional feature of windows this year. Another 17% also say using the window sill as a patio bar. This is another form of achieving the popular indoor/outdoor living trend.
Exterior Doors in 2025
Most Popular Front Door Trends in 2025
60% of experts choose tall doors as one of the most popular trends in 2025. Tall doors tie in with overall trend themes in this report of modern minimalist style. They also create a great focal point for curb appeal and give off the effect of a larger entrance. If you also combine this trend with that of glass inserts, tall doors allow lots of natural light in.
Minimalism is a hot trend in 2025. 40% of pros believe that it’s the biggest trend in 2025. Minimalism when it comes to exterior doors means clean lines and simple elegance. To complete the effect this is often coupled with very simple and minimal hardware.
Pivot doors are a must in luxury homes and are becoming more popular in general. 36% of experts say they are a top front door trend. The contemporary style of pivot doors means they are smooth to open, allowing for heavier and larger doors.
Other trends set to be popular according to 28% of experts are custom hardware and glass inserts. Cohen comments “Specialty shapes, decorative glass, and unique hardware are popular choices for those looking to add a personal touch.”
24% of pros say oversized entryways are set to be one of the biggest trends. This ties in with both tall doors and pivot doors, and homeowners looking to add a wow factor to impress guests who enter their homes, enhancing curb appeal.
Most Popular Front Door Color
Color is often a matter of taste to each individual. But trends dictate what is most popular among the majority of homeowners. A clear favorite in 2025 is wood-grain front doors, according to a massive 75% of industry insiders. Recently, biophilic design, whereby people seek to bring outdoor elements into their home design, is very on-trend. Having the cohesive transition of the outdoors to indoors with natural (or natural-looking) materials ties in well with this trend.
Black once again is high on the list of popularity for 2025, and 50% of pros agree when it comes to front doors. Just like window frames and trims, black is a great choice for a minimalist, sleek, modern style.
Most Requested Style
Door styles are often dictated by the overall architecture of a home. Craftsman and farmhouse-style front doors are what 36% of experts say they have seen as the most requested over the last year. This makes sense when you consider that the vast majority of homeowners seek wood-grain doors, as this is typically the material for craftsman doors. Both styles usually have glass inserts too, something else homeowners look to include to enhance natural light. Craftsman, farmhouse, and French doors are all examples of the previously mentioned idea that homeowners are looking to strike a balance between modern and traditional.
Expert Recommended Materials
As homeowners look to strike the right balance between front door cost, durability, and energy efficiency, we asked experts to tell us what they recommend as the best compromise. 32% say fiberglass/composite is the best option. It is an extremely durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and is extremely energy efficient. As Peck says “As extreme weather threats intensify, so does the need to work with a skilled home improvement professional to safeguard your home while meeting your unique needs. Balancing functionality, design, and budget is a complex task requiring specialized expertise.”
24% of the professionals we spoke to recommend solid wood. The lower percentage is probably because it is less energy efficient than fiberglass/composite and has higher maintenance.
Most Requested Security Features
A major factor to consider when purchasing a new front door is safety. 32% of the experts we surveyed say that the majority of homeowners request multi-point locking systems more than any other security feature. As the name suggests, it locks the door at multiple points along the frame, usually with a single turn of a key or lift of the handle.
Another 28% said that customers have most requested electronic or smart locks. Smart locks are advanced door locks that use technology to control access to a property without the need for traditional keys. They connect to your home's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to lock or unlock your doors using a smartphone, key fob, or other electronic devices.
Adam Graham is a construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. He has experience writing about home construction, interior design, and real estate. He communicates with experts and journalists to make sure we provide the most up-to-date and fact-checked information. He has been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, and written for various outlets including the National Association of Realtors, and Insurance News Net Magazine.