Your Complete Guide to Window Styles
New window styles have expanded to include a wide variety, be it their style, function, material, and color. Based on your taste and personal preference, you can choose from a broad array of styles and vibrant, eye popping, classic, or subtle shades. In terms of functionality, it’d be best to take into account the function of the target room, so you can determine the desired ventilation and amount of natural light you would like to allow.
Other factors to consider include the external weather, temperature control, and the targeted energy efficiency. These multiple selection criteria aside, the extensive catalog can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you haven’t replaced your windows in a long time or haven’t had the opportunity to browse the new window categories and styles.
To guide you in your selection process, Brothers Windows has compiled a comprehensive guide to window styles, or let’s say, some of the most commonly used window types, along with their functionality and suitability for a given room. Let’s get started!
Double-Hung Windows
The double-hung window is easy to operate and is commonly available, making it one of the most widely used window styles. It consists of two sashes that move independently, allowing users the option of opening it vertically, either from the top or bottom. Owing to its design, it can provide ventilation to a good extent and with ease, increasing its suitability for different types of rooms. They’re also quite easy to clean, so maintaining them poses no considerable challenges.
However, if you’re planning on installing these in the children’s playrooms or bedrooms, caution needs to be exercised as the window can be operated from both ends, making it possible for children to accidentally close it on themselves if they try to operate it from the bottom.
Single-Hung Windows
A single-hung window is comprised of a bottom panel that can be vertically opened or closed but the top panel remains stationary. They are cost efficient as well as energy efficient windows, owing to their single movable panel, resulting in a decreased probability for air to escape. Again, like double-hung windows, a single-hung window is a good fit for a variety of rooms.
Casement Windows
Casement windows have a door-like operation, as they pivot on their side hinges. Since they swing open - horizontally outward like a door - they are easy to operate and also provide great ventilation, making them an ideal fit for rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. Furthermore, with their easy operation they are a safer alternative for children’s bedrooms and playrooms as opposed to single or double hung windows. In addition, they are a great fit for rooms where top panels of double-hung windows can be hard to reach and hence operate.
In addition, they offer great energy savings with their ability to create an airtight seal that prevents air from escaping while in the closed position.
Awning Windows
An awning window is a top-hinged window that opens up and outward, via a crank. As the name suggests, these windows open like an awning and are a great option for providing ventilation on a rainy day or during a rainstorm, while simultaneously preventing water or debris to get inside the window frames. What’s more, they can be locked, even in the open position, making it easy to ensure air flow at all times.
They are an excellent way to provide ventilation as well as privacy if they’re used in combination with the right type of window coverings.
Picture Windows
Picture windows comprise a fixed sash or panel that cannot be opened or closed. So, they’re naturally a great option to allow in light but no ventilation.
Since most rooms require ventilation, picture windows are typically used in combination with other windows that allow air flow. In that sense, they’re typically used as an aesthetic piece and for allowing uninterrupted natural light and outside views. Considering these characteristics, these window frames are perfect for large window openings in hallways, huge living rooms, or dining rooms, either where ventilation is not required or where there are other windows to provide ventilation.
They are used as a stunning focal point that offers great aesthetic value while providing an expansive view of the outside; they are therefore considered great architectural design pieces and as such are an essential item on most architectural guides to window styles. Picture windows come in varying sizes and shapes and are typically used in a variety of openings including top arched windows, semi or full circle windows, and many others.
Slider Windows
As the name suggests, slider windows slide through - horizontally on a track. They offer several advantages, including the facts that they’re the easiest to operate and quite affordably priced, thanks to their simple design. However, the tracks can accumulate dirt and may require regular cleaning. Their easy operation compensates for this slight disadvantage though. In places like bathrooms and kitchens where you require easy-to-operate windows, they are a perfect fit given their convenient and easy handling. They are also a great option for bedrooms owing to their simple design and ease of use.
We hope our guide to window styles proved to be helpful in selecting the perfect windows for your home. To create the desired overall effect and ensure the required functionality, opt for the right window materials and try pairing them with the ideal window treatments.
Learn more about Brothers Windows’ window products and how we can help you with your replacement window needs! We serve areas such as
Los Angeles,
Sacramento,
The Bay Area,
San Diego and
Reno.
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