The Awesome Benefits of 7 Popular Window Styles
Do you know your window styles? There are seemingly limitless options to choose from that reduce energy bills and add pizzazz to the exterior. Whether you’re looking for a modern exterior or curb appeal with lots of charm, there is a style for everyone with vinyl replacement windows.
However, every window style can enhance the home in different ways. These are the benefits of the 7 most popular window styles on the market:
1. Double Hung: Timeless Style
If there’s any window that suits nearly any architecture, it’s the double hung. Double hung windows feature two sashes that operate independently of one another. They open vertically and typically offer a convenient tilt-in feature. This allows for homeowners to clean the glass without climbing up on a ladder.
The difference between a double hung and single hung window is that only one sash can open with the single hung. The double hung blends beautifully with countless home styles ranging from Victorian to condos. Homeowners who are in doubt of the right window style can almost never go wrong with a double hung window.
Double hung windows complement nearly any room in the home, from bathrooms to bedrooms. You’ll find them in essentially every room in the home, especially if you’re living in a cape cod or colonial style home.
2. Picture Windows: Maximizing Natural Light
Who doesn’t love the sun shining through the windows? Unless you’re trying to catch some ZZZs, most homeowners enjoy natural light coming into the home.
If this sounds like you, picture windows might be your picture-perfect window style. These windows consist of one solid sheet of glass that maximizes natural light and gives you an uninterrupted view of the outdoors.
While picture windows don’t let any airflow into the home, you can solve this problem by installing two operable windows on either side.
Picture windows are typically found in living rooms, especially in ranch style homes and in rooms with large window openings that are wider than they are tall, but they are found in many different shapes and sizes.
3. Specialty Shaped Windows: Add Character to Any Architecture
Specialty shaped and geometric windows are the epitome of character for curb appeal. Even a small half-round window, makes a statement on the home.
This window style adds a special touch to modern homes. It can also help accent the curb appeal of historic homes that are known for their uniquely-shaped windows.
Specialty shaped windows are also perfect for grouping together with other windows, and they also work well as a standalone focal piece.
Many homeowners add these windows to hallways, foyers, and nooks for character and extra visual interest.
4. Slider Windows: Great for Making a Statement
Slider windows are like picture windows since they open the room and filter sunlight into the home. However, they have one major benefit that picture windows can’t provide: increasing in-home ventilation.
When you’re yearning for a fresh breeze, it doesn’t get much better than using a slider windows. These windows open on a rolling track and ventilate the home better than any other window.
Not only are they perfect for sunlight and fresh air, but they quickly make any space feel more contemporary. They’re another window style that complements many homes regardless of architecture.
Slider windows complement dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and more—especially where extra ventilation is needed.
5. Bay Windows: Increasing Square Footage and Luxury
It’s almost impossible to overlook a home with a big bay window. Bay windows consist of one large picture windows and two operable windows on each side. They are welded together to create one large unit that protrudes from the front of the home. It adds class with a splash of drama and instantly increases curb appeal.
Bay windows are almost guaranteed to make the home appear more polished. They are known for the window seat that they provide and add extra space in the home. Pets even enjoy lying on the seat of bay windows and watching the world go by.
For an even bigger impact on curb appeal, consider adding grids to a new bay window. It creates a style that is essentially unforgettable. Bay windows are a great upgrade to a living room since they add more seating and give a place to display knickknacks. However, it’s not uncommon to find bay windows in bedrooms as well.
6. Bow Windows: Instant Elegance
Bow windows are easily confused with bay windows, but there is certainly a difference between the two styles.
Bow windows are typically grouped in four or five windows, such as casements, double hungs, or even a mix. These windows do not protrude from the home as dramatically as a bow window, but they increase natural light as well as ventilation.
Bow windows are suitable for many parts of the home, including the living room, dining room, and even bedrooms.
7. Energy Efficient Windows: Reducing Utility Bills 365 Days Per Year
What does an energy efficient window look like? However you want it to look! Nearly any window style can be engineered into a product that saves energy all year long. This is achieved by using gases such as argon and krypton along with dual or triple pane glass. Replacement windows that are certified by Energy Star give the best bang for your buck.
No matter what window style is right for your home, don’t forget about the importance of professional window installation. This helps maximize the performance and the lifespan of your new windows for years to come.
Are you wondering what type of window is right for your home? We can help. Contact us now for a free in-home design consultation.