Window Selection Bulgaria 2026 | Complete Buying Guide
Windows define your home’s character while significantly affecting energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term costs. Bulgarian climate—with hot summers and cold winters—demands windows that perform year-round.
This guide helps you choose windows that balance performance, aesthetics, and budget for Bulgarian conditions.
Window Performance Basics
Key Performance Metrics
Understanding window ratings:
U-value (thermal transmittance):
- Lower is better
- Excellent: ≤1.0 W/m²K
- Good: 1.0-1.4 W/m²K
- Acceptable: 1.4-2.0 W/m²K
- Poor: >2.0 W/m²K
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC):
- South windows: Higher SHGC for passive heating
- West windows: Lower SHGC to reduce overheating
- Balance needed for Bulgarian climate
Sound insulation:
- Standard: 30-35 dB reduction
- Enhanced: 35-40 dB reduction
- Acoustic: 40-45+ dB reduction
Glass Types
Modern glazing options:
Double glazing (standard):
- Two panes, gas-filled gap
- U-value: 1.1-1.4 W/m²K
- Standard for most applications
- Good balance of cost/performance
Triple glazing (premium):
- Three panes, two gas-filled gaps
- U-value: 0.6-0.8 W/m²K
- Best thermal performance
- Higher cost, heavier frames
Low-E coating:
- Reflects heat while transmitting light
- Improves U-value significantly
- Essential for energy efficiency
- Standard in quality windows
Argon/krypton fill:
- Better insulation than air
- Argon: Common, effective, affordable
- Krypton: Premium, even better performance
Frame Material Comparison
PVC/UPVC Frames
Most popular choice in Bulgaria.
Costs: €80-150/m² of window
Pros:
- Best value for performance
- Low maintenance
- Good thermal insulation
- Resistant to moisture and rot
- Wide range of colors/finishes
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Expansion in heat
- Some find appearance plastic
- May yellow over time (low quality)
- Not traditional aesthetic
- Environmental concerns (production)
Best for: Most homes, budget-conscious, practicality over aesthetics
Aluminum Frames
Premium modern choice.
Costs: €120-250/m² of window
Pros:
- Sleek, modern appearance
- Slim sight lines (more glass)
- Extremely durable (50+ years)
- No expansion/contraction issues
- Powder coating in any color
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Thermal bridging (needs thermal break)
- Not traditional appearance
- Conducts cold without thermal break
Best for: Modern architecture, large windows, premium projects
Wood Frames
Traditional premium choice.
Costs: €150-300/m² of window
Pros:
- Beautiful natural appearance
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Traditional Bulgarian aesthetic
- Can be refinished
- Sustainable material
- Best for historic properties
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Higher initial cost
- Susceptible to moisture/rot
- Regular painting/staining needed
- Vulnerable to insects
Best for: Traditional homes, historic areas, aesthetic priority
Wood-Aluminum Composite
Best of both worlds.
Costs: €200-350/m² of window
Pros:
- Wood interior beauty
- Aluminum exterior durability
- Low maintenance exterior
- Excellent thermal performance
- Premium appearance inside and out
Cons:
- Highest cost
- Heavier than other options
- Complex construction
- Fewer local suppliers
Best for: Premium projects, wanting wood look without maintenance
Window Styles for Bulgaria
Tilt-and-Turn (Oscillobatant)
Most popular style in Bulgaria.
Features:
- Tilts in for ventilation
- Swings open for cleaning
- Excellent sealing when closed
- Multi-point locking standard
Best for: Most rooms, year-round use
Fixed Windows
Maximum glass, no opening.
Features:
- Largest glass area possible
- Best thermal performance
- No hardware to fail
- Clean, modern appearance
Best for: View windows, paired with operable units
Sliding Windows
Good for limited space.
Features:
- Opens without swinging in/out
- Large opening possible
- Good for balcony doors
- Modern appearance
Considerations: Slightly lower seal quality than tilt-and-turn
Awning/Hopper Windows
Useful for specific situations.
Features:
- Opens outward (awning) or inward (hopper)
- Good for rain protection while open
- Works well high in walls
Best for: Bathrooms, basements, rain-prone areas
Regional Considerations
Mountain Areas
For properties near Troyan or Bansko:
Recommendations:
- Triple glazing strongly recommended
- Low U-value priority (<1.0 W/m²K)
- Good sealing against drafts
- Consider snow load on shutters
- Thermal break aluminum or quality PVC
Key features:
- Maximum insulation
- Draft-free operation
- Condensation-resistant
Coastal Areas
Recommendations:
- Salt-resistant hardware
- UV-resistant frames
- Good ventilation options
- Security against storms
- Consider SHGC for summer heat
Key features:
- Corrosion resistance
- Summer heat management
- Hurricane-resistant options available
Central Regions
For Plovdiv or Stara Zagora:
Recommendations:
- Double glazing often sufficient
- Balance heating and cooling needs
- Good tilt-and-turn for ventilation
- Exterior shading consideration
Key features:
- Year-round performance
- Good value options work well
- Ventilation for summer nights
Size and Placement
Optimal Window Sizes
Rules of thumb:
For good lighting:
- Window area = 15-20% of floor area per room
- Larger windows face south (winter solar gain)
- Smaller windows face west (less overheating)
For view windows:
- Low sills (40-50cm) to enjoy views while seated
- Consider fixed + operable combinations
- Think about furniture placement
Orientation Strategy
South windows:
- Largest windows here
- Winter sun passive heating
- Deep overhangs for summer shading
- Higher SHGC acceptable
East windows:
- Morning light, manageable heat
- Good for bedrooms
- Standard sizing works
West windows:
- Afternoon heat can be intense
- Consider smaller or shaded
- Low SHGC glass
- External shutters valuable
North windows:
- Consistent, cool light
- Good for workspaces
- No direct sun issues
- Moderate sizing
Cost Analysis
Window Budget by House Size
Approximate window costs for complete home:
| House Size | Window Area | PVC Budget | Aluminum Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80m² | 15-20m² | €1,500-3,000 | €2,500-5,000 |
| 100m² | 18-25m² | €2,000-4,000 | €3,000-6,000 |
| 150m² | 25-35m² | €2,500-5,500 | €4,000-9,000 |
| 200m² | 35-45m² | €3,500-7,000 | €5,000-12,000 |
Includes installation; excludes specialty windows.
Value vs. Premium
Where to spend more:
- South-facing main windows (you see these most)
- Large view windows (visual impact)
- Triple glazing in cold regions
- Quality hardware (daily use)
Where to save:
- Secondary bedrooms
- Utility rooms
- Small bathroom windows
- Fixed windows (simpler)
Our Plans and Windows
How our designs optimize windows:
C-101 (80m²):
- ~18m² window area
- Efficient placement for light/heat
- Standard sizing for cost savings
- Tilt-and-turn throughout
- View C-101 →
C-102 (97m²):
- ~22m² window area
- Living room feature windows
- Good cross-ventilation
- French doors to terrace
- View C-102 →
Installation Considerations
Professional Installation
Always use professional installers:
- Proper sealing critical
- Warranty requires professional fit
- Thermal bridging prevention
- Correct anchoring
- Finishing details matter
Installation Checklist
Verify these before accepting:
- Plumb and level installation
- Proper foam insulation around frame
- Sill slope for drainage
- Complete sealing inside and out
- Hardware operates smoothly
- No gaps or drafts
Integration with Design
Consider during planning:
- Lintel requirements above windows
- Sill construction
- Interior and exterior trim
- Shutter mounting
- Screen integration
Shading Options
Exterior Shutters
Traditional and effective:
- Rolling shutters (popular in Bulgaria)
- Folding shutters (traditional)
- Sliding shutters (modern)
- Best solar heat control
- Security benefit
- Storm protection
Interior Solutions
Supplement exterior shading:
- Blinds (venetian, vertical)
- Curtains (thermal, blackout)
- Interior shutters
- Roller shades
Frequently Asked Questions
How many windows do I need?
Plan for window area equal to 15-20% of floor area for good natural light. More on south side, less on north. Our plans have optimized window placements.
PVC or aluminum—which is better?
PVC offers best value for most homes. Aluminum suits modern architecture and larger windows. Both perform well in Bulgarian climate with quality products.
Should I get triple glazing?
In mountain areas (cold winters), triple glazing pays back through heating savings. In milder regions, quality double glazing is often sufficient.
What warranty should windows have?
Look for: 10+ years on frames, 5+ years on hardware, 5+ years on seals. Get written warranty before purchasing.
Can I install windows myself?
Not recommended. Proper installation critically affects performance, sealing, and warranty. Professional installation typically adds 15-25% but is worthwhile.
Choose Windows with Confidence
Windows significantly impact your home’s comfort, efficiency, and appearance. Match products to your climate, prioritize thermal performance, and invest in quality installation.
Your next steps:
- Browse house plans — see window designs included
- Assess your region’s climate requirements
- Get quotes from 3+ window suppliers
- Contact Architect Miglena for window specification advice
All plans include 15% discount—let the light into your Bulgarian home.
