A window is not just a space to allow air and light into the room. It also represents the whole design of a house from those who look it from the outside.
For this reason, choosing a particular window style or design is an important work that you should do carefully. To help you get started in making the right decision, here are some popular types of windows with their special characteristics.
1. Casement Windows
Casement windows have a door-like frame that allows them to swing out from one side to another. This design supports energy efficient windows because they can directly catch the air from outside.
When building these windows, you need to make outside or inside space for the swing-out frame.
2. Bay Windows
Bay windows are built by projecting the exterior wall within a trapezium frame. The most common design of this window consists of three sides: a front window in the center and two angled side windows.
Besides capturing more light, bay window design gives your home a broader view from the inside.
3. Awning Windows
In general, awning windows apply the same concept as casement windows. However, instead of swinging out to the side, the frame of awning windows opens from bottom to top.
These types of windows also serve as a good ventilation system, especially when it is built in the higher location of the house.
4. Single Hung Windows
Single hung windows feature a pair of window sash: one of them is movable, while the other is fixed. They are more space-friendly than casement since they don’t require extra space to swing.
One of the best places to build up this design is on the windows above the kitchen sink.
5. Double Hung Windows
Having a similar concept like single hung windows, this window design has two movable sashes instead of one. It is more effective than single hung because you can slide both sashes over one another. Therefore, the passing air doesn’t only stick to one side of the window. There are a wide variety of double hung window sizes, so this is a great option for any location in your home.
6. Sliding Windows
Sliding or slider windows are basically double hung windows that slide to the other side instead of vertically. If you want a wider yet more practical window, this design is the best way to go.
7. Storm Windows
Storm windows refer to the addition of barrier in the original windows. Such design is intended to provide seasonal protection; it helps to keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition, it improves your home insulation.
8. Egress Windows
Functionality and attractiveness seem to be the specialty of an egress window. This window looks attractive because of its emerging feature. More importantly, it provides an escape route which can be beneficial for some emergency cases.
9. Picture Windows
Picture windows are probably the simplest and most traditional design of a windowpane. It serves like a fixed picture frame that shows you the outside view.
That being said, picture windows only allow light to pass through since they don’t provide an airway or ventilation system.
10. Transom Windows
Mostly found in upscale houses, transom windows offer a decorative touch in a unique design. They are usually built in a semicircle shape, but some designs also have square or rectangular shapes.
11. Stationary Windows
Stationary windows are more or less similar to the fixed picture windows. Both types of windows feature the frame that cannot be moved or slid.
A greater amount of light can be received through stationary windows, but still, they don’t ventilate the room properly.
12. Arched Windows
Inspired by Roman architecture, arched windows offer an interesting design due to its arching top and unique frames. This window type has a timeless design that can be built in both traditional and modern homes.
13. Garden Windows
Garden windows, also called greenhouse windows, are designed in a frame shaped like a box. The window glass is installed on the front, top, and sides of the frame.
While providing a great amount of light, the inside parts of this window can be used to store some houseplants, just like a greenhouse.
14. Glass Block Windows
Those who favor privacy often choose glass block windows as their ultimate design. This window still allows an ample amount of light to pass. However, the blocks of glass which fill in the frame keep the inside parts of the house private all the time.
15. Hopper Windows
Hopper resembles the awning windows in most ways. The only difference between them is the opening direction. While awning windows open from the bottom, hopper windows work the other way around.
This concept is best to be installed in the basement area where you can provide enough light from the top parts of the house.
16. Jalousie Windows
Jalousie is a manufactured window that offers louvered panes in vinyl or aluminum frames. It can work in different settings and climates. In addition, jalousie always keeps the house free of bugs because it features the inside screen that will come in handy when the windowpanes are opened.
17. Round or Circle Windows
The origin design of round or circle windows come all the way from the Gothic architecture. This window installation particularly aims to create a focal point in the exterior wall. It also provides an interesting pathway to let in the natural light.
18. Skylight Windows
Skylight windows are installed on the ceiling instead of the wall. They are intended to provide a beautiful view of the sky while allowing a high amount of natural light. Because of the aesthetic purpose, skylights are mostly built in a cabin or vacation home.
19. Tilt and Turn Windows
Combining the concept of casement and hopper, tilt and turn windows offer the best of both worlds. They are not only able to swing out like casement, but can also tilt from the top like a hopper.
Such arrangements make these windows more functional and practical than most other window styles.
20. Dormer Windows
Dormer belongs to the types of windows that you can install in the attic or the roof. It is built to let natural lights come from the top parts of the house.
Despite this function, most modern homes these days choose to build fake dormer windows instead of real ones for decorative purpose only.
