Choosing the Best Window Style for Your Home

Are you ready to replace the windows in your home? Are you feeling overwhelmed by all of the available options? How can you find the best window styles for your home that will fit both your needs and your aesthetic preferences? Let’s dig into the window styles on the market that will be the best for your home, your needs, and your budget.

Finding a home window design that is right for you can seem overwhelming when you start looking at what is available on the market. To help you hone in on the best window styles for your home, let’s take a look at:

Different window styles available on the market
Pairing window styles with your home design
Functional considerations for window selection
Available material choices for window frames
Energy efficiency and window selection
Customizing your windows
Budget considerations and ROI

Understanding Different Window Styles

Not every window is built to function the same. There are primary characteristics of each different style that help define their look and function. The most common window styles available are:

Single-hung windows
Double-hung windows
Casement windows
Awning windows
Sliding windows
Bay windows
Bow windows
Picture windows

To help with your search for the best window styles, let’s compare some of these popular windows to see which one is the most appropriate for you.

Single-hung Vs. Double-hung Windows

Overall, both single-hung or double-hung windows are a traditional and widely used window style. They are also both space-saving choices as they do not open into a home’s interior. The difference between these two most popular style of windows is quite simple. A single-hung window has one moveable sash that opens from the bottom while a double-hung window has two moveable sashes allowing for it to open from the bottom and the top.

Compared to single-hung windows the versatility of double-hung windows offer:

Better air circulation
Easier cleaning options
Safety measures against falling out of the window for children and pets

Both of these windows are widely available with many options on the market, making them affordable. Yet, single-hung windows, with less moving parts, are the less expensive of the two. Single-hung windows also come in a wider variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, but the fixed upper sash has both limited functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Neither double-hung nor single-hung windows provide as tight of a seal as other styles, and are a less energy efficient option. Yet, double-hung windows have twice as much potential for air leaks due to their two operable sashes and are less energy efficient than single-hung. Another downside is that to keep them running smoothly regular cleaning of their sashes and tracks, where dirt and debris tend to accumulate, is required. Single-hung windows tend to be more durable though since they have fewer moving parts.

Casement, Awning, and Sliding Windows

Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward with the use of a crank mechanism, which creates a large opening that offers excellent ventilation. Casement windows provide unobstructed views with ample natural light, come in a variety of materials, and can be used on traditional and modern architectural designs. One of their downsides is that the outward panel can catch a strong window and become dislodged.

Awning windows are somewhat similar to casement designs but open outward from the bottom instead of the side. They are often placed high up on walls to provide ventilation and are especially good during rainy weather since they create an awning to protect from water getting inside even when open. Their charming style comes in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes, making it aesthetically versatile. Awnings are challenging to clean though and do not offer an emergency exit, if one is needed.

Both casements and awnings have tight seals with minimum air leakage, making them highly energy efficient. Their main downside is that they require more outside clearance and are not preferred in high traffic outside areas.

Sliding windows open horizontally with either one or more sashes sliding along a track to the left or right of each other. These windows are easy to operate and require less effort to open or close compared to other styles. These space saving windows offer wide, unobstructed views and plenty of natural light, good ventilation, and high energy efficiency. They come in a variety of materials, but the tracks can collect dirt and debris, wearing out the sliding mechanism and compromising their seal. Sliding windows also only offer one-sided ventilation, can pose security issues, are difficult to clean and maintain, and do not accommodate window air conditioning units. They are best for contemporary, minimalistic designs.

Bay, Bow, and Picture Windows

These types of windows are similar in that they are large and each create a focal point in a room, bringing in tons of natural light and expansive views. Each style also has at least one fixed panel that does not open. Picture windows are large, fixed windows that do not offer any ventilation but do create a lot of light and aesthetic appeal. Bay windows have a large, fixed middle window with two smaller windows on the side set at an angle so the window sits out from the exterior wall, creating interior space and openness. The side windows can be opened for ventilation. Bow or compass windows are similar but extend in a curve shape, offering a 180-degree view. Some smaller windows within a bow window can be opened for ventilation. Bay windows have a more classic, angular style while bow windows are round and more modern looking, but bow windows are generally bigger and more expensive than bay windows.

Factors that Affect Your Choice of Window Styles

Building Styles

The style of your home will affect your window choices. Considering different architectural window styles to fit your home design and aesthetics is important when looking at what is available for your window replacement. If your home is more traditional it is usually best to choose more traditional window options, while other options will fit more modern architectural designs.

Traditional window options include double and single-hung windows, casement, and bay or bow windows. These look best with Prairie, Craftsman, colonial, and other traditionally styled homes. Modern window designs can include sliding, awning, casement, bay or bow, and picture windows, but also some specialty windows that come in unique shapes and sizes. Window style combinations can also give your home a contemporary look.

Climate Considerations

Climate is another factor that plays into choosing the best window styles for your needs. Not all windows are best in all climates. Colder climates, like that found in Minnesota, where extreme temperatures and severe storms are experienced, will influence the need to choose windows designed for these conditions. Windows that provide insulation, tight seals, and less air leakage, and consequently more energy efficiency are good options for harsher climates.

Functional Considerations for Window Selection

Beyond aesthetics and climate, there are other practical aspects that will influence your window selection.

Ventilation and Airflow

Window ventilation options influence the airflow in your home. Fixed windows do not provide the ventilation necessary to create good airflow through your home. For windows that do open, some styles provide more ventilation than others. For example, the difference between double-hung and single-hung windows mentioned earlier.

Light Control

Natural light maximization is often a key consideration for homeowners when choosing the best window styles. Large windows, such as picture, bay, or bow, provide the most natural light, while smaller awning or casement windows will not.

Insulation

When looking at different window insulation types what you are really looking at is the window glazing. Insulated windows have two or more window panes that have an insulated air space between them. Insulation comes in double, triple, and even quadruple paned windows. Insulated windows can also have low-emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass panes that help control heat transfer. Low-e glass windows usually carry upfront costs about 10 to 15 percent more than other windows, but can help save on energy costs in the long run.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Some window designs are easier to clean and maintain than others. Generally, the more mechanisms and tracks a window has the more prone they are to needing repair. Cleaning is also easier with some designs than others. This all factors into a windows longevity and durability.

Window Security Features

Certain window designs protect against intrusion better than others. Some are easier to lock while others require added features to make them more secure. Window frames can also be reinforced to protect against forced entry.

Material Choices for Window Frames

Not all window frames are made of the same materials. Each one has different pros and cons and your choice depends on your needs and, of course, your budget. The main window frame materials available on the market are:

Vinyl
Wood
Fiberglass
Aluminum

Vinyl Pros and Cons

Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl windows do not require painting and are considered durable with a strong resistance to moisture. They can also be filled with insulation for added protection and are generally less expensive than other materials, making them a cost-effective choice. They also come in a variety of colors and styles, and can also be customized to fit your design needs. They cannot be painted and are not as good for keeping out noise pollution than other types of window materials.

Wood Pros and Cons

Made from either a solid wood or a wood composite, wooden window frames are fairly common on older homes. They have fairly good insulative properties, but require regular maintenance and painting.

Fiberglass Pros and Cons

Fiberglass windows are made from a composite material of glass fibers and resin. It is a versatile, low-maintenance material that is strong and durable, but comes in fewer design options than other materials. Fiberglass resists expansion and contraction with changing weather, has minimal heat and cold transfer, and offers excellent energy efficiency. It is an expensive material with a high upfront cost that can be balanced with less maintenance and energy costs.

Aluminum Pros and Cons

Aluminum windows are sleek and modern looking, making them ideal for contemporary home designs. It is a low-maintenance material that is resistant to moisture and durable, lasting longer than vinyl, but can corrode with excessive condensation. It is a more affordable choice than wood or fiberglass, but is not as energy efficient as other choices.

Energy Efficiency and Window Selection

As energy costs rise, the need for energy efficient windows becomes a larger part of the window selection process. Window energy ratings are based on the window designated U-factor, which is the rate it allows non-solar heat to pass through it. The lower a window’s U-factor is the higher its energy efficiency. Other factors play into a window’s energy efficiency as well, including the frame material, window seal and air leakage, and its resistance to condensation.

Customizing Your Windows

When it comes to windows, there are many options for you to personalize your window choices. These include options for enhancing both your home’s interior and exterior aesthetics. This includes color choices, glass, and window grille options. There are any number of custom window designs on the market that can fit your home’s style and your needs as a homeowner.

Budget Considerations and Window Replacement ROI

No home improvement project comes without budget considerations. As a homeowner making financially sound decisions regarding your window purchases means weighing upfront costs with long-term costs, such as maintenance, window repairs, and potential energy savings. Thinking long-term can sometimes be the less expensive option. Upfront costs can be diminished over time with less maintenance costs and lower energy bills.

Best Window Styles: Final Thoughts

Finding the best window style for your home does not have to be overwhelming when you know your needs. There are options on the market that will fit almost any budget. Knowing what is most important to you whether it is energy efficiency, aesthetics, space-saving options, airflow, light control, cleaning or maintenance will help you find the right style for your needs.

​​Choosing the Best Window Style for Your Home