There is an incredible range of home windows available to suit nearly any function and personal aesthetic choice. In addition to traditional sliding and hinged styles, you can choose to install a skylight to increase natural light into your home or louvres to maximise ventilation.
Different styles of windows provide different opening areas, which will vary in importance for individual needs. Larger opening areas will increase ventilation opportunities while smaller openings will provide improved security.
It’s also useful to consider energy efficient styles and maintenance needs when making your home window selection. Hinged windows generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows, therefore increasing their energy efficiency. In contrast sliding windows are an easy to maintain option only requiring an occasional clean of the tracks and glass.
You may find that you need different window styles throughout your home depending on design preferences, the direction that your windows face and your local climate. New window styles are being developed all the time, however we have provided useful information on the following common window styles.
Double hung windows
Double hung windows open vertically. Both sashes of the window normally slide, and screens can be installed outside of the window frame.
Horizontal sliding windows
These windows slide open horizontally, can feature two or more sashes and offer a nice clear opening for good ventilation.
Bifold windows
- Two or more panels folding onto themselves - concertina style
- Retractable roll down flyscreens can be added to the initial design
Louvre windows
- Have a series of blade that tilt to open
- Opened by handle, lever or remote control
- Blades can be made of glass, aluminium and timber
Skylights and roof lanterns
Skylights generally allow much more light into a room than windows do, thanks to their access to direct sunlight.
Casement windows
Casement windows are hinged at the sides and open outward, with screens on the inside -and they offer some ventilation advantages in some situations.
Awning windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top, and open outward. These come in a variety of different shapes and configurations and are good for wet weather.
Tilt and turn windows
Tilt and turn windows pen inwards in two actions – they turn like a casement window and tilt like a hopper window.
Clerestory windows
Traditionally narrow bands of windows across the tops of buildings, but now seems to include any 'higher-than-average' window.
Light shelves
Light shelves work on a fairly basic principle. A shelf is installed outside of a window, which reflects additional light back into a room. They are particularly effective for houses where eaves might otherwise reduce the amount of light entering a window at certain times of the day.
Sawtooth roofs
This traditional daylighting method is mostly used in industrial buildings, but is now making a comeback in homes.
Transoms and fanlights
These small windows are usually placed above doors, and often allow both improved lighting and ventilation.