What are the Different Types of Windows?

The different types of windows that are often found in a house or building include the following: casement windows, double hung windows, gliding windows, awning windows, picture windows, bay windows, jalousie windows, French windows, hopper windows, Victorian windows, and sash windows. Each of these window types is different in design and is intended for different parts of a building or edifice. For example, because they afford rooms a sense of spaciousness and have large panes, bay and French windows are more often than not found in sitting and living room areas.

Awning windows are designed to be placed high on walls. They give light and facilitate circulation of air when positioned properly. They are especially useful for bedrooms where the competing claims of privacy and light need to be considered. They are designed to be cracked to a limited width, but do not open fully Casement windows, on the other hand, are intended to be opened fully and let in a full complement of fresh air. When fixing the location of casement windows it is important to bear in mind that they crank open and do not slide, which means that they are easier to maneuver than many of the other types of windows.

Double hung windows are said to have unique window design features because they allow the top pane to be opened while the bottom remains immovable. This means they are often found in children’s bedrooms where they allow good ventilation and ensure the safety of the room’s inhabitants. Their mix of security and ventilation means that double hung windows are also often found in offices and kitchens. Another type of window that caters to particular needs is the gliding window. In locations where space is of a premium, this window type comes into its own. The sliding mechanism of the window means that they are easier to operate than crank-out windows and are perfect for those areas of a building that won’t permit a more space hungry window to be installed.

Bay windows are an old classic and have been chosen down the years for their large, spacious panes that afford excellent lighting and give good and multiple views from their many angles. Bay windows are ideal for family rooms, living and sitting rooms and anywhere where a feeling of openness and brightness is important. Similarly, picture windows are often used to give a building’s inhabitants unobstructed views of the outside and allow in the maximum quota of light. They are often found in rooms that have poor access to light and in hallways. They do not open and therefore are often positioned where light is a problem but ventilation not.

Jalousie, or louvered, windows come complete with metal clips and glass slats. They allow a building’s inhabitants to control the amount of light admitted by rotating the open and close mechanism of the window. Hopper windows have proved useful in basements because of their squat, oblong design. They maximize light, afford good ventilation and are amenable to a number of restricted room layouts.