What do you think is a window’s role in the curb appeal of a home? They are an essential part of a building meant to allow natural light and air inside. But it’s also the window design and style that add to the attractiveness of the house.
With the continuously changing architecture and home design trends, windows have come a long way from classic Victorian to modern minimalist designs. However, their purpose of brightening and enhancing the interiors has remained constant.
There are a variety of window designs and types to choose from. Understanding your budget, needs, and architecture style plays a crucial role in making the right choice.
This article explains 11 different types of window designs, and styles and how they differ from each other, read on.
| Windows Types Based on How They Open | 1) Casement Windows |
| 2) Awning Windows | |
| 3) Picture Windows | |
| 4) Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows | |
| 5) Bay or Bow Windows | |
| 6) Slider Windows | |
| Window Types on the Basis of Placement | 7) Clerestory Windows |
| 8) Transom Windows | |
| 9) Dormer Windows | |
| 10) Corner Windows | |
| 11) Skylights |
Types of windows based on how they open
1. Casement Windows
Long and wide windows, such as casement windows, which operate by turning a crank, have gained extreme popularity over the last few years. They are easy to clean, provide excellent natural ventilation, and are customizable, making them ideal for modern homes in hot climates. Such window designs usually open inward and can be angled to steer the natural breeze into the building.
Ease of operation, less maintenance, and energy efficiency are some other strong suits. In addition, casement windows can also be installed with double-pane fiberglass frames with low-E coating for UV protection, as well as regulating temperature.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Casement windows open outward completely, offering better ventilation and view
- These fixed-pane windows are energy-efficient and highly secure
- Casement windows are customizable and can be adapted to suit various styles
Cons:
- Casement windows and central air conditioning cannot work together
- These window designs canβt be too large in size and weight
- Canβt use storm windows or screens
- More mechanical problems
2. Awning Windows
Awning windows are almost similar to casement windows, except these have hinges on the top. They open outward, providing enough ventilation and natural light. They work well in confined spaces, such as in a bathroom or kitchen.
Pros:
- Awning windows are generally installed higher in the walls, maximizing ventilation without letting in rainwater
- Ideal for wet or damp climates due to their weather-tight construction
- These window designs are versatile and perfect replacement windows as they can be combined with other window types
Cons:
- They get dirty easily thus require frequent cleaning
- Not a good option for emergency escape
3. Picture Window
If you ever wanted to replace your opaque doors or walls with see-through glass windows, then picture windows are recommended. They are commonly used in combination with additional windows for an attractive aesthetic. The best place to install picture windows is where they will offer the best views of the outside.
Picture windows are only meant to bring in natural light and offer an expansive view of the surrounding without interruption. The fact that picture windows are stationary and cannot be opened for ventilation should be considered before going for it.
Pros:
- No replacement cost, as there are no mechanical parts are involved
- Meant to bring in natural light and heat
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Heat gain in summers
- Lack of ventilation
- Not very secure
4. Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows
When practicality meets simplicity in the window industry, it leads to the creation of these windows. The major difference here is the number of operable sashes that slide upwards and downwards for ventilation. These windows are efficient in terms of both, functionality and energy, as well as facilitate ventilation, making them perfect replacement windows.
| Also Read: How to Update Old Windows to Improve Energy Efficiency
Single-hung windows
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Less sliding issues
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Less air circulation
- Available in small size only
Double-hung windows
Pros:
- Ease of cleaning and accessibility
- Increased energy efficiency and ventilation
- Can be used with window AC
- Available in a variety of sizes, styles, colors, and materials
Cons:
- Expensive
- They are not as airtight as other windows
- Require regular maintenance
5. Bay and Bow Windows
If you wish to make your small room feel larger, then bay and bow windows are the right choice. At first glance, both of them look alike, but they have major differences in length and shape. Usually, bay windows comprise three windows of varying sizes, creating a rounded appearance on the outside of the building. On the other hand, a bow window is made up of three to six windows of equal size and shape, offering clean straight lines.
These windows are ideal for small spaces as they are installed ahead of the exterior wall of a home. In most cases, they are combined with pictures, sliders, or casement windows, making it a much desirable option. With the right material put to work, bay or bow windows can turn out to be a fruitful investment.
Pros:
- Brings in a lot of natural light and air
- Enhanced view
- Creates extra space
- Adds value to the property
- Different styles available
Cons:
- Hard to replace
- It is difficult to install hardware on these windows
- Higher repair and maintenance cost
6. Slider Windows
As the name gives out, these windows slide horizontally or vertically and bring in natural light and fresh air. Usually, slider windows are wider than they are tall. They are great for compact spaces, and also for bedroom egress requirements.
Pros:
- Easy to use and durable
- Available in different sizes
- Easy to clean and low maintenance
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Prone to air leaks
- Limited color options
- Require regular cleaning
Window Types on the Basis of Placement
7. Clerestory Windows
A series of stationary windows along the upper section of walls are generally called clerestory windows. They are meant to allow natural light into the room. You can find a number of tiny homes with such windows since they are effective in making the room look spacious and airy.
Pros:
- Bring in natural light
- Require less maintenance
- Perfect for long hallways
- Make an attractive addition to a home
Cons:
- Clerestories can cause overheating in the space
- Bad choice for bedrooms
- Difficult to shade owing to their placement
8. Transom Windows
Transom window is a narrow, fan-shaped window set above windows or doors. They are usually meant to enhance the aesthetics and create a focal point on the entrance. Typically, they feature a semicircular shape, but can also be square or rectangular.
Pros:
- They add to curb appeal of a home
- Increase natural light and ventilation indoors
- Privacy isnβt choked
- Enhanced appearance
Cons:
- Transom windows are fixed and thus offer no ventilation
- Difficult to clean
9. Dormer Windows
Dormer windows project vertically from a sloped roof and are commonly used to bring light into attics. They are useful not only for airing and brightening the space but also for adding a unique charm to the exterior design of the home.
Pros:
- Increase available space indoors
- Additional opening
- Improves the exterior look
Cons:
- Difficult to install
- High maintenance and cost
- Are prone to leakage
10. Corner Windows
Corner windows are rare but surely a beautiful addition to a home. They provide benefits that are traditional, and not offered by rectangular windows; such as stylish design and increased light flow into the house.
Pros:
- Bring in light and add to the interior space
- Provide a unique statement to the house
- Maximize view
- Are perfect for a lounging nook
Cons:
- A less secure window type
- High construction cost
- Laborious to clean
11. Skylight Windows
If you’re looking for a modernist way to brighten up your home, the skylight window can do it for you. They are perfect for small bedrooms and kitchen since they create an illusion of a larger space. The air and light flow are impeccable, and you can open the windows outward with ease. Not only does the skylight look like an invention of the modern era, but ease of use and space-friendly placement keep them at the top of the homeowner’s list.
Pros:
- Increases natural light indoors
- Makes small spaces feel larger
- Value addition to a property
Cons:
- Potential energy and moisture leaks
- Expensive to install and maintain
- Sun glare through the skylight can fade carpets and fabric quicker
