Function often takes the driver’s seat when it comes to home improvement, especially when renovations are made on a tight budget. Form, however, is arguably just as important as function in all of the components of your home, and your window styles are certainly no exception.
At Smart Exteriors, we love helping our customers evaluate their best options for window replacements. Because quality isn’t an issue—as we only use window products that are made with Low-E glass and other high-quality materials—we get to focus a lot on the design aspect of window replacement. The shape, style, and trim color should perfectly match your house and enhance your home’s curbside appeal, and it’s a good idea to consider your options to make the right choice.
In this quick guide, we’re going over some of the most popular types of windows in America. From double-hung to bay or bow, and whether you’re into vinyl, wood, or fiberglass—we hope that this list will help you find the inspiration you need to get started replacing your home’s windows.
Simple and Classic
Brand-new, high-quality windows are always beautiful, no matter the style. However, the style you choose does matter when it comes to installing them in your home. In this category, all of these best-selling, popular window types are known for their excellent functionality and usefulness, as well as their simple and classic designs.
- Casement Windows: Casement windows are characterized by the series of hinges that attach the window to the frame. The hinges are located on either the right or the left side of the window frame and swing open for excellent ventilation. Casement windows are sometimes classified as awning windows when they open outwards, and as hopper windows when they open into the house. They’re popular in bathrooms, over kitchen sinks, and anywhere else where an easy, cool breeze might be extra-appreciated.
- Single-Hung Windows: Single-hung windows are one of the most common window styles in the US. These are characterized by a two-panel design, where the top sash is fixed in place and doesn’t move and the bottom sash slides up and down.
- Double-Hung Windows: In the double-hung version, both sashes move up and down for extra ventilation and operability. Many models offer a tilt-in function that makes cleaning these windows on the inside and outside a breeze—which is extra helpful when they’re located on a second floor.
- Sliding Windows: Sliding windows feature two side-by-side panels, where one is fixed in place and the other slides horizontally from side to side. These windows are normally large and wide and are ideal in living areas like the family or rec room for extra light and no-fuss operability.
- Picture Windows: Picture windows are panes of glass and are for taking in the views, only—they don’t have sashes that open and close. Picture windows are wonderful on high walls or where there’s a great view of the outdoors and can open up a room with natural light.
- Skylight Windows: Skylight windows are just like picture windows, except that they’re located on the ceilings instead of vertically installed in walls.
Statement Windows
Statement windows are great for—well, making a statement. These aren’t just panels of glass to look out from when inside, these window styles add serious flair to your home’s appearance both inside and out.
- Bay Windows: Bay windows are often confused with bow windows, in that they both look a bit similar. The difference is that bay windows are made up of three side-by-side windows—usually a larger center window flanked by two smaller ones. The windows project outward from the main walls of the home for a curved appearance from the outside.
- Bow Windows: Bow windows also project from the walls of the home in a curved fashion, however, they’re usually made up of four or more windows of the same size.
- Garden Windows: Garden windows are usually placed on kitchen sinks or wherever there is plenty of light. Instead of a flat surface that characterizes most window types, garden windows are boxes of glass that protrude from the walls of the house. These windows often feature shelves and are used as display cases or little greenhouses—and can contain anything from fruit and vegetable plants to potted plants and flowers, to trinkets, artwork, or anything else you’d like to showcase.
Customize Your Own
When you’re in need of a specialty window replacement in your home—whether it’s a window of an unusually large size, oddly-shaped, or perhaps made of stained or beveled glass, a reputable window company can help. Windows come in an endless array of designs and styles and can be custom-created to suit the exact specifications you need.
Beyond the type of window styles you choose, homeowners will also need to decide on frame materials and colors, the tint of the glass, and a host of other options. All things considered, your best bet for a great window replacement job that is functional, long-lasting, affordable, and beautiful is to hire the best window company you can find to work with you.
Click to learn about window styles popular in the Kansas City area
Beautiful Replacement Windows from Smart Exteriors
At Smart Exteriors, our window specialists go above and beyond to bring you a wide range of replacement windows—from bay to bow, to patio windows and doors, and so many more. Our Low-E glass windows are hand-selected for high-performance, energy-efficiency, and durability. We also place great importance on beauty and aesthetic design—for perfect windows that will enhance your home’s value inside and out.
For more information about our products and services for window replacement or exterior home improvement, don’t hesitate to contact our team today. Give us a call to speak with a representative now, or fill out our online form to request a free quote.
