types of windows

8 Different Types of Windows (and Frames)

Depending on your home’s design and financial constraints, there are several replacement window options, each with a unique function. We’ve outlined the 8 Types of windows designs below, along with their variants and ideal uses, so you can choose which ones to place in your house.

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What Are the Different Types of Windows?

There are several varieties of windows, including casement, flush, awning, hopper, egress, and transom. It might be difficult to tell your Bay from your Bow, so how do you decide which window design is ideal for you?

Firstly, there are 8 types of windows in the UK:

Type of WindowDescription
CasementThe oldest and most versatile style that is usually side hung to open like a door, but can open from the top or bottom.
Tilt and TurnSide hung to swing fully open and bottom hung to tilt inwards for ventilation.
SashTwo panels that slide up and down, or one fixed panel and one sliding panel.
SlidingThe frame slides to the side like a mini patio door.
BayProjects out from the wall and extends to the floor with extended brickwork.
BowProjects out from the wall without any brick extension.
SkylightEither flush with the roof line or protrudes from the roof (dormer).
TransomThe window above a doorway, also known as a fanlight.

There are differences in the number of various window openers or the manner in which the window can open within those primary categories. This results in a total of 17 distinct window variants.

Each type of window has advantages and applications of its own. Certain window kinds, such an egress window for fire safety or a transom window for over a door, are only appropriate for certain uses. Others, like the casement, are more adaptable.

It’s crucial to select a window whose frame complements the house’s age and architectural style. uPVC tilt and turn windows might not be the greatest choice for a typical stone home. Additionally, a clean, modern new construction wouldn’t include sash windows.

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Casement Windows

Casement windows, the oldest and most versatile style in the UK, have stood the test of time, gracing both traditional and contemporary dwellings with their timeless charm. These windows are characterized by their hinged design, allowing them to open outward like a door, providing ample ventilation and unobstructed views.

To provide varying degrees of ventilation, openers can be added to one, both, the top, or the entire frame. They also close tightly to provide better insulation and energy efficiency.

Safe and Sound Windows manufactures and installs made-to-measure casement windows from a range of materials, including as aluminum, wood, flush Casement windows, and energy-efficient uPVC casement windows.

Types of Casement Windows

Side-Hung Casements

The most common variation, these windows are hinged on the side and swing outward, offering a classic and practical solution for most properties.

Single Casement

The simplest form, featuring a single framed panel that opens outward, perfect for smaller spaces.

Double or French Casement

Consisting of two side-hung panels that open outward, creating a grand entrance for light and airflow.

Top-Hung or Awning Window

Hinged at the top, these windows open outward from the bottom, ideal for areas with frequent rainfall as they prevent water ingress.

Bottom-Hung or Hopper Window

Hinged at the bottom, these windows open inward from the top, offering excellent ventilation and enhanced safety for upper-floor installations.

Flush Casement

A contemporary twist on the traditional casement, the flush design allows the window to sit flush with the frame, creating a sleek and streamlined appearance.

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Tilt and Turn Windows

Introduced in the 1980s, tilt and turn windows quickly gained popularity for their versatility and energy efficiency. These windows are designed to open inward, allowing for easy cleaning of the exterior glass from the comfort of the indoors..

Due to their hefty frames, tilt and turn fixtures are less appropriate for older homes as they may not blend in with the overall design. Tilt and turn is most effective for apartment complexes and house designs built after the 1960s.

The adaptable uPVC Tilt and Turn window is produced and sold by Safe and Sound windows in a range of hues and finishes.

The Tilt and Turn Advantage

Dual Operation: Tilt and turn windows can be tilted inward for ventilation or fully opened, making them a practical choice for upper-floor installations.

Exceptional Insulation: With their snug seal when closed, tilt and turn windows offer superior thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment.

Modern Aesthetic: The thick frames of tilt and turn windows complement contemporary architectural styles, making them a popular choice for newer builds and apartment complexes.

Sash Windows

Often regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing window style, sash windows have the ability to add significant value to a property, particularly in period homes and conservation areas. These windows typically feature two framed panels that slide vertically, creating a unique and charming visual appeal.

Spiral balances are a feature of contemporary sash windows that make opening and shutting simple. brushes with the ability to double glaze for energy economy and that guarantee a strong seal when closed.

On a historic home, well-fitting modern sash windows provide a breathtaking impression. Despite being an investment, they can increase a property’s appeal to buyers.

Safe and Sound Windows manufactures an energy-efficient uPVC sash window with a woodgrain treatment, as well as a classic sash window that can be fitted in a typical period house for a historical appeal.

Variations of Sash Windows

Single-Hung Sash

 One panel slides while the other remains fixed, offering a practical solution for ventilation.

Double-Hung Sash

Both panels are operable, allowing for ventilation from the top and bottom, providing excellent air circulation.

Dummy Sash

While styled to resemble a traditional sash window, these windows are fixed and non-operable, often used to maintain symmetry and consistent sightlines.

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Sliding Window

Sliding windows, or slider windows, feature one or more sashes that slide horizontally along a track. This design is often favored for its space-saving capabilities, as the sashes don’t require any outward or inward swing.

Sliding windows are a popular choice for modern homes and can provide excellent ventilation and easy access to the outdoors.

The Sliding Window Advantage

Integration: Sliding windows are a popular choice for contemporary and architecturally designed homes, seamlessly blending with sleek, minimalist aesthetics.

Versatile Placement: These windows are often installed in kitchens, behind sinks or countertops, or in areas that open onto patios or terraces, facilitating easy access and serving purposes.

Unobstructed Views: With their large glass panes and minimal framing, sliding windows offer uninterrupted views of the outdoors, creating a sense of openness and connectivity with the surrounding environment.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are a distinctive architectural feature that projects outward from the exterior wall, extending to the floor and often adorning the front living rooms of Victorian and Edwardian homes. 

These windows not only add character and visual interest but also provide practical benefits, such as increased ventilation and panoramic views.

In addition to serving as an adornment, they were functionally built to let in more airflow into a space through open windows on the sides.

Bay windows are great for reading areas since they let in natural light from behind and may bring an abundance of light into a room.

The Bay Window Variations

Single-End Bay

Featuring two windows with one angled edge, these bay windows offer a subtle projection from the wall.

Splay Bay

Resembling half a hexagon, splay bay windows consist of three windows with angled edges, creating a more pronounced outward extension.

Circular Bay

With five or more windows arranged in a curved configuration, circular bay windows offer a striking and visually appealing design element.

Square Bay

Featuring three windows with square edges, these bay windows provide a clean and modern take on the traditional design.

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Bow Windows

Similar to bay windows, bow windows also protrude from the exterior wall, but without the extended brickwork base. These curved windows create a sense of spaciousness and provide panoramic views, often serving as cozy reading nooks or plant shelves.

Bow windows may be constructed from many windows to give a space a curving appearance and an abundance of light. They might enjoy expansive vistas or provide increased street exposure at the front of the house.

Planning approval is not needed or building work to be done at the base of bow windows.

The Bow Window Advantage

Integration: Bow windows can be seamlessly integrated into existing structures without the need for extensive brickwork or planning permission, making them a versatile choice for various architectural styles.

Increased Natural Light: With their curved design and multiple window panes, bow windows allow for an abundance of natural light to enter the interior, creating a bright and airy ambiance.

Visual Interest: The gentle curves and graceful lines of bow windows add a touch of elegance and visual interest to both traditional and contemporary homes.

Skylights and Dormers

Introducing natural light into the uppermost levels of a home can be achieved through the installation of skylights or dormers. Skylights are flush with the roofline, providing unobtrusive solution, 

while dormers protrude from the roof, creating additional headroom and a more prominent architectural feature.

Benefits of Skylights and Dormers

Maximized Illumination: Both skylights and dormers allow for an abundance of natural light to permeate the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Versatility: Skylights can be incorporated into various room types, including kitchens, dining areas, and living spaces, while dormers offer additional window space in upper-level bedrooms or attic conversions.

Architectural Interest: Dormers, in particular, can add visual interest and character to the exterior of a home, complementing the overall architectural style.

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Transom Windows

Transom windows, also known as fanlights, are the glass panels situated above doors, separating the door from the window. Historically, these windows played a crucial role in facilitating air circulation and ventilation throughout the home.

Ventilation and Airflow: By opening both the front and back transom windows, homeowners can create a cross-breeze, promoting natural air circulation and cooling during warmer months.

Decorative Appeal: Transom windows often feature intricate glass designs, such as sunburst patterns or stained glass, adding a touch of artistry and visual interest to the entryway.

Natural Light: The placement of transom windows above doors allows for additional natural light to filter into the interior, brightening up hallways and entryways.

Egress Windows

While not a specific window style, egress windows are a crucial safety feature required in certain areas of a home. These windows serve as emergency exits, providing a means of escape or access for firefighters in the event of an emergency.

Minimum Size: Egress windows must have a minimum opening width or height of 450mm and an overall openable area of at least one-third of a square meter.

Accessibility: The bottom of the egress window must be no higher than 1.1 meters from the floor, ensuring easy access in case of an emergency.

Versatility: Any window style can serve as an egress window, provided it meets the specified size and accessibility requirements outlined in building regulations.

Types of Windows Frames

In addition to the various types of windows styles, homeowners must also consider the material of the window frame, as it plays a significant role in both aesthetics and performance. 

The three primary options include uPVC, aluminum, and timber, each offering unique advantages and characteristics.

uPVC Frames

Low Maintenance: Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride (uPVC) frames are known for their durability and minimal maintenance requirements, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking hassle-free upkeep.

Energy Efficiency: uPVC frames are highly insulating, contributing to improved energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.

Versatility: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including wood-effect textures, uPVC frames can complement various architectural styles and personal preference

Aluminum Frames

Sleek and Slim: Aluminum frames are renowned for their slim and sleek profiles, maximizing the glazed area and allowing for an abundance of natural light to enter the interior.

Durability: With their inherent strength and resistance to corrosion, aluminum frames offer a long-lasting solution for homeowners seeking a durable investment.

Contemporary Aesthetic: The clean lines and modern appearance of aluminum windows frames make them a popular choice for contemporary and architecturally designed homes.

Timber Frames

Traditional Charm: For period properties or those seeking a classic and timeless aesthetic, timber frames offer unrivaled beauty and charm, adding value and character to the home.

Longevity: When properly maintained, high-quality hardwood frames can boast an impressive lifespan, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners.

Authenticity: In conservation areas or listed buildings, timber frames may be a requirement to maintain the historical integrity and authenticity of the property.

Which Types of Windows Is Best for My Home?

When deciding which types of windows is best for your home, it’s important to consider the style of your house and its surroundings to avoid creating confusion of style.

Living in a historic stone cottage might lose its original charm if you install uPVC windows. On the other hand, a wooden sash or casement window would match the architecture of the home.

Large expanses of glass and thin aluminum frames may be features of a modernist new construction to accentuate the architecture’s crisp lines and let in an abundance of natural light.

We would advise against selecting window replacement styles and colors based on prevailing “trends.” Certain uPVC colors could be in vogue, but will they still be fashionable in ten years or will they seem dated?

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