Which Window Style Is Right For You?

So you are thinking about changing up the windows in your home, maybe they aren't keep it as warm as you'd like in the winter and you are wanting to upgrade to double glazing, maybe the window frames are old and battered, and you want to stop the draughts, or maybe the style of your windows just aren't your cup of tea and you'd like a change. Well look no further. We have put together a definitive guide to help you decide which window style to choose.

Single Hung Windows

How it Opens – The lower part of the window is the only part which opens

Pros – Simple, authentic, cheaper than double hung, less likely to leak due to less moving parts

Cons – Not as stylish as other window types, Not very easy to clean externally from the inside, potentially unsafe with small children.

Perfect For – People without small children who are needing to replace their windows on a budget.

Double Hung Windows

How it Opens – Similar to the single hung, these ones also open via the lower part of the window, but the top part also opens, both independently and together.

Pros – Easier to clean externally due to both parts opening, more airflow, safer for small children.

Cons – Slightly more expensive than single hung.

Perfect For – Those who want a simple look with a more user friendly approach i.e. more airflow and easier to clean.

Arched Windows

How it Opens – Arched windows are generally fixed, but some do open like doors.

Pros – unique design, low maintenance, can sometimes be added as an extension on your current window.

Cons – Can be high up to clean, no ventilation.

Perfect For – Large rooms with more than one window.

Awning Windows

How it Opens – They open outwards from the bottom on top mounted hinges

Pros – Rain runs off them when open, increased light, increase in airflow, reasonably priced

Cons – Frequent cleaning needed, can cause obstructions outside.

Perfect For – Brightening smaller spaces and saving space.

Bay Windows

How it Opens – 2 of the 3 panels are able to be opened, the middle pane is generally fixed

Pros – Increase in light, create space for additional storage or seating, beautiful feature.

Cons – Can be awkward for furniture placement in small homes, due to the shape, more expensive than other windows

Perfect For – Those wanting to add more brightness and style to their home.

Bow Windows

How it Opens – All 4+ of the panels are able to either be installed fixed, or able to be opened.

Pros – Wider than Bay Windows, allowing a better view and even more light.

Cons – More expensive than bay windows, more panes to clean.

Perfect For – Large houses overlooking beautiful scenery.

Bifold Windows

How it Opens – These windows slide and fold all of the way open overlooking your garden.

Pros – Amazing ventilation, unobstructed view, sociable.

Cons – Difficult to clean and maintain, very expensive, increase in heat gain and loss

Perfect For – The rich garden party host

Casement Windows

How it Opens – These are side hinged and open outwards, french door style.

Pros – The best possible airflow, closes tightly, energy efficient.

Cons – Can become difficult to latch over time because of the heaviness of the window

Perfect For – People who want more airflow throughout their home without losing the heat in the Winter.

Egress Windows

How it Opens – These consist of one window which opens like a door.

Pros – made as emergency exits, add value to your home, brighten up basements

Cons – Prone to mould and other moisture issues, can get very expensive.

Perfect For – Basements

Garden Windows

How it Opens – A lot of Garden windows do not open, but some of them open at the sides.

Pros – Acts as a greenhouse for plants, an additional storage space, adds more light and warmth to your home

Cons – Potentially increases heat in your home, windows can be difficult to reach.

Perfect For – The kitchen and the aspiring gardener without a garden.

Glass Block Windows

How it Opens – They do not open.

Pros – prevents people seeing into your home while letting light in, energy efficient, low maintenance

Cons – Loss of visibility from the inside, no ventilation, peeping toms can still see your outline, absorb and transfer heat.

Perfect For – between rooms inside the house.

Hopper Windows

How it Opens – These open downward and inward usually with a crank or hinge.

Pros – maintains your privacy, blocks dirt and debris getting into the home.

Cons – small, less airflow

Perfect For – basements and bathrooms.

Jalousie Windows

How it Opens – They open like venetian blinds.

Pros – More glass and less frame which results in a better view, more ventilation

Cons – Lack of security, easy to break into, causes draughts

Perfect For – Porches and greenhouses

Picture Windows

How it Opens – Picture windows do not open up.

Pros – Creates a clear unobstructed view, frameless, let in more natural light, adds insulation, easy to clean,

Cons – No ventilation, unwanted solar heat,

Perfect For – framing a great view.

Round Circle Windows

How it Opens – some of these, open outwards

Pros – versatile, low maintenance

Cons – restricted natural light

Perfect For – small rooms and rooms without much wall space.

Skylight Windows

How it Opens – A lot of these don't open but some open by crank or by motor

Pros – Stylish, adds natural light, added ventilation, lowers energy bills

Cons – Easy to forget when raining, can leak, draughty, difficult to clean, expensive

Perfect For – Attic Bedrooms

Sliding Windows

How it Opens – As it's name suggests, these slide open.

Pros – Easy to open, low maintenance, space saving, good ventilation

Cons – Expensive, not very energy efficient

Perfect For – Walkways porches, and any room with no room to open a window outwards

Stained Glass Windows

How it Opens – These windows do not generally open.

Pros – Adds an artistic flair to your home, fully customisable, brightening

Cons – Obstructs your view, can be expensive

Perfect For – Churches and feature windows in hallways