Windows are essential structures in your home; they provide natural lighting and allow proper air circulation and ventilation to help maintain your family’s health. Aside from that, your window design can add to your home’s overall style and uniqueness. 

From the historical and traditional Victorian designs to elegant and minimalist designs today, window styles have certainly come a long way. Several kinds of custom windows were created, and depending on your budget and preferences, a window type is perfect for each homeowner. 

Based on the Opening Style

Generally, windows are mainly classified based on their opening and placement, and their opening style largely depends on the space available surrounding your windows. 

Casement Windows

Casement windows are long and expansive windows that are easy to clean and provide ample natural ventilation. They are fully customizable and ideal in modern homes, especially in warmer climates. These windows commonly open inward; you can also angle them to let the natural breeze steer toward your building. 

The advantages of casement windows are the following:

• Ease of operation
• Requires less maintenance
• It can also be open outward for better ventilation and a scenic view.
• Energy efficient with the fixed-pane windows
• Highly secured

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Incompatible with centralized air-conditioning
• Not suitable for storm windows and screens
• Mechanical problems can arise

Awning Windows

Awning windows are almost the same as casement windows; the only difference is the hinges found on top. They are suitable in bathrooms and kitchens where the spaces are more confined, and this style opens the windows outward, allowing natural light and ventilation. 

The advantages of awning windows are the following:

• Ventilation is maximized while avoiding rainwater from coming in
• Weather-tight construction to withstand extreme weather conditions
• Ideal replacement windows because of their flexibility and versatility

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Requires frequent cleaning because they attract dirt easily.
• Not ideal for emergency escapes

Picture Windows

Picture windows are highly recommended if you are looking for replacement see-through glass windows to replace your doors and walls. They commonly improve the aesthetic of your home by combining them with additional windows. 

It’s best to install picture windows where you’ll enjoy the best view outside to let you enjoy the outside atmosphere without any distractions.

The advantages of picture windows are the following:

• Low maintenance and no replacement cost are required
• Steers natural light toward your home 

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Not highly secure
• No ventilation
• It can cause your place to absorb heat, especially in summer

Double Hung and Single Hung Windows

These window styles are two of the simplest in the window industry. Double-hung and single-hung windows mainly differ in the number of sashes that are movable for air ventilation.

Double-hung Windows

The top and bottom sashes are operable with double-hung windows, allowing better air circulation, especially during colder nights. 

The benefits of double-hung windows are the following:

• Easy to clean because of the movable sashes
• Improved ventilation and energy efficiency
• It comes in a wide range of materials, kinds, and colors

While the disadvantages you need to look out for are the following:

• Needs regular maintenance
• High cost
• Lacks airtightness similar to other windows

Single-hung Windows

On the other hand, only the bottom sash is movable in single-hung windows; air can only circulate in this area because the top strap is fixed. 

The benefits of single-hung windows are the following:

• Relatively cheaper
• Easy to install
• Little to no sliding issues

While the disadvantages you need to look out for are the following:

• Less air circulation
• Available only in small sizes

Bay or Bow Windows

Bay or bow windows create an illusion of a bigger room. Generally, bay windows consist of three windows of different sizes that make a round appearance when viewed outside the building.

On the other hand, Bow windows consist of three to six same windows, creating a straighter and polished appearance. 

These windows are perfect for small spaces where you can combine them with photos, casement windows, or sliders. 

Take note of the following advantages:

• It brings in air and natural light
• Enhances the look of your space
• Adds value to your home
• Available in different styles

While the disadvantages you need to look out for are the following:

• Expensive repair and maintenance
• Difficult to replace
• Installing hardware can be hard

Slider Windows

Slider windows open by sliding them vertically and horizontally, bringing fresh air and natural light. They are commonly more comprehensive than their height and are ideal for compact rooms. 

The benefits of owning slider windows are the following:

• Ease of use and durability
• Easy to clean and maintain
• It comes in different sizes 
• Cost-efficient

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Color choices are limited
• Prone to more air leaks
• It needs regular cleaning and maintenance

Based on Placement

There are also several window styles depending on how they’re placed. Their placements can affect their overall appearance and the entire look of your home.

Clerestory Windows

Clerestory windows are stationary windows placed on your walls’ upper section. They allow natural light while making your room look airy and more spacious. 

The advantages of clerestory windows include the following:

• Less maintenance is required
• Ideal for hallways
• It can bring in natural light and air
• Make your home look more attractive

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Not ideal for bedrooms
• Can cause overheating
• Difficult to shade because of their location

Transom Windows

Placed above doors or other windows are narrow and fan-shaped window series known as transom windows. They improve your home’s aesthetics and are commonly viewed as semicircular. 

Take note of the following advantages of transom windows:

• Improved natural lighting indoors
• The better curbside appearance of your home

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Fixed allowing no ventilation
• Difficult to clean and maintain

Dormer Windows

Ideal for attics, dormer windows project vertically from sloped roofs to allow more natural light. Aside from brightening your attics and allowing better ventilation, dormer windows also add a unique charm to your home’s exterior design. 

The advantages of dormer windows include the following:

• Improved exterior design
• Additional opening and space indoors

While the disadvantages are the following:

• Prone to leaks
• Difficult to maintain and install
• Higher cost

Corner Windows

Corner windows are rare window designs that can enhance your home’s beauty. Unlike rectangular windows, corner windows make your space look more stylish while allowing more light to flow into your home. 

The advantages of corner windows include the following:

• Increased light and interior space
• Maximizes your view
• Ideal for lounging places

Its disadvantages, on the other hand, are the following:

• Less secure
• Costly construction
• Difficult to clean

Skylight Windows 

Skylight windows provide modernized ways of adding brightness to your space. They are perfect for kitchens and minor bedrooms and are easy to use. Other advantages of skylight windows are the following:

• Increased natural light inside
• Create an illusion of a small space appearing bigger
• Added value to your home

Take note of the following disadvantages as well:

• Potential leaks
• Costly installation and maintenance
• Sun glare can fade fabrics 

Wrapping Up

With so many custom window styles and designs out there, you must always consider essential factors such as your budget, your home style, and the amount of space. Windows are a significant investment that will last long, so you must decide adequately to avoid having any regrets.