By‌ ‌Ashley‌ ‌Zimmermann,‌ ‌Creative‌ ‌Content‌ ‌Director‌ ‌for‌ ‌@designREMODEL‌ ‌

Most of us look through windows every day; they are the physical lenses through which we see the world. In addition to being functional, windows are one of the main ways to express your personality and home style (i.e., traditional or modern). Let’s take some time this week to learn about the different types of window options that exist; consider this research for your next home remodel or upgrade. 

Before jumping in, let’s start with a few fundamental definitions. Attics and More and Merriam-Webster will help us out with a few definitions.

• window sash: the framework in which panes of glass are set in a window or door; also: a framework together with its panes forming a usually movable part of a window

• Panes: the glass part of a window

• Frame: the window frame supports the whole system and consists of the sill, jamb, and head

• Jam: the vertical part of the window [that] creates the window frame’s sides

• Sill: the primary horizontal section that makes up the bottom part of the frame

• Head: the part of the window located horizontally at the top of the frame 

• Casing: this is the window’s ornate frame or molding that closes up the space between the wall and jamb/frame

Single-hung windows

Forbes and HGTV.com agree- think of single-hung and double-hung windows as the most common window types. As mentioned above, a ‘sash’ is what we think of as the window itself, the frame holding the glass panes. Single-hung windows are the type that has one bottom sash that slides up and down. The top sash does not move.

Double-hung windows

Similar to the single-hung variety, these windows slide up and down. The difference is that two sashes exist; both can slide up and down. The bottom sash slides up from its starting place as the bottom half of the window, and the top sash slides down and then back up to return to its starting position. Watch this short YouTube video by Home Window Guy for a visual explanation. He says double-hung windows are also often ‘tilt-in’ windows, meaning the sashes tilt forward toward the interior of the building.

Casement windows

My experience with casement windows has been at our family camp (cabin, for you Midwesterners) on Lake Winnipesaukee: these windows have a hand-crank which you operate to tilt the window out, away from the building. These windows do not fold outward but rather open like a door on a hinge. During hot summer days, we crank these windows outward to encourage airflow.

Awning windows

These windows open outward along a hinge on the top edge of the sash. Like casement windows, the awning variety also opens via a hand crank. Window World points out that this design allows airflow even on a rainy day. Awning windows are often featured below stationary windows but could also be placed beside or above.

Picture windows

Picture windows are a timeless desirable feature in a home because they offer a view. This variety of windows is large, stationary, and ideal for gazing out. They don’t move or offer any ventilation, but the appeal is an outside view. HGTV says these windows can attract a lot of heat in hot climates, which can be expensive to cool.

Stationary/Fixed windows

Like picture windows, stationary windows are also immovable, per the description. The main difference is size. HGTV points out that modern and contemporary homes often feature fixed windows.

Transom windows

Definition of transom: a transverse piece in a structure : crosspiece: such as a lintel or a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it. Transom windows are little ‘bonus’ windows above a door or window that let in extra light. An often-seen transom window design is the traditional semi-circle window which offers a vintage feel.

Slider windows

Windows of this variety literally slide, one section over the other, along a track. There are two sections.

Bay or Bow windows

As a child, I was a big reader and often romanticized the notion of having a bay window- I could sit on a window seat on the inside of the window, the sun warming me as I read all day. (We didn’t have a bay window, but I now have options as an adult.)

A bow window has a curved exterior shape, while a bay window is shaped like an acute trapezoid. Both of these window types allow for a window seat or storage on the interior of the window space

Skylights

Like a picture window, skylights are desirable because they offer a view outdoors- from above versus straight on. When I was young, my parents installed a skylight in the bathroom on our first floor. It is an intriguing view and completely transformed the room. A skylight can be desirable, specifically in a place without any exterior wall space for a typical window.

Opaque daylighting is an energy-efficient lighting technique that utilizes skylights and window placement. This approach harnesses and diffuses sunlight as an alternative to artificial lighting. While telling my civil engineering friend about this blog post, he suggested checking out daylighting. I googled a picture and showed him; he said, see, that office doesn’t have any artificial lighting. U.S. Department of Energy’s YouTube video elaborates: south-facing and north-facing windows are the most efficient options for daylighting in the U.S. since this placing helps regulate temperature, reduces glare, and lets in plenty of natural light. Contrastingly, east- and west-facing windows are not ideal since they let in glare and excess heat.

Decorative glass windows

Close your eyes and picture a stained-glass window: many of us might think of colorful glass church windows. Residences can also feature decorative glass windows, which Forbes explains can serve as a design focal point and offer privacy (which could be desirable in a bathroom, for example).

Window options never end. Consider your needs and the pros and cons of each style when narrowing down your choices, and then let your creative vision take over. What is your favorite type of window? Do you have a window in your house that you dislike or a variety that you can’t wait to install? Comment below!

References:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/types-of-windows/ - 8 Types Of Windows To Consider For Your Home

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/8-types-of-windows-pictures - 11 Types of Windows

https://atticsandmore.com/parts-of-a-window/ - PARTS OF A WINDOW – A DIAGRAM AND GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sash#:~:text=%3A%20the%20framework%20in%20which%20panes,movable%20part%20of%20a%20window - Definition of sash

https://www.pella.com/ideas/windows/window-anatomy-glossary/ - Parts of a Window

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl-oZqNviZc - Home Replacement Windows | Double vs Single Hung

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBtKImiotarPXAPgyIt07Kg - Home Window Guy

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqlBgBuvtX-hRC9F7H8hPiQ - The BowTie Breakdown With Garry Morin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26NZaLhfN3E - BOW WINDOW VS BAY WINDOW | WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? | RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION | BOWTIEGUY RI REALTOR

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/mechanical-systems/choosing-the-right-windows - Choosing the Right Windows

https://www.windowworld.com/blog/casement-windows-vs-awning-windows - Casement Windows vs. Awning Windows

https://www.wcmanet.org/transom-windows - 12 Facts About Transom Windows

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transom - Definition of transom

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/daylighting - Daylighting

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EGgnYFEIOaAa47ZBpninw - U.S. Department of Energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7EG4d-W4W8&feature=emb_imp_woyt - Energy 101: Daylighting

https://majorskylights.com/benefits-of-translucent-panel-daylighting/ - The Benefits of Translucent Panel Daylighting Systems