Depending on the style of your home and the climate you live in, different styles of windows might suit you better. Below, we’ve outlined the most popular window styles along with their benefits.
Single-hung Windows:
- More secure. Since the window only opens in one direction, there’s a smaller margin for error with the window’s locking system.
- Energy efficient. There is only one movable sash, making this style window more efficient for preventing air infiltration.
- Take up less space, making them the perfect fit for high traffic areas and tight spaces.
Double-hung Windows:
- Compatible with almost all home styles, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Perfect for holding air conditioner units, and can also be fitted for screens.
- Easy to maintain. Newer models have upper and lower sashes that tilt out, making it easier to clean the entire window. Some manufacturers even offer removable sashes (the part that holds the glass).
- This style can be fitted with quadruple weatherstripping to prevent your air conditioning or heat from escaping through the cracks.
Sliding Windows:
- A clear, unobstructed view. Sliding windows are typically much larger than double-hung windows, providing a natural view of the outside world.
- Easy to operate. These windows are designed to be opened easily, allowing fresh air into your space with a simple slide to the left or right.
- Low maintenance. This style of window is energy efficient and easy to maintain, since there are very few moving parts.
Casement Windows:
- Fairly priced. This is one of the most economically priced windows for replacement, starting around $150 with installation.
- Tightly sealed. With a sash that forms a seal around the entire window frame, casement windows help to reduce the amount of air leakage from inside your home.
- Large variety. Casement windows come in several different colors and finishes, with a range of accessories. Optional add-ons can also make this window more stylish.
- Provide good ventilation. You can open a casement window all the way, or crack it slightly, with complete control over the security of your home.
Awning Windows:
- Shield against the elements. Since this style opens from the top, it creates an awning effect that protects against weather while providing ventilation.
- Secure and private. This style window is smaller, and is typically installed higher up on the wall in bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Versatile. Because these windows can be installed higher than other styles, they provide more flexibility when designing and styling your home.
Bay and Bow Windows:
- Aesthetically pleasing. These styles provide your home with a clean and modern look, and can often help to increase its value.
- Loads of natural light. With a panoramic view, bay and bow windows allow natural light to enter from multiple directions.
- Can provide ventilation. Some models have two (or more) operating panels that can be opened to let a nice breeze in.
- Extremely versatile. Bay and bow windows are appropriate for any room in your home, and are fitting for any style – from modern to Victorian.
Garden Windows:
- Additional shelf space. These windows are like mini green houses, with shelves that can be used to grow plants, flowers, or vegetables.
- Natural light and fresh air. Though most models are small, they allow extra light and air into a room.
- Easily installed. This style is available in easy-to-install kits that fit into existing window spaces.
- Appealing and valuable. Garden windows are made to be beautiful, with a total of four glass panes and at least one shelf.
Picture Windows:
- Affordable maintenance. This style window is fixed, so there are no movable parts with the potential to break or malfunction.
- Natural light and warmth. During the winter months, a picture window lets in enough natural light to warm a room. Though, during the summer, this could be considered a disadvantage.
Hopper Windows:
- Perfect for basements. Because these windows open at an inward angle, they can help prevent debris from blowing into your home.
- Designed for tight spaces. The hinged design on hopper windows helps to provide maximum ventilation in small areas of your home.
- Energy efficient. Like casement and awning windows, hopper windows close tightly against the seal to keep cool or warm air inside your home.
- Easily opened from the inside. Most models come with an easy to use handle that works to open or close the window.