10 Types & Styles of Windows for Your Home [Pictures]

Whether you’re upgrading your current home or building a brand new one, there are so many things to consider. How will you ever choose between all the flooring options, cabinet designs, and window styles?

New windows can add an immense amount of character to your home. Not to mention, a solid energy-efficiency rating can help significantly reduce your energy costs, so it’s important to pick the right kind. No pressure.

At ARCH Exteriors, we offer ten different types of windows that we’re proud to install with ProVia Endure vinyl materials. Let’s take a closer look at these ten window styles so you can narrow down what’s best for your home.

1) Awning

Awning windows are a type of window that tilts outward from the top, providing ventilation while preventing rain from entering the room. They enhance natural lighting in various settings, such as basements and above other window types.

With mechanical handles that allow the bottom of the window to swing open on the outside, these windows are quite weatherproof and easy to clean.

Smaller awning windows are frequently used in basements. A nice bonus is that this window style is pretty affordable. Other benefits include:

• Strong security
• Airtight and secure
• Easy to operate

Just keep in mind that awning windows don’t scoop in fresh air from outside as effectively as other types.

2) Bay

Bay windows are absolutely stunning, with a price tag to match. This unique design features windows grouped together that extend from the house. On the interior side, this creates a “bay,” or a shelf. The individual windows in a bay window meet at angles.

Typically, bay windows consist of three individual windows: the center fixed window, often a fixed picture window, and two flanking windows. These types of windows are architecturally interesting and let in a lot of natural light while providing unobstructed views. Fixed windows are popular in modern and minimalist home designs due to their aesthetic and energy-efficient benefits. However, they’re also on the pricier side and require a specialized window installation.

3) Bay Windows

While bay windows take on more of a square shape, bow windows are similar, but they have a more curved shape. And instead of consisting of three window units, a bow window usually utilizes four to six windows.

Bow windows offer an extended view of your front or backyard, plus they create a Victorian architectural look. These visual centerpieces have a similarly large price tag to bay windows, and they aren’t as common in brand new homes. Bow windows can also be considered specialty windows due to their unique, curved design and the aesthetic appeal they add to a home.

4) Casement

If you want to have a movie moment and yell down at your love interest as they walk away on a cobblestone Italian street, then casement windows are the style for you. And even if you just want to live an average life with no dramatic movie moments, this is a classic type of window that will fit in just about anywhere.

Casement windows are also known as “crank windows” due to the mechanical handle used to open them. However, some models don’t have a crank, and they can simply be unlocked and pushed open. They swing from a hinge, just like a door. They are easy to open and close, allowing in plenty of fresh air.

These types of windows are very commonly installed, so you can often find them at an affordable price. Just keep in mind that the mechanical cranking mechanisms can get faulty once they experience regular wear and tear.

5) Double-Hung

Double-hung windows are the most popular type of window in the country. They feature two large sashes (frame units around the glass panels) that can slide up and down verticle tracks. This classic style can be found in just about every type of traditional-modern home.

The double hung window style is particularly advantageous due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of cleaning, and excellent ventilation. It is especially suitable for high-traffic areas in homes, such as living rooms and kitchens, making it a practical choice for homeowners.

Since these types of windows are so commonly used, they are made by numerous manufacturers. This offers you a wide selection with affordable price points. Some more great benefits include:

• Easy to clean
• Simple to replace
• Offer great ventilation
• Cost-effective

You may also hear about single-hung windows. Double and single-hung windows are similar, but the main difference is that single-hung windows have the top sash fixed in place, so only the bottom unit can be moved up. A double-hung window allows both of the sashes to move.

6) Garden

Garden windows are an adorable window style that resembles mini bay windows— for plants! This style got its name because garden windows act like small greenhouses that protrude from your home.

You can keep plants and herbs on the shelves so that they can remain inside but get a considerable amount of sunlight from outside. These windows make lovely additions to living rooms or kitchens in cozy cottages.

7) Hopper

While awning windows open from the bottom, hopper windows open from the top. They are commonly found in basements and bathrooms because they make efficient use of compact spaces. Hoppers offer excellent insulation because they seal up against the frame when closed all the way.

Keep in mind that hopper windows come in smaller sizes that can’t be used as emergency exits, so their primary use is ventilation. This small and simple window style comes at an affordable price point.

8) Picture

Picture windows are absolutely beautiful. They are typically large windows with no frames, breaks, or gear to block the view. These windows provide a “wow factor” in any home because they allow the scenery outside your home to become a focal point—resembling a picture.

Like fixed windows, picture windows are primarily used to allow natural light into a space while providing unobstructed views.

While there’s no debating that these windows are striking, they do come with some cons that you should be aware of.

• You can’t open these windows, so they don’t offer airflow.
• Large picture windows aren’t very energy-efficient.
• The outside can be hard to clean.

However, since there aren’t any mechanical elements to picture windows, they can actually be quite cost-effective. If you’re looking for a beautiful focal point in your new home, a picture window could be the affordable solution you need.

9) Shapes

If you want a window that isn’t a traditional square or rectangle, then it would fall into the “shapes category.” Most specialized window shapes are round, either as:

• Complete circles
• Half-round
• Elliptical
• Oval

Arched windows are a versatile architectural feature that can enhance both the beauty and functionality of various rooms in a home.

Most original round windows featured stained glass in old Gothic cathedrals. Talk about a focal point! While modern round windows are typically less ornate, they still offer beautiful contemporary aesthetics.

Even though most round windows are fixed, some manufacturers make round windows that can open and close, offering ventilation.

10) Slider

Slider windows are also called gliding windows, and they are an excellent option for elongated wall space. One section slides horizontally over the other, much like a sliding glass door. One of the biggest perks is the sheer amount of airflow that this design allows.

Sliding windows come in an array of sizes depending on your needs. They can be a more focal window, or they can be a great fit for a basement egress window. While they offer a simple look, it’s not as sophisticated as some other styles, so keep this in mind if you’re trying to boost your curb appeal.

Overall, sliders are great window options because:

• They don’t have additional mechanical components besides a lock, so this keeps them functional for a long time.
• You can get sliders installed in a wide range of sizes.
• They are some of the least expensive types of windows.
• They are easy to operate and offer great airflow.

Additional Window Types

Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows are a classic choice for many homeowners, known for their simplicity and affordability. Unlike double-hung windows, single-hung windows feature a lower sash that moves up and down while the upper sash remains stationary. This design makes them particularly easy to close and lock, providing a secure option for any room.

These windows are often found in bedrooms or other areas where less ventilation is needed. By opening only the bottom sash, single-hung windows allow for a controlled flow of fresh air, making them a practical and budget-friendly option for many homes.

Transom Windows

Transom windows are a charming addition to any home, often found above doors or larger windows. Historically, they were used to improve ventilation before the advent of air conditioning. Today, most transom windows are fixed and do not open, but they still serve an important purpose.

These windows are excellent for adding an extra source of natural light, brightening up spaces that might otherwise be dim. They are a popular design choice in vintage and modern homes alike, adding a touch of elegance and architectural interest.

Energy-Efficient Features

When it comes to reducing your home’s energy consumption, energy-efficient windows are a game-changer. These windows are designed with several key features that enhance thermal performance and minimize heat loss and gain:

• Double-pane or triple-pane glass: These layers of glass have insulating gas in between, providing superior insulation compared to single-pane windows.
• Low-E coatings: These coatings block harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Spacers: These components keep the panes at the correct distance, further improving insulation.
• Energy-efficient frames: Materials like vinyl, composite, or fiberglass are used to minimize heat transfer.
• Gas fills: Gases like argon or krypton are placed between panes to reduce heat transfer.

By incorporating these features, energy-efficient windows can significantly lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental footprint, making them a smart investment for any homeowner.

Window Frame Materials to Consider

Choosing the right window frame material is crucial for both the performance and aesthetic of your windows. Here are some common materials and their benefits:

• Vinyl: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl frames are durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient. They are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their affordability and performance.
• Composite: These frames combine materials like wood and vinyl, offering a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. They provide the look of wood with less maintenance.
• Fiberglass: Known for their strength and durability, fiberglass frames are made from glass fibers and resin. They offer excellent energy efficiency and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Wood-clad: These frames feature a wood interior with a vinyl or aluminum exterior, providing a traditional look with modern benefits. They offer the beauty of wood without the high maintenance.
• Solid wood: For a classic and natural appearance, solid wood frames are unmatched. However, they require more maintenance to protect against the elements.

When selecting a window frame material, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Each material has its unique advantages, so choose the one that best fits your needs and style.

Still Not Sure What’s Best for Your Home? Ask Our Expert Team!

Hopefully, this picture guide helped narrow down some of your favorite window styles. However, there can be other considerations like ease of use, size, and energy efficiency. At ARCH Exteriors, we’re proud to install ProVia Endure windows in any of these styles listed here.

Our professionally-trained window installation team will answer all of your questions and point you to the perfect solution for your home. Whether you’re upgrading your current windows or constructing a new property, our expert advice will guide you in the right direction.

Did we mention that we offer lifetime transferrable warranties on new replacement windows? That’s right; reach out to our friendly team to learn more!