Before installing new windows, it’s important to consider exactly what type of window you want. There are a myriad of different styles available – each with their own pros and cons. To help you choose the right window, here is a guide into 20 different types of windows. This is a contributed post.
Why install new windows?
There are many good reasons to add new windows to a home:
Replacing existing windows
You may have some old windows that are damaged, insecure or not energy-efficient. Upgrading these windows could be necessary – and may have many additional benefits such as adding value to your home.
Increasing natural light
Adding in new windows could be a good way to brighten up certain spaces of your home. Common places to install additional windows include hallways, bathrooms and attics.
Providing new views
There could be amazing views that you can take advantage of by adding new windows to certain areas of your home. This could include adding windows looking out into your backyard or even windows in the ceiling of your attic to take in views of the stars.
Improving ventilation
Installing new windows in certain rooms could help to keep them ventilated. Bathrooms, basements and kitchens may benefit from this.
Windows are generally not easy to install oneself, so you should look into hiring a reputable local home window installation company. Consider whether you need to apply for a building permit – if a window could potentially infringe on the privacy of neighbors or you’re remodeling an old building, such a permit may be necessary.
20 styles of windows
Awning
Awning windows have hinges at the top, opening up like a cat flap. They are a type of casement window. You’ll usually find awning windows high up a wall – often above a picture window or side-hung casement window. The way in which an awning window opens can help to let air in, while stopping rain from getting in from above.
Bay
Bay windows project out from a wall to form a bay. They often consist of a large central window and two side windows, and may contain multiple panels. Bay windows let in a lot of light and can help to form a cozy alcove. They are great places to position arm chairs or desks. You can even turn the windowsill of a bay window into a seat to create a snug reading nook.
Casement
Casement windows are any type of window that is attached with hinges on one side. Side-hung casement windows are the most popular option, however you can also install windows that open at the top (awning windows) or at the bottom (hopper windows). These windows are known to be some of the most secure types of windows – especially when fitted with locks.
Center-pivot
Center pivot windows contain a hinge attached to the middle of each side. This allows them to pivot from the center, so that when the bottom opens outwards, the top opens inwards. These windows allow plenty of ventilation and are popular in high hard-to-reach areas where they can be easily opened with a pole hook. Because of how they open, they require plenty of clearance space outside and inside.
Circular
Circular windows have a unique circular shape that can make them a very stylish feature. They are often placed in attics on the triangular vertical wall of a vaulted ceiling. However, they can be placed in other rooms too. Small circular windows are often found in doors and can even be styled like ship portholes. Larger circular windows can maximize light. Just be wary that this shape prevents you from having a windowsill.
Dormer
A dormer window projects out from a pitched roof. These types of windows can add more headspace to an attic, while letting in light. Floor to ceiling dormer windows can even be fitted with railings to create a juliet balcony. Because dormer windows protrude, they can sometimes require a building permit. Make sure to look into this before you get them installed.
Garden
Garden windows are used for growing houseplants in. They protrude out from a vertical wall in a similar manner to a bay window, but are smaller and have a window above to let extra light in. In essence, they act like a mini greenhouse. If you like growing plants indoors, a garden window could be a worthy feature to consider.
Glass door
Glass doors are both a door and a window combined. In a small gloomy hallway, a glass front door can help to let in more light. Meanwhile, glass french doors or a glass sliding door could be perfect for installing in a room facing a backyard, allowing you to see out onto a patio and watch kids or pets play from indoors. Glass front doors typically used obscured glass to provide privacy. Some people are hesitant about getting such doors installed because they can seem less secure, however most of them use reinforced glass and are actually very difficult to break into.
Hopper
A hopper window is a type of casement window. It is attached by a hinge at the bottom, making it the opposite of an awning window. Like awning windows, hopper windows are often placed high up walls and are great for providing ventilation. They are more likely to let in rain, but can also be some of the most secure windows against intruders, while also preventing kids climbing out (especially those that don’t open all the way).
Jalousie
Jalousie windows operate in a similar fashion to blinds or plantation shutters, but instead the glass itself consists of slats that open and close. These types of windows are very unique and stylish. They also offer a lot of ventilation. Due to being quite specialist, not all window installation companies may be able to supply and install them.
Obscure glass
Obscure glass windows are designed to let in light while providing privacy from neighbors and passers-by. They are common in bathrooms and are often fitted into front doors. These windows are made from glass that is obscured in a way that you cannot see in or out of them. Types of obscure glass include:
- Frosted glass
- Textured glass
- Satinized glass
- Stained glass
- Glass blocks
Some of these styles such as frosted glass and glass blocks have become slightly dated. Textured glass and stained glass on the other hand are often seen as very decorative options that are often more timeless.
Picture
Picture windows cannot be opened and are simply designed to let in light and provide a view. Most multi-panel windows will consist of at least one picture window and then either a casement window or sash window. The biggest benefit of a picture window is that it is very secure – because it cannot be opened, a burglar cannot get in without breaking the glass. The drawback of picture windows is that they do not offer any ventilation.
Ribbon
Ribbon windows are long thin horizontal windows that typically run across an entire wall. They are designed to maximize light into a room. Ribbon windows are sometimes found along the top of basement walls. These windows may be possible to open and close.
Roof lantern
A roof lantern is similar to a skylight. It is found in a ceiling and allows light to pour in from above. Unlike a skylight, roof lanterns protrude outwards in order to maximize light from different angles. They are often a toblerone shape – but they can also be shaped into pyramids or domes.
Sash
Sash windows contain a glass panel that slides up and down within the frame in order to let in air. Most sash windows consist of two glass panels on top of each other. With a single-hung window, only one of these panels is able to slide up and down. With a double-hung window, both panels are able to slide up and down independently. Such windows allow a lot of ventilation, but can be easy to break into if you don’t lock them.
Semi-circular
Semi-circular windows are most commonly found above front doors or on the vertical walls beneath vaulted roofs. Their unique shape makes them a statement feature, which can be made even more impressive by adding stained glass or multiple panels.
Sidelight
Sidelights are the name of the long thin vertical windows often found beside front doors. They are designed to let more light into a hallway. Quite often sidelights are obscured so that people cannot see through them. They can look very stylish when fitted with textured or stained glass.
Skylight
Skylights are windows installed into the ceiling. Unlike a roof lantern, skylights do not protrude. They can be fitted into flat roofs or sloped roofs and are most common in attics – however they can also be found in kitchens and other first floor rooms that don’t have a room above. Skylights are ideal for letting in more sunlight in rooms where it may not be possible to add extra windows into walls. On a clear night, they can also offer views of the stars.
Slider
Slider windows are like sash windows, but they consist of panes that slide to the side rather than up and down. They are some of the easiest windows to use and don’t require any clearance space in front or behind. Just make sure they are locked shut when not open, as slider windows are some of the easiest windows for intruders to prize open.
Transom
Transom windows are the final type of window worth discussing. These windows refer to any window found above a door – which could include an exterior door or an interior door. A transom window can be rectangular or semi-circular. They can be turned into decorative features using stained glass, or can even provide ventilation by making them an awning or hopper window.