Window types are an essential feature to consider when renovating your home. They protect the inside of your house from extreme weather conditions, and they offer beauty and style. While you can buy windows of any custom size, standard sizes can make buying more accessible, faster, and less expensive. This guide walks you through windows’ different shapes and sizes to help you determine which style works best for your home.

Bay

A group of windows that project from the house form a bay window. They can be as large as a room or as small as a cozy nook. The center windows are usually double-hung, casement, or awning and are angled at 10 degrees, while the flanking units meet the front of the window at 30 to 40 degrees. It gives them a more-rounded appearance and is the type of bay window commonly associated with Victorian architecture; think of The Painted Ladies in San Francisco.

Homes that wish to highlight a stunning view and bring more natural light into their living areas can use these windows. Though they can be trickier to install than ordinary windows, they need different support structures. Consider installing a bay window for a home’s increased exterior appeal and resale value. But remember that these windows are only for some homes, especially those with smaller walls.

Octagon

Octagon windows, regarded as specialty windows, are frequently employed in constructing exclusive, bespoke residences. Due to the beauty, they provide to any space, this ancient design has been making a resurgence. Cellular shades or shutters can be used to cover an octagon window. This type of cellular shade can be constructed using materials with other hues in your home, but something else will be needed.

Sliding Sash

Initially popular during the 1670s in London, a sash window opens by sliding vertically up or down or side to side. They’re not hinged and have two sashes (two panes of glass) pulled by cords on a balance and counterweights. They can be opened at the bottom or the top but don’t offer as much ventilation as double-hung windows. Sliding sash windows can be fitted with a draught-proofing weather pile carrier to reduce draughts and help keep the lower sash in place. They can also incorporate a separating bead in the cheek and box head to separate the upper and lower sashes to help them slide smoothly. uPVC sash windows are an excellent replacement for traditional wood sash windows and come with many benefits, including low maintenance and energy efficiency. 

Oriel

Oriel windows are a particular style of bay window extending from a building’s side but not touching the ground. It’s often a decorative element to add character and make your home look more prominent. Unlike canted bay windows with angled sides, oriel windows are a style of the window usually found on upper stories. It makes them easier to install and can be done without compromising the structure of the building below it. Also known as a moucharaby or mushrabiyah (in Arabic), this kind of window is a standard feature in Islamic architecture. It resembles a niche in the qiblah or east-facing wall of a mosque that marks the direction of Mecca. These structures are often crafted from latticework and have become a popular architectural feature in many cities.

Transom

A transom window is typically installed above existing doorways and windows in living rooms and bedrooms to help let in more natural light. Their many forms, sizes, and colors may give the house more visual appeal. Some are frameless; others are encased in wood molding. It’s essential to match the style of the window with the rest of the home for a consistent look. They’re a great option to help open up the room and improve ventilation, especially in areas with high ceilings or hot front doors. Some operate similarly to hopper windows that allow you to pivot open to promote airflow. Any home design style may be accommodated by altering the frame’s color, pattern, and glass. They are the most straightforward to install when they can be framed into load-bearing walls during new construction. Older homes may require modifications to support the weight of the window.

Jane