11 Types of Home Windows to Consider

Did you know that home windows are responsible for up to 25 percent of home heating loss during the winter months? If you’re living in an older home then odds are that you’ll need new windows sooner rather than later, especially if you want a home that is energy efficient. 

There are many types of home windows that will be well-suited for use at your home no matter if you want window styles that will let the breeze in on spring days or home windows that will help you capture the view outside of your home. Knowing your window types will make getting new windowsills for your home a breeze.

The good news is that you’ve found a great resource for learning more about the different window styles that you should consider for your home. Keep reading this article to learn more today!

1. Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows are a great option for any home style since they look like traditional windows. They’re a common window choice for homeowners in coastal areas as well as the Midwest due to the high winds in those parts of the country and the ability of single-hung windows to stand up to severe weather.

They look almost identical to double-hung windows with the small difference that the upper part of the window is stationary but the lower part opens upward. The good part of this design is the protection that you’ll get from air and water leaks in the top part of the window.

A minor drawback to consider with a single-hung window is that it’s trickier to clean than a double-hung window. The trade-off is that they’re often more affordable.

2. Double-Hung Windows

From a distance, you can’t tell the difference between single-hung windows and double-hung windows. They’re the most popular window type in the United States of America because they offer a classic look that fits all styles of homes. They’re highly valued because they offer two different ways that you can open them.

The fact that they open from the top or the bottom makes them versatile and easy to clean. They’re also one of the best types of home windows for allowing a breeze into your home.

If you have young children then you should consider getting double-hung windows for the safety features that they provide. You can open them to let the breeze in without fear that your children are going to climb or fall out of the window.

3. Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are great because they slide open rather than opening in a vertical fashion. If you don’t have a ton of space but still want a window that will allow natural light into your home then you should consider these window styles. They’re a great option if you want a window above your kitchen sink since they’re easier to open than a single-hung window.

These windows are easy to open and close, and they offer some amazing views of the outside of your home. These types of windows are often more wide than they are tall which makes them perfect for framing the view.

4. Casement & Awning

Casement and awning windows are quite similar with the only difference being the ways in which these windows open. Casement windows open by swinging outward while awning windows open by swinging up. They’re different from single-hung windows and sliding Replacement Windows in Ottawa in the sense that you use a crank to open them.

They’re popular window options if you live in an area that sees a lot of wet weather throughout the year. You get a ton of flexibility with how you choose to use these window types when it comes to working with the weather while still getting a lot of security for your family.

5. Picture Windows

If you’re lucky enough to have a home that comes with a spectacular view then you owe it to yourself to get windows that will help you make the most of the vista. One thing that is different with picture windows compared to other types of home windows is that you can’t open them.

Still, these windows are made to help you capture the view without putting your safety or your home’s energy efficiency at risk. If you have parts of your home that you want windows in and that might not be the most accessible then picture windows are a great option.

Consider combining your picture windows with casement windows on either side to create a beautiful view while also allowing some airflow into your home. It’s never a bad idea to buy windows for house.

6. Architectural Shape Home Windows

There are some windows that are designed to work with certain architectural designs at your home. These window types are rare since they don’t work with all styles of homes out there. They’re often referred to as “special shape” windows, and they’re perfect for filling out the walls in certain rooms with more new windows.

You can put windows in soft corners and in places where there are extreme angles to work with. If you’re willing to spend a bit more then you can get custom windows that are perfect for the unique parts of your home. You can order a variety of window shapes when you decide that it’s time for new windows.

7. Acrylic Block Windows

Acrylic block windows are great for areas of your home where you want additional privacy while still having the ability to let natural light into your home. These window types are made using blocks of glass that are injected with resin to keep them from being clear. You can get them made in a variety of different shapes and sizes to meet your home’s needs.

They’re versatile because you can use them with exterior walls or interior walls. They’re also quite lightweight and you can get them in a number of traditional window styles.

8. Hopper Windows

The Hopper window is the window most often associated with home basements. Though it might get used most often with basements, these windows make great home windows for attics and garages as well. These windows open inward and are great for allowing additional light into the home as well as a nice breeze.

You’ll love these types of home windows if you have limited space to work with but you still want windows. You can make them work in an effective manner in all sorts of tight spaces.

9. Bay Windows

Bay windows have a certain touch of class to them since they have a more complex design and they allow you to capture more of the view outside. They tend to use a main window or picture window in the middle with narrow windows on the sides and at an angle. They’re quite similar to bow windows but they’re boxier than the curved bow window option.

These windows protrude from the home and are great for areas where you want to allow a large amount of natural light into your home. You’ll find these types of home windows in areas like kitchens and living rooms. They also allow you some extra space in your home for things like plants or an area where you can lounge and read a good book.

10. Garden Windows

Garden windows are the perfect investment for the household that loves having potted plants in the home. If you love cooking and you want an assortment of fresh herbs just a few steps away then you need to get a garden window in your home’s kitchen.

These windows protrude from the home’s exterior in a similar fashion to bay windows, and they contain a number of shelves where you can place your potted plants and herbs. It acts as a miniature greenhouse for these plants and gives them an environment where they get plenty of natural sunlight each day.

You can customize garden windows easily to have them meet your needs. The materials used are up to you, and many homeowners choose to use matching granite from their countertops as the base or sill of the window. 

11. Impact Windows

Impact windows are a smart investment if you need new windows and you live in an area that experiences severe weather. These windows are meant to work just like single-hung and double-hung windows but offer an additional level of security and protection.

They can stand up to high wind levels and provide protection when it comes to projectiles in severe weather. Some coastal areas require homeowners to get impact windows for the safety of the home occupants.

Now You Know the Types of Home Windows

There are many different types of home windows out there that you should consider getting when the time comes to get new windows at your home. Impact windows are a great idea if you live in an area that gest hurricanes or tornados, while picture windows are great for capturing that view of the mountains. You also can’t go wrong with the traditional double-hung and single-hung windows for your new home windows.

For more informative articles on a range of topics, make sure you check out the rest of our blog today!

Vivek is a published author of Meidilight and a cofounder of Zestful Outreach Agency. He is passionate about helping webmaster to rank their keywords through good-quality website backlinks. In his spare time, he loves to swim and cycle. You can find him on Twitter and Linkedin.