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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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!