These types of windows are wall openings that admit fresh air and sunlight into the building and provide an outside view. Windows are provided for aesthetic purposes.
Windows are the eyes into (and out of) a home, and can utterly transform a space. Whether you want to ventilate and illuminate your interior or keep prying eyes and foul weather out, there’s a perfect window for every room.
Windows are an essential component of any structure. They provide sufficient insulation against heat and cold.
There are different types of windows available based on framing material, location, design, shutter operating mechanism, position, casement size and shape, casement material, manner of fixing, aesthetic purpose, etc.
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Window Designs for the Modern Home
Whether you are renovating an existing room or planning an extension for the home, window design is an important consideration—the types and sizes of windows in a space can utterly transform it.
However, when it comes time to decide among different window types and designs, appearance and style should not be your only considerations.
Consider their energy efficiency, ventilation, and safety, all of which can affect whether a window style is right for your home.
Keep reading to learn about window styles and types for home renovation projects that accentuate a home’s exterior or interior style.
Types of Windows Every Homeowner
The following are the modern types of windows:
1. Single-Sash Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the sash window type consists of two vertical panels. This type of window is attributed to the English inventor Robert Hooke, and its use caught on quickly due to the design’s simplicity.
In a single-hung sash, the bottom panel moves up to allow airflow, while the top panel stays fixed.
These types of windows are Best for bathrooms and smaller bedrooms to provide airflow and ventilation. Single-sash windows are also more affordable than double-hung windows, making them a good choice for DIY projects with a small budget.
2. Double-Hung Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the double-panel sash window is probably the most widely used type of window. It consists of two vertically arranged panels, both of which can be moved up and down.
Best for: Better ventilation than a single-sash window, double-hung windows are great for bathrooms and bedrooms.
Homeowners with kids or pets can also keep the lower panel locked while allowing air in through the top panel.
3. Casement Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the casement window was popular in the UK before the invention of the sash window, and it is still popular in many European countries.
In this design, the operable panel (installed singly or in a series) hangs on a hinge, allowing the window to open like a door.
Best for: Casement windows are regularly installed above doorways, in stairwells, and in other hard-to-reach locations because the crank is relatively easy to operate with just one hand, even when the user’s arm is fully extended to reach the crank.
4. Awning Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the awning window is a casement that’s mounted vertically, with the hinge at the top so the window pushes out.
These types of windows are especially useful for allowing air to flow without allowing seasonal debris (e.g., falling leaves) or rainfall into the home.
Best for casement windows, awning windows operate with a crank mechanism that is easy to use, even when reaching above your head. For this reason, casement windows are best used above doorways, in stairwells, and in narrow spaces that may be hard to access.
5. Bay Window
Since their use in castles during the English Renaissance, bay windows have come a long way. Today—in mansions and modest homes alike—bay windows are beloved because they offer sweeping views of lawns and gardens outside and let sunlight into the home as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day.
Best for: Allowing tons of natural sunlight to flood in through a wide bay window in the kitchen or living room. The angled side windows typically open, improving ventilation in the space.
6. Bow Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the bow window relies on curved architecture and uses more glass panels than a bay window (to accommodate the curvature). The window pictured is from the Hôtel Otlet in Brussels, Belgium.
Best for: If your goal is to have an impressive view of the yard or neighbourhood outside the home, bow windows are a good option. They tend to be a bit more expensive than bay windows, but typically allow more natural light into the home.
7. Jalousie Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the jalousie window was invented by Joseph W. Walker of Massachusetts in 1900, and it’s a distinctly American style.
These types of windows consist of thin, staggered strips of glass that open and close together like a Venetian blind.
Best for: Popular in warmer cities and coastal regions, install Jalousie windows in the kitchen, dining room, or anywhere else you want easy access to a nice breeze on a hot day.
8. Palladian Window
The Palladian window is derived from the work of exalted Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The Palladian design usually features a large panel embellished with an arched top and two smaller side panels.
Best for: The purpose of a Palladian window is to draw attention—it’s meant to be a main focal point in the home. Install a Palladian window in a living room, dining room, or lavish office for the best effect.
9. Sliding Sash Window
As one of the Types of Windows, the sliding sash window consists of two horizontally mounted sashes that open and close easily by sliding along a track.
Sliders are an excellent choice for mounting over a counter or sink, or in any situation where an obstacle blocks access to the window.
Sliding sash windows are ideal for kitchens and bedrooms, especially in homes with children or pets, because they’re easy to open and close—and clean.
10. Fixed Window
As one of the Types of Windows, Fixed windows do not open; they can either be located on exterior walls to admit natural light or set into interior walls (e.g., over a door). These types of windows come in all shapes and sizes, and of course, custom options are also available.
Best for rooms where you want lots of natural sunlight and a great view of the outdoors, but do not want to reduce the home’s energy efficiency by installing an opening window.
11. Glass Block Window
One of the more decorative types of windows, glass block windows consist of several sections of thick glass blocks that allow natural light to pass into a room but are not fully transparent.
As one of the Types of Windows, these glass blocks are commonly frosted or patterned, adding a decorative element to a space. Glass block windows cannot be opened for ventilation.
Best for: Glass block windows are typically used in spaces where privacy is key: in bathrooms, for example, as well as in basement apartments and around front doors.
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12. Picture Window
As one of the Types of Windows, Picture windows are designed to be as simple as possible—the idea here is for nothing to detract from the view through the window.
Some picture windows, particularly very large ones, may have inset metal grids, which are both decorative and help reduce the risk of breakage. These windows do not open, so they aren’t a good choice for ventilation.
Best for: A picture window is ideal for emphasising mountains, lakes, oceans, and other stunning views visible from the home.
13. Skylight Window
One of the better-known window styles is the skylight window. This window is installed in the ceiling rather than the wall, allowing the home to take full advantage of an open sky without the risk of rain or snow falling into the house.
Skylight windows can be fixed, meaning they don’t open, or they may have a crank mechanism or a remote control for operation.
Best for: Skylight windows are a great choice for adding natural light to small rooms without taking up wall space. They are also commonly installed in high front hallways or foyers to improve the lighting at a home’s entrance
14. Storm Window
Storm windows are a specialised type of window that prioritises function over appearance. As the name indicates, storm windows are designed to withstand powerful wind, blowing rain, sleet, hail, ice, and snow.
They can be installed on either the interior or exterior side of an existing window pane and provide an additional layer of protection without obstructing the view.
Best for: Setting up storm windows in existing window frames to help protect a home during severe storms. For this reason, they are best for areas prone to heavy storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes.
Choosing Custom Windows
There is more to replacing windows than choosing the glass and the frame. Existing openings may need to be changed to accommodate new windows. Energy efficiency upgrades or stricter building codes may dictate which models you can choose from.
Additional carpentry expenses may also determine whether you go with custom or standard window sizing. Either way, it’s best to review the options and compare the final costs before deciding on custom windows.
Deciding to Go Custom
When deciding to replace your windows, you must first determine whether you need custom windows. If the openings are irregularly sized, compare the cost of enlarging or reducing the hole to accommodate a stock window.
This is a better option if you’re putting in a smaller window, but since it will still require patching, filling, and trimming or the services of a contractor, this option may cancel out any savings from buying off the shelf.
If you’re making the opening larger, you might need expensive adjustments to the wall’s load-bearing parts.
In all, it’s best to have a professional review the situation and provide an estimate so you can really compare numbers.
Non-standard sizing is not the only reason to go custom. Replacing existing windows that don’t complement your home’s design is easier with custom windows, which let you choose any style or shape you want.
Upgrading to energy-efficient models is another great reason to opt for custom windows, especially if you are replacing a treasured signature window, such as a bow, bay, or oriel. Custom ordering allows you to determine the features and measurements you need.
Before you place your order, be sure to check out different manufacturers. A size, option, or shape that is non-standard at one company may be standard at another, says Jeffrey Lowinski, vice president for technology marketing at the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.
A third company may have a standard size you can use with minor modifications. “Shopping around to find a standard size that fits your opening may save you some money,” Lowinski says. You may also want to see whether using several standard windows, rather than a large custom one, works in your space.
When ordering custom windows, make sure they are made with the energy-efficiency and performance options best suited to your climate and region.
Custom windows are generally available in the same materials as standard windows—vinyl, wood, aluminium, fibreglass, or composite—and with the same options, including coatings, gases, impact resistance, and light-transmittance values.
Also, ask about the warranty: most companies offer the same warranty for their custom windows as for their standard ones.
The custom windows should also maintain the same performance ratings assigned by industry groups as the standard products.
Replacement Windows
Once you’ve decided to go custom, you have several options. If the existing frame is in good condition, you may not have to replace the whole window, which can save you money and let you keep the same interior and exterior trim and appearance.
You might be able to just order custom panes unless they’re glued into the frame or you want to upgrade to a thicker glass.
The next cheapest option is to order a custom sash—the removable glazing and support—if it’s compatible with the old frame.
You can also order a custom replacement window, which is a new unit held together with a thin frame that’s inserted into the existing frame. The most expensive option is replacing the entire unit with a new window, including the frame, sash, and trims.
Cost
There’s a good chance your custom windows will cost more and take longer to order than standard ones. “Generally, you will pay a premium for a custom-sized product.” Still, it depends on the manufacturer and the flexibility of its equipment.
Many companies do “just-in-time production,” which means they don’t make anything until they have a specific order.
At these factories, there may be little cost difference between standard and custom windows, and the price per unit will be the same whether they make one window or 50.
However, at a company that has to set up the equipment to produce a specific window, you might be able to negotiate a lower per-unit price by ordering a larger quantity.
If that’s the case and you plan to replace more of the same windows in the future, it might be cheaper to order them all at once.
Measuring and Installing
Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best to have an expert measure before ordering your custom windows.
“That’s a fatal error right there if you mismeasure the openings,” Lewis says. And once they’re made, you want to make sure they’re installed right.
You can have the best, most expensive custom windows, but you will have wasted your money if they leak air or water. Make sure they are professionally measured and installed.
Replacement Window Materials
While the materials chosen for a window frame do influence its thermal characteristics, they play a much larger role in determining its physical properties, such as thickness, weight, and durability. Here are some of the most popular standard window frame options:
- Wood: Prized for their aesthetic value, wood-framed windows are sold in a variety of shapes and sizes. If properly maintained, they can enjoy a long life, rewarding energy-conscious homeowners with a high R-value (a measure of thermal resistance).
- Wood clad: If one downside of traditional wood-framed windows is their maintenance requirements, vinyl- or aluminium-clad wood windows offer the best of both worlds—the warm appearance of wood on the interior and improved weather resistance on the exterior.
- Aluminium: Strong, lightweight, and durable, aluminium windows are considerably less expensive than their wood-framed cousins. The trade-off between the two is not only one of style but also of performance: Aluminium is prone to condensation, which can, in some cases, lead to mould growth.
- Vinyl: A lasting, low-maintenance window material that resists moisture, vinyl costs less than wood, and although it cannot be painted, vinyl windows are available in a wide range of stock colours and a virtually infinite number of custom hues.
- Fibreglass composite: Another option for homeowners who want the fine appearance of wood but with less hassle, fibreglass composite windows excel in extreme conditions. They neither warp nor sag in high heat, nor shrink nor turn brittle in cold.
- Composite: Made from a blend of plastic and organic materials, composite windows are typically strong and energy-efficient. If you want a specific look and none of the stock colours strikes your fancy, custom orders are possible.
Window Buying Guide
Now that you have a good understanding of your window options, what else should you look for? Here are some tips.
- ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels: The Energy Star label means your windows meet the EPA’s minimum standard for insulating in your area.
- In colder climates, consider gas-filled windows with low-E coatings to reduce heat loss. You can also get a low U-factor for better thermal resistance. U-factor is the rate at which the window conducts non-solar heat flow.
- In warmer climates, choose windows with coatings to reduce heat gain. Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warmer climates.
- In climates that are both hot and cold (i.e., have seasons), choose windows with low U-factors and low SHGCs.
Best Types of Windows for Various Purposes
Energy Efficiency
Installing energy-efficient windows is a smart way to save money. Choose a double-paned window with Low-E glass for maximum energy efficiency. Low-E is a thin coating that helps to reflect heat, keeping the inside of your home more comfortable.
Windows with a vacuum-sealed argon fill may cost more, but they also help conserve energy and should reduce your monthly energy bills. Check for windows with the ENERGY STAR label to provide exceptional energy efficiency for your home.
Insulation
If you want maximum insulation, the new R-5 Series windows have a higher R-value, which helps them retain heat.
Standard ENERGY STAR-rated windows have an R-value of 3. A higher R-value reduces heat loss and can improve your home’s insulation levels by 30 to 40 per cent. All windows with Low-E coatings or a gas fill are more insulating than those without these features.
Tropical Climates
Avoid windows with wooden frames if you live in a tropical climate since humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause the wood to expand and contract or rot.
Instead, select windows with durable vinyl frames that can withstand the tropical weather. If you live in a storm-prone area like Florida, aluminium storm windows are highly recommended.
Choose windows with energy-efficient glass or coatings to help keep your home cool when temperatures and humidity rise.
Bathrooms
The best windows for bathrooms are easy to open for improved ventilation. Look for casement and awning-style crank windows that are easy to open and close. Unlike sliding windows, crank windows create an airtight seal when closed, preventing heat and cooling loss.
When they’re open, they provide much-needed ventilation in moist, humid areas of the home, like bathrooms. Choose privacy glass crank awning windows for your bathroom to enjoy safety and privacy whenever you open them.
Kitchens
For the kitchen, choose sliding windows that are easy to open. Install a sliding glass window above your kitchen sink to enjoy the view and get more air circulation. A garden window is great for growing fresh herbs and vegetables indoors.
These large windows have glass on both sides, allowing sunlight to reach your plants from every angle. Double-hung windows are also one of the best options for a kitchen.
That’s because these windows can be opened from the top or bottom, providing you with more control over air circulation and ventilation while you’re eating or cooking.
A sliding glass door is another great choice for patio dining.
Living rooms
Living room windows come in a myriad of styles, including large picture windows that allow you to enjoy the view outside.
Bay windows are a great choice for living rooms, as they can double as a seat, a small shelf, or a table. To give your living space some personality, choose custom architectural windows available in a variety of unique shapes and sizes.
If cleaning your windows is a concern, choose double-hung windows that you can access from the top and bottom for easy care.
Bedrooms
Always choose bedroom windows that lock for added security. For energy efficiency, casement windows are an excellent choice for bedrooms.
These windows create an airtight seal when closed, keeping heat in your bedroom during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
They’re also a great choice for bedrooms since they can swing in or out, letting you open the windows and bring airflow in. Bay windows are also lovely for a bedroom, but you’ll want to invest in some custom blinds or curtains to ensure privacy.
Sunrooms
The key to choosing windows for a sunroom is their durability, weather resistance, and easy maintenance. Choose large windows with sturdy aluminium frames, or try vinyl windows that can handle heavy direct sunlight.
Large, tall windows are ideal since they provide the best views of the outside while letting in as much sunlight as possible.
Select windows with a special Low-E coating to block UV rays so that your flooring and furniture don’t fade. Sliding glass doors are also a great option for sunrooms.
Basements
Hopper windows are a good choice for basements since they can be opened from the bottom. These narrow windows will provide your basement with extra airflow without letting in too much light. A hopper window opens with a lever you pull down, or you can choose awning windows.
These windows open from the bottom and have hinges at the top. It’s important to choose basement windows that are insulative, well-sealed, and easy to open and close. The key is to install windows that will keep rain and weather out to prevent moisture damage.
FAQs On Types of Windows
1. What is the most popular window type for modern residential homes?
Double-hung windows remain the most popular choice due to their classic look, versatile double-sash ventilation, and tilt-in sashes that allow for easy indoor cleaning.
2. Which window style offers the best energy efficiency?
Fixed picture windows offer the highest energy efficiency because they are permanently sealed, eliminating frame gaps and air leaks. Among operable styles, casement and awning windows perform best because their compression seals tighten when closed.
3. How often should residential windows be replaced?
High-quality residential windows typically last between 15 and 25 years. Signs that replacement is needed include persistent air drafts, fog or moisture between double-pane glass layers, rotting frames, or sashes that stick during operation.
4. Can I mix different window styles in the same home?
Yes. Mixing window styles is common practice. Homeowners often install large picture windows in living rooms for unobstructed views, casement windows above kitchen sinks for easy opening, and double-hung windows in bedrooms for safe, flexible ventilation.
5. Can glass windows be resealed?
To put it simply, yes. However, if the crack is too substantial to reseal, it isn’t likely to be resealed. To determine whether the window you want to fix is resealable, contact a professional for a proper estimate and evaluation.
6. How are windows measured?
It’s so much easier than you think. Start by noting the height, then the width. This ensures you won’t have to guess which figure is which when ordering your new window. Height: Measure the left, middle, and right sides, and note the smallest measured dimension.
7. How are windows replaced?
Window replacement can be a simple DIY job — just removing the old window, setting and levelling the new replacement window, and cutting, drilling, and caulking it. Remember, it can be a messy process, so you need patience, precision, and ample time. But if you’re short of these three, consider hiring a professional window installer.
8. Can you get vitamin D through windows?
Virtually all automobile and commercial glass blocks UVB rays. So, you’ll not increase your Vitamin D levels by sitting next to a sunny window.
9. Why do birds fly or peck into windows?
Birds sometimes attack windows by striking or pecking them. This is because they see their reflection and assume it’s a challenger of their territories.
Conclusion: Types of Windows
Choosing the right windows for your home involves balancing design preference, climate needs, and functional performance.
Whether you prioritise the easy cleaning of double-hung windows, the unhindered views of fixed picture units, or the rain-resistant ventilation of awning styles, selecting high-quality frames and low-E insulated glass pays dividends over time.
By matching operating mechanics to each room’s layout and selecting frame materials built for your local climate, you will create a quieter, more comfortable home while keeping energy costs under control for decades to come.
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