17 Types Of Windows You Should Know

For many people, the word “window” conjures up an image of a rectangular opening in a wall or building. But there are many more types of windows than just the common rectangle.

Window frame material

A window frame can be made of wood, metal, fiberglass and vinyl. Fiberglass is strong, durable and adds a decorative touch to the outside of the home; metal is rust-resistant, long-lasting and requires little maintenance; wood is classic but will last only as long as it has been properly maintained; vinyl is inexpensive and easy to install and maintain, but it may not add value to a house.

Wooden frame windows

Wooden windows are popular in historic homes; they can be painted for a custom appearance and make the home appear more attractive than vinyl or metal. However, wooden frames must be maintained to keep them looking their best.

They should be oiled every three years and repainted as needed. Painting wooden window frames is similar to painting any other surface.

Some types of Wooden windows:

Single-hung Windows

The single-hung window is the most popular type of wood frame windows used today. It is easy to use, and a typical single-hung window opens by raising only one sash at a time, creating two different levels Newer versions tilt in for easy cleaning. This type of window is usually found in older homes (pre-1950), although it is still used to build new homes and additions.

Single-hung windows are named for the way they function. The bottom sash moves up, or "raises," and the top sash moves down, or "sags."

Because of their movable sashes, single-hung windows provide ventilation without sacrificing privacy when closed. When open, they allow cool air in but keep out rain and insects.

Double-hung Windows

The double-hung window is also a very popular type of wood frame windows. Each sash on this type of window has two parts: a bottom fixed pane that cannot be moved, and an upper sash that typically opens from the top, although newer versions tilt in for easy cleaning. Double-hung windows have at least two movable sashes and one fixed pane.

These windows are easier to clean than single-hung windows because both upper sashes can be raised, allowing more direct access to the inside of the window frame. They may also offer a larger opening when open since both sashes are movable.

Since the top of a double-hung window will usually have two different levels, it should be used in areas where privacy is not a concern; people can look into your home from above or below. Double-hung windows are named for how they function. The lower, fixed pane remains stationary while the upper sash moves down, or "sags."

When the upper sash is open, cool air can come into your home through the opening. Double-hung windows are usually found in newer homes (post-1950), although they are still used to construct additions and new houses.

Casement Windows

A casement window consists of two hinged panels that swing open from the bottom. Casement windows provide more air circulation than double-hung and single-hung windows because both panels may be opened at once.

Casement windows are commonly found in older homes (pre-1950) and remain popular since they complement the architecture of many styles of houses, such as Colonial Revival, Craftsman and Georgian. Also, casement windows do not have sashes that obstruct the view when they are open.

Casement windows were originally designed to open on hinges from the bottom, providing ventilation and light in certain spaces such as bathrooms and closets where swinging doors may be impractical. This type of window is found mostly on older homes with traditional exteriors.

Metal-framed window

Metal windows are typically maintenance free, but they do not add value to a house like wood frames. They come in either aluminum or vinyl (or composite) and can be painted for a custom appearance.

A metal window frame without a screen is only about half the price of a composite one, so if you're looking for an inexpensive way to brighten a kitchen, bedroom or basement, you might consider metal frames. It is important to note that this type of window does not offer the same insulation qualities as composite and vinyl windows.

Some types of metal-framed windows:

Awning window

An awning window is hinged at the top of the frame, usually opening to one side or in toward the house for ventilation by swinging outward from the wall. Awnings are more decorative than casement windows and normally not found on older homes because they were popularized after World War II when homes were built with more modern architecture.

Awning windows are popular in historic districts where homes need to be restored closely to their original appearance. They are also useful for garages and other outbuildings because they can take the pressure off a building's main entrance by allowing more light and ventilation to reach important rooms on the first floor.

Awnings can be difficult to clean if they open outward, and may not be a good choice for windows over sinks or bathtubs.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows were first made popular in patio doors to allow easy access to patios. It is now a more common window style that provides ventilation without sacrificing privacy when closed. This type of window allows you to open many panels of glass at once, if desired.

Sliding windows can be hard to handle and may require more maintenance; they are best on the upper levels of a home where an easier way to clean them is available. They work well in any area where ventilation is a concern or space needs to be conserved. Sliding windows are also more secure than other designs because the bottom of the frame remains fixed and cannot be opened from the outside.

Bow Window

A bow window has the design of a bay window on a large scale and is oriented toward the inside of your house. It consists of two or more rounded tops that are connected to a flat bottom section.

Bow windows are popular in Victorian homes where they can complement gingerbread accents. They also work well with other traditional styles and may be used for sunrooms, libraries and other areas where wide, unobstructed views are desired.

Cathedral Window

A cathedral window has two or more panes of glass that extend higher above the top of the frame than other windows. This design allows in more light and gives a room an open, airy feeling.

Cathedral windows are often used to let in light where square, rectangular or ordinary arched panes would not be decorative enough. They are popular in kitchens and sunrooms, but they may be used in other areas of the house where style is more important than function.

Operable Window

An operable window is capable of opening for ventilation or emergency escape. An operable window may be built into the wall, designed to open like a door, or it may swing outward from the top like an awning windows.

An operable window may be used anywhere that needs access for ventilation, heating or cooling. They are often used in bedrooms and bathrooms to control the level of noise or light that comes in from outside. A place where traffic goes up and down stairs may also benefit from having an operable window on each floor.

Some special types of window

Unusual Windows

There are many unusual types of windows that do not fit into any of the previous categories, such as bay windows, arched windows and skylights. Each is described in this article and has its own merits for different style homes and different areas of the house.

Bay Windows

A bay window is a large, L-shaped addition to a building with three or more sides. It usually has two smaller panes of glass and one larger pane that fills the space between them. This arrangement allows for numerous combinations depending on how designers wish to arrange them in relation to the rest of the house.

Bays are popular in Colonial and Victorian styles of home, but they can also be used with other styles. They are often installed on the ground floor or basement level for a large opening that allows air to flow more freely, but is still somewhat private.

A bay window may contain one large pane of glass to create an accent wall or it may have several smaller panes arranged to let in light from several directions.

Arched Windows

An arched window has a curved top and bottom that mimic the shape of an arch . They are often used as a focal point on outside walls or for decoration inside the house. Arches may be simple and plain or they may have multiple panes of glass and decorative features that go with the house's design.

Arched windows are a popular feature in historical homes where they fit well with classic details like columns and half-timbering . They are also common in contemporary houses where they provide an interesting break from straight lines. Arched windows can be used anywhere there is a large space to fill or it needs to be emphasized.

Circle Windows

A circle window is a single pane of glass that is shaped like a complete ring or it may have several panes arranged to resembles the same shape.

Single-pane versions are often used on top floors where privacy, ventilation and light all need to be considered together. Multiple pane versions are sometimes used in place of multiple windows to create more charm.

Circle windows may be square or rectangular in shape, though you will find it easier to achieve symmetry with a circular shape. Circle windows are often used at the top of stairs where they can provide natural light without attracting undue attention from people passing by on the street below.

Circular windows are also popular in contemporary homes as they add a more sophisticated look than other types. They also come in several different shapes that are ideal for creating visual interest, such as hexagons or octagons .

Clerestory Windows

A clerestory is an opening in the roof of a building that lets light into the room below. By cutting through the upper parts of walls, they help to create open spaces within buildings where natural light can filter in and make it feel more spacious. Clerestories may be used anywhere there is already some type of opening in a wall – for example, a place where two walls meet at an angle.

Clerestories are very common in churches and other large buildings from the medieval period when they were built for religious purposes . Clerestories are also popular today because they bring light into areas that would otherwise be dark or dingy without making it feel like the room is too exposed.

Clerestories can be built in single or multiple sections and they may be square, rectangular or round in shape. Many large museum galleries have clerestory windows to provide illumination while also giving visitors the feeling of being surrounded by art on all sides. Clerestories are sometimes used as a substitute for wall-sized windows in rooms that are too small or otherwise unable to accommodate large windows.

Cocktail Windows

A cocktail window is a single pane of glass with two vertical panes at the top and bottom, creating the appearance of three windows in one. They may be square or rectangular in shape and they can be installed as an accent on front walls or back walls to make a house more interesting or to create an illusion of light and air.

Cocktail windows can be used as a large opening, like a bay window, or they may simply have one small pane of glass that is large enough to add some color but not distract from the overall design. They are also often found in front hallways where they complement furniture by letting light in from the front door.

Cocktail windows are most often found on historical homes where they are part of a larger design that is meant to appear more sophisticated or luxurious. They can be used today as an alternative to other types of glass because they allow light and privacy without detracting from the overall design.

Crescent Windows

A crescent window is similar to a bow window but the sides are curved downward instead of outward. They may have two or more panes of glass and they typically point toward the top of the house, offering an excellent view. This type of window is well suited for small areas because it can make a room look larger than it is.

Crescent windows are commonly used in apartments where light and view are both important. They may also be placed on staircases to add a decorative element without sacrificing functionality. In this case, they should be made from tempered glass so they do not pose a safety risk during a fire.

Crescent windows are most popular when combined with other window shapes to create a balanced design. For example, they work well when paired with casement windows on either side or when placed above a bay window on the second level of a building.

Skylights

A skylight is a glass pane that lets light into the house through a roof or attic opening. Skylights are usually installed over staircases, bathrooms, bedrooms and other rooms where there is less risk of falling objects breaking the glass. The U-shaped design channels light directly downward and they often have additional features to control and diffuse the light.

Ceiling Skylights

A ceiling skylight is a very large skylight that lets in most of the daylight. They are designed with a domed top and finished to look like part of the ceiling. Ceiling skylights let in the maximum amount of sunlight while still being oriented toward the center of the house.

They are often installed in halls or large rooms to provide plenty of light on staircases, but they can also be used anywhere that needs lots of natural light.

Ceiling skylights are most common in Victorian and other older houses where decorative details like molding give them a place to blend in. In contemporary houses they are also very common for obvious reasons.

Ceiling skylights can be installed anywhere there is a large hole in the ceiling where the light can enter, but it's usually easier to install them when the house is being built rather than trying to cut one into an existing roof.

FAQs

- What is a crescent window?

A crescent window is similar to a bow window but the sides are curved downward instead of outward. They may have two or more panes of glass and they typically point toward the top of the house, offering an excellent view. This type of window is well suited for small areas because it can make a room look larger than it is.

Crescent windows are commonly used in apartments where light and view are both important. They may also be placed on staircases to add a decorative element without sacrificing functionality. In this case, they should be made from tempered glass so they do not pose a safety risk during a fire.

- Why are cocktail windows popular in small apartments?

Cocktail windows are most often found on historical homes where they are part of a larger design that is meant to appear more sophisticated or luxurious. They can be used today as an alternative to other types of glass because they allow light and privacy without detracting from the overall design.

- What is a skylight?

A skylight is a glass pane that lets light into the house through a roof or attic opening. Skylights are usually installed over staircases, bathrooms, bedrooms and other rooms where there is less risk of falling objects breaking the glass.

The U-shaped design channels light directly downward and they often have additional features to control and diffuse the light.

Conclusion

There are many different types of windows that can be installed in a home. From the overall design to what they're made of, each type offers its own benefits and shortcomings. Skylights are designed for those who want natural light but don't have space for a window or enough room on their walls to attach one. Ceiling skylights offer plenty of sunlight while still being centered in the house. 

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