Over time, windows have changed from the traditional cross-pane glass used to decorate a child’s drawing, and currently, we have different styles, materials, shapes, and sizes.
Popular Window Styles
Victorian Windows
Victorian windows were introduced in the 19th century, and the first design was ‘two up, two down which is a famous design today.
With time, the three-sided bay sash Victorian window came into existence after the two up two down design was declared unfit for ground floor windows since they didn’t need to be flushed with the exterior wall. The three-sided bay sash came with a unique design that created more space and let more natural light into the home.
Georgian Windows
Georgian windows came has been in use since the 18th century. These are smaller panes of glass that are inside a frame, and they are bound by thinner horizontal and vertical bars.
These windows were smaller since the technology was poor by then and couldn’t make bigger ones. These windows have been modified to fit the modern world, and they are now very common. You can get cottage windows in timber and uPVC up to an A+ energy rating.
Edwardian Windows
Big houses started emerging at the begging of the 20th century, and hence windows had to change, which is where Edwardian windows came in. Edwardian windows resemble Georgian windows in their bar design at the top, a big glazed area on the bottom, and half of the window.
Even though the sash windows are still common, they were connected with the casement window, which changed its size and shape. You can find these types of windows in uPVC, Timber, aluminium casement, and timber sash windows.
Casement Windows
Casement windows open outwards and hang sidewards, bottom, or top. Top-hung casements enable you to give your house good air circulation while preventing rain from getting into the house. You will mostly find these windows in the UK because of their flexibility.
Flush Casement Windows
These windows acquired their name from the way they function. When opened, they hung whereby a part of it sits flush with the frame.
They look like traditional timber windows hence the right windows for a traditional house. But they are also designed for modern homes due to their clean and shiny appearance.
Sash Windows
These are the oldest and most popular windows in the UK. This is a combination of two sash windows that partly overlap.
Most of the time, their bottom sash slides upward, enabling the door to open, but also the top can slide at times. Another name for sliding sash windows is vertical sliding. These are the windows mostly used in properties since the 17th century.
Slider Windows
These windows are made up of two sections that slide behind each other horizontally. You can have both sides moving or make one side immobile while the other slides behind it.
Slimline
Apart from shearwater glass, these windows work like casement windows, although they have ultra-slender framing that is common on aluminum windows. They are 12% more glass than normal windows, making them suitable for a well-lit home.
Roof Windows or Skylights
If you have a single-story house, you can light up your home well using natural light while maintaining good wall space. They can also be used in loft conversions while combed ceilings light and ventilate the room when the windows are closed.
You can choose from top-hung, non-opening, or centre-pivot windows.
Velux Windows is a famous brand that features that ventilate the home while the windows are closed.
Mock Sash Windows
Naturally, mock sash windows are stylish like the actual sash windows. But they don’t have vertically sliding sashes, and their panes are fixed while the panels are mobile and open outward like casement windows.
Secondary Glazing or Double Glazing
This is not a window, but it’s crucial when looking for a window type. To make it, a supplementary aluminium-framed window is fixed to an interior part of the current window to improve performance.
Read also: Secondary Glazing Sash Windows and Wooden Double Glazing Sash Windows
Fixed Windows
These windows are meant to give the house light, aesthetics, and warmth without opening them. The size chosen depends on the size of the house. Bigger windows provide a better view than small windows.
They range from gable end windows to additional windows, which are right beside patio doors. These windows offer a good design without using too many materials like frames to create an opening mechanism.
The problem with these windows is that they are not energy efficient, depending on the size you use. However, there are now various energy-efficient windows, thanks to technological advancements.
Velux Windows
They are also called roof lights or skylights, and they are well known. They are the best when it comes to boosting light and air levels in lofts, orangeries, flat roof structures, and conservatories.
Tilt and Turn Windows
These are the same as casement windows, but they have broader framing. Also, they are opened in two ways but can be opened vertically or horizontally to provide different functions. They are opened vertically to offer ventilation services, while the horizontal opening is to give space for cleaning.
Bay Windows
They comprise many windows located angularly projecting from the wall of the building. They can be used to beautify the house and increase floor space.
Forms of Bay Windows
Bay windows can be categorized into 4:
Bow Window
They curved and somewhat protruded outside the house’s wall. Bow windows comprise four, five, or six independent windows that give a better outside view.
Circle Bay Window
This is a modern version of the bow window. Several windows are connected to a smooth circular area. The best place to place circular bay windows is in the corner of the living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.
Box Bay Window
This is a set of one bigger window with smaller windows on the sides, and they project from the wall of a building forming an angular shape. They hold a seating bench, storage bench, ornaments, or plants.
Oriel Window
These are traditional types of bay windows that are located on the upper story of a building and braced by brackets or corbels. They originate from a wall at a curved angle making the streets be seen well.
Awning Windows
Are you wondering what awning windows are? They are windows that are hinged at the top and open outwards. This is the reason why many people confuse them for casement windows.
The difference between awning windows and casement windows is that awning windows are used in wider openings and are designed as one, two, or three-lite arrangements. In contrast, casement windows are designed in one, two, three, four, or five-lite arrangements.
Tips for Choosing the Kind of Window to Use
Ensure the window matches the architectural decorations of your home
You should choose traditional windows for traditional buildings and modern windows for modern homes. For instance, you can use traditional sash windows for Victoria homes and cottage windows for Georgian homes.
The Location
The location of your windows matters, so you must be keen on this before making your choice. The goal is to use natural light in your home, so ensure you look at the darker parts of the home and windows that are west facing.
Ventilation
Before choosing the window type, ensure you look at the ventilation you want to achieve since the direction of the air can affect the design you select.
Match with Décor
You can choose our dual-coloured window to match your décor. Choose a coloured exterior tint for window frames and ensure the interior is white. The white colour from the inside ensures no colour-clashing, while the coloured exterior gives your home a new look.
Budget
How much you are going to spend on the windows is something you must look at. Different windows are made of different materials, making them have different prices. If you are on a budget, you must find out how different windows are sold to settle on the one within your budget.
However, you need to ensure the window you choose plays the role you bought them for. If you want a cost-effective window, you can choose uPVC windows, although they are not as durable as wood or aluminium windows, which are more costly.
Conclusion
Understanding that different windows serve different purposes before deciding what to buy is crucial. You need to research and consult with experts to know the right windows to buy since there are many types of windows.
