Choosing the Right Type of Window for Your Home

Andersen Windows gives us a brief overview of some of the most popular window styles, along with what makes them the right choice for your home.

Brought to you by Andersen Windows

The right windows can make a home shine, but when building a new home or replacing windows in your current home, how do you know which windows are just right for your home? Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular styles, along with what might make them the right window for your home.

Awning Windows

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1510 SW 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL listed by Trina Menefee with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Awning windows are often used to provide extra ventilation higher on walls, promoting airflow within the home and limiting energy consumption. Due to their typical placement high on a wall, awning windows can provide light and ventilation while maintaining privacy and wall space for art or furniture. Awning windows are a popular choice in many contemporary American homes.

Bay and Bow Windows

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6417 Quail Run Road, Wilmington, NC listed by Jessica Riffle Edwards & Associates with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage

Because they physically project outward from a room, bay and bow windows uniquely add interior space to the home. This also works to bring in light from different angles and provide a more panoramic view. These windows draw the eye as an architectural feature and often direct attention to a beautiful view. Bay and bow windows bring light in from different angles, while providing a panoramic view.

Casement Windows

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39 Woodcrest Avenue, Millburn Twp, NJ listed by Joanna Parker-Lentz with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Casement windows offer maximum unobstructed visible glass opening while still providing ventilation to a home. Their glass opening promotes greater vertical airflow as the opening runs along the height of the unit rather than the width.  Casement windows are often used in places where opening a window with a crank operator is a more ergonomic friendly movement than lifting or sliding a window, like over a kitchen sink.

Double-Hung Windows

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9002 Lake Washington Blvd, Bellevue, WA listed by Csaba Kiss with Coldwell Banker BAIN

Double-hung windows allow both top and bottom sash ventilation options. When opened strategically, these windows can promote air movement within the home to maximize fresh air. Double-hung windows with a tilt-wash feature are also the easiest to keep clean, ensuring a view unobstructed by dirty glass.

Gliding Windows

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Bailey Lane, Woody Creek, CO listed by Carrie Wells with Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate

Gliding windows can be wider than other types of windows. Since eyes naturally take in the world left to right rather than up and down, gliding windows allow for a large, natural view of the world. A large window also means more light and ventilation.

Picture Windows

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27330 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL listed by Douglas Grant with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Picture windows are perhaps the most literal interpretation of a window style, framing the view in a wide expanse of glass. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and can therefore bring light into a home in unique ways. Picture windows can be paired with ventilating windows for the best of both worlds.

Specialty Windows

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4652 SW Pacific Coast Hwy, Waldport, OR listed by Heidi Johnson with Coldwell Banker Gesik Realty

Specialty windows fit the need you have in your home and can allow you to bring light into unexpected places or frame views in unique and stunning ways.

Victoria Keichinger is the Vice President, Brand Marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate. When she's not managing national media and advertising for the Coldwell Banker brand at work, she finds herself most at home in Jersey City, NJ with her pre-school crush turned spouse and son. A true Francophile, she loves to travel and will go anywhere there are ski slopes.

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2 Comments

  1. Burt Silver
    February 22, 2017

    I love the picture windows you have shown there! My wife and I are beginning the process of building a home, and we have been trying to decide on windows. I love that you mentioned that they can bring light into the room in unique ways. I love the idea of having bright natural lighting. We will have to look into them.

    Reply
    • Victoria Keichinger
      February 22, 2017

      We agree, Burt! What an exciting time. We’re happy this post was helpful. We hope you’ll find more great content on Blue Matter. Best of luck with your new home!

      Reply

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