Windows are more than just a way to let some light into a room. They can be a styling choice, allowing you to show off a picturesque view. They can be used to increase ventilation and airflow. So, what are the most common types of windows?
Single-hung, double-hung, picture, jalousie, and skylights are some of the most common options. But they aren’t the only window varieties to choose from. You might opt to get arched, bay, casement, egress, or garden windows.
If you feel like you just read a list of made-up terms, don’t worry. Choosing the right type of window shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. Keep reading for a quick overview of some of the ones that are available on the market.
Single-Hung
This is a relatively common option. It is comprised of two parts. The upper section will be fixed. You will be able to move the lower section up and down. This is most commonly used for areas that you want to ventilate. Because of this, it’s most common to see it being used in powder rooms.
Double-Hung
As the name suggests, this is a variation of the single-hung window. In this case, both the bottom and the top panels are sliding windows. This is better for adding ventilation to bigger rooms. You can have cooler air flowing in through the lower window and hotter air flowing out the upper window.
Picture Windows
If you want to highlight a feature, like a stunning view or a manicured garden, you should consider getting a picture window. These are larger, often taking up a significant portion of the wall. They are ideal for providing natural sunlight to the room. They can also help protect you from air leakage as no part of this window opens.
But, if you are considering this option, you will need to make sure that the windows are glazed. Otherwise, heat will be able to seep through this window, warming your house during the summer months.
Sliders
These windows will be opened by sliding them horizontally left or right. This can be a good way of controlling airflow. Plus, this style is contemporary, making it a great addition to modern homes. Sliders are a popular form of replacement window as they require fewer internal components than windows that slide up and down. Because these windows are so popular, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Awnings
These windows are a popular choice for apartments. They have a hinge at the top of the window. You will open it at the base, swinging it open. Sometimes, you will need to use a winder, cranking the handle to open it. With this option, it’s easy to control the amount of ventilation you want. This comes in particularly useful on a rainy day.
Skylight
These are embedded into the roof. Not only will they give you a beautiful view of a cloudy sky, but they’ll also allow you to bring in plenty of natural light. And you’ll be saving on your electricity bills. Most commonly, these will be rectangular or circular, but you can get more creative shapes if you want.
Arched
If you are looking to make a statement, this is the type of window you need. These half-circle windows can be found at the top of doorways and large window arrays making the window reach farther up into taller rooms. They are usually a solid window much like a picture window, but the shape resembles a sunset, sunburst, or rainbow and can really add a lot of character to a large wall. Not to mention, letting in a ton of natural light into your space.
Bay
If you want to create a showstopping architectural feature, bay windows are the way to go. These are large windows that work in a set of three to bump out of the house. This is like creating a small ledge. There are plenty of ways that you can use this small extension of the room. Some people prefer to use it as a reading nook. If you add a mattress, it can function as a daybed. Either way, it’s an incredible feature, which adds plenty of natural light to the house.
Casement
These types of windows have hinges on the side of the frame. On a clear day, you will be able to throw them open and get an unobstructed view of the area. This is a great way of getting more airflow through your house. Plus, as the hinges are on the outside of the window, it’s easy to take care of.
Egress
If you have a basement, you should consider using egress windows. These often have a small enclosed area outside. These windows are designed to serve a few functions, including:
- Allowing natural light into the basement
- Improving airflow and stopping the build-up of humidity
- Creating a means of escape if there is a fire. Because of this, there are strict safety measures that need to be followed.
Garden
If you have a green thumb, you might want to install garden windows. These are a variation of the bay window. But rather than making an enclosed area big enough for a human, the garden window just needs to be a shelf. This is enough for you to channel the light and heat onto your plants, creating a tiny greenhouse within the space of the window.
Jalousie
These are a popular choice for media rooms, as they operate a little like a set of blinds. There is a lever at the side, allowing you to set the angle the windows are positioned at. This determines the amount of light coming into the room, as well as the breeze you are getting.
Round Circle
Finally, you might consider using round circular windows. Most of these will be fixed. Though some will contain hinges so you can add more ventilation. Whether these windows are a good choice will depend on the style of your home. For example, they tend to go well with a Gothic theme. But they might look out of place in a coastal or postmodern home.
Finding the Right Type of Windows For Your House
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of some of the types of windows that you can choose from. But how will you know which one you should be using? Here are some of the things you should think about:
- Budget. Some of these windows will be more expensive to purchase and install. For example, a picture window will be more costly than a single-hung window.
- Size and location of the space. This helps determine whether installing the window will be practical.
- Style. Think about the type of house you want to create. You don’t want your new window to look out of place. It can be a good idea to look through social media accounts, like Pinterest, to get some design ideas.
- Purpose. Sometimes, you want the window to be an architectural feature or help show off some aspect of your property. At other times, though, it will be more functional, intended to bring more ventilation to the area. Or you can do both.
Final Thoughts
There are dozens of types of windows available for you to choose from. Each of these can be used effectively in your home. Now, the job becomes narrowing down the right choice for you.
If you are still struggling to decide what type of windows you should get and you live in the Northern Colorado/Southern Wyoming area, give the TNT Home Improvements team a call. We’ll be able to do a free consultation, talking you through every step of the window replacement process and helping you find the right windows for you.
For more information, visit our Window Services page and fill out the contact form or give us a call at 970-663-2868.
