Curtain Walls may be designed as “systems” integrating frame, wall panel, and weatherproofing materials. Steel frames have largely given way to aluminum extrusions, typically infilled with glass, which provides an architecturally pleasing look and benefits such as daylighting. However, the effects of light on visual comfort as well as solar heat gain in a building are more difficult to control when using large amounts of glass infill. Other common infills include stone veneer, metal panels, louvres, and operable windows or vents.

Curtain Wall systems differ from storefront systems in being designed to span multiple floors, taking into consideration building sway and movement in addition to design requirements such as thermal expansion and contraction; seismic requirements, water diversion; and thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and interior lighting.