What a picture window costs in 2026
A picture window is a fixed, non-opening pane designed to frame a view and let in light. Because it has no hinges, handle, opening sash or moving seals, it is the cheapest style to make and fit. In the calculator above, select the Fixed style to price it. A uPVC fixed picture window costs £220 to £440 fully fitted in 2026, with aluminium and timber stepping up from there. The one thing that can push a picture window higher is sheer size: a large pane uses more glass and may need toughened or laminated safety glass, which adds to the bill.
Picture windows are often paired with opening windows either side, so it is worth pricing the whole wall together. The master double glazing costs page lists the fixed row beside the opening styles, and the cost per window guide explains how a mix of fixed and opening units affects your total.
| Picture window (fixed) | uPVC | Aluminium | Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per window, fitted | £220–£440 | £300–£590 | £420–£840 |
Source: DGCC 2026 consensus (uPVC fixed); aluminium +35% and timber +90% as applied across the site. Large panes cost more because of the glass, not the frame.
Which frame material suits a picture window
Aluminium genuinely shines here. With no opening sash to hide, slim aluminium frames give the largest possible glass area and the cleanest view, which the aluminium window calculator will price. uPVC is the value choice for a standard pane, and timber suits a period setting, costed in the timber window calculator. Because a fixed window gives no ventilation, you will usually pair it with an opening window, so price a matching casement alongside it.
The verdict on picture windows
A picture window is the best-value way to add light and a view, as long as the room has ventilation from another opening. For a large feature pane, slim aluminium frames are worth the premium.
Worth it Picture windows: worth it for light and a view, paired with at least one opening window for ventilation.
Fixed windows are the cheapest thing I fit per opening, so people are surprised when a big one is dear. It is all in the glass: a large toughened or laminated pane is heavy and costly. Use a picture window where you want the view, then put a small opener next to it so the room can still breathe.
Tom Bradley, FENSA-registered installer
Frequently asked questions
A uPVC fixed picture window costs £220 to £440 fully fitted in 2026, the lowest of any style because there is no opening mechanism. Aluminium runs roughly 30 to 40% higher and timber roughly 60 to 110% higher.
A picture window is fixed shut, so it has no hinges, handles, seals around an opening sash or moving parts to manufacture. That simplicity makes it the cheapest window per opening, though a very large pane can still be costly because of the glass itself.
Because a fixed window provides no ventilation, building regulations may require background ventilation for the room, often a trickle vent in a neighbouring opening window. A FENSA-registered installer will confirm what your room needs.
Yes. A fixed picture window can be made A-rated with low-E glass, argon fill and a warm-edge spacer, reaching the same U-value as an opening window. Larger panes simply use more glass, which is the main cost driver.