Windows are a basic fact of life. Big or small, clean or dirty, with or without a view, a room without a window is one that most of us avoid if we can. They provide natural light, a free way to adjust the temperature, and if we're really lucky, be the frame of an actual picture that photos can't come close to matching. They also will enhance the design and style of a room.
It’s no wonder, then, that with everything a window can do for a room and the people who use it, there are so many styles available. When choosing what type of windows to install in a space, careful consideration must be taken to ensure you get exactly what you want, to use that area to its fullest potential. To help you in this process, we've provided a list of seven of the most commonly used windows available and described what characteristic each one has.
Double-Hung Windows
The most common type of window used today is the double-hung window. The primary reason for its popularity is easy to determine. These windows are a breeze to clean.
Double-hung windows tilt-in so that even the outside panes can be cleaned from inside your home. Any of us who has ever had to clean the outside of older windows can appreciate how convenient that feature would be.
The other great feature that comes with double-hung windows is that of safety. Double-hung windows can be opened at the top, instead of exclusively at the bottom. In homes that have younger children, this feature lets you open your windows to let fresh air in but prevents a curious or adventurous toddler from climbing or falling out of one.
Casement Windows
Side-mounted hinges and a crank that opens and closes them are the principal features of a casement window.
No other window type can be opened as wide as the casement style. This ability makes it very popular to use in waterfront homes or others that require the windows to provide a satisfying cross breeze to regulate the temperature inside.
Slider Windows
Sliding windows fundamentally work like double hung windows that have been turned on their side. They slide back and forth instead of up and down.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are essentially named for what they do, provide a picturesque view of the outside. Besides that and letting in natural light, they have no other function. Picture windows are built in a way so that they don’t open and close. However, they can be customized to coordinate with operation types to maintain the same look across a home’s exterior.
Transom Window
Even though this style can trace its history as far back as the 14th Century, it only recently started making a comeback in new construction. Originally used to let in natural light without providing an additional portal to see inside from the exterior, they are typically placed above doorways.
Like picture windows, transoms are also non-functioning and use specifically to increase natural light and add more grandeur to a room.
Bay and Bow Windows
Yes, there is a difference between a Bay Window and a Bow Window. Which one you choose will depend on how much functionality you want that window space to have.
A bay window's structure is made up of a picture window in the center with one window on each side. They usually jut out farther from the main wall out into the exterior. This detail also provides more floor space to the room inside.
A bow window is designed to be more curved, using 5 or more rectangular fixed panes to create a rounded appearance from the exterior. The extra panes can also let in more natural light than bay windows.
As far a functionality, Bow windows are usually non-functioning so won’t provide a cross breeze. Bay windows, on the other hand, can include two functioning windows via the smaller ones on either side of the main picture window.
Palladian Window
Looking for something especially grand, that will make a statement? Consider a Palladian window.
These three sectioned window designs can bring a room up to the next level of elegance. The center section is often taller than the outer 2 and arched at the top.
Also referred to as Venetian or Serliana windows.
Not Just for Light and Air
Replacing older windows will do more than making your home look better, they will also increase its value. Additionally, newer window technology blocks UV light and solar heat to make it easier to maintain your ideal thermostat settings. Plus, it keeps your furniture from fading!
Add up the savings from lower utility bills and not having to replace your sofa every few years and eventually, they will pay for themselves.
Getting ready to sell? Listing details like new energy efficient windows will be an excellent selling point.