Windows and Doors

14 popular window types for your home’s needs

Published on June 4, 2020
Revised on October 21, 2024
11 min read

Amber VanWort

Writer

Windows are the eyes into the soul of a home. They add curbside appeal and let you showcase your home’s interior. And, indoors, they bring in natural light, lower heating costs and give you a view of your backyard or neighbourhood. When it comes time to replace your windows, you’ll need to know which type best suits your needs. Each serves different looks and functions, so let’s go over the most popular window types available on the market.

Bay window

Advantages

Bay windows are commonly found in Victorian-era homes but their picturesque design and ability to let in extra sunlight make them a popular choice for various architectural styles. In addition to an abundance of light, bay windows also offer extra floor space as they extend beyond the exterior walls. This additional space can be used to create a cozy reading nook or provide extra bench seating in the living room. With a few strategically placed shelves, bay windows can also serve as the perfect home for indoor plants. Finally, bay windows are a highly desirable feature that is sure to increase the overall value of your home.

Disadvantages

Although bay windows help increase your floor space, they also limit the amount of wall space you will have for things like hanging art or mounting electronics. Additionally, anyone who’s ever looked into installing bay windows knows that the complex installation process tends to be far more expensive than simpler window types. Finally, larger windows always run the risk of letting in excess heat or cold. Luckily, you can combat any potential energy loss by opting for energy-efficient windows that feature a low-E coating.

Picture window

Mid-century Modern style living room, including a sofa, two armchairs, a wood coffee table, a crackle-patterned rug, and a panoramic window overlooking a green mountain landscape — Photo: Adobe Stock/Instapik

Advantages

A picture window is a fixed single-pane window that offers beautiful unobstructed views of your surroundings. This style has several advantages including easy maintenance, low installation costs and plenty of additional light. Since picture windows don’t open, they are also easy to insulate and weatherproof.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of picture windows is the lack of ventilation. If you live in a particularly warm climate, being unable to crack the window open and let in a breeze can be frustrating. The other potential downside to this type of window is that it’s all one piece. This means that when small damage or wear and tear occurs, you’re forced to replace the entire unit.

Casement window

Advantages

Casement windows are one of the most popular window types on the market. They open vertically, from left to right or right to left. They’re fairly energy efficient and increase airflow by deflecting air inwards. They’re also low maintenance!

Disadvantages

These windows can break if they’re fully open while it’s very windy outside. The opening mechanisms can also break with frequent use. Lastly, casement windows cannot be considered as an exit, unless they’re large and a screen is installed inside the frame.

Single hung window

Advantages

A single hung window can be opened by sliding it up and takes up very little space when fully open. Since it has vertical rails, it collects less dust, making it easier to clean compared to other models. And, in terms of aesthetics, it’s great for older homes.

Disadvantages

These windows can be a bit more difficult to open and, over time, their mechanisms can wear out. Since they have large openings, they can also be dangerous for small children.

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Double hung window

Advantages

Double hung windows offer more flexibility than single hung windows because they have two movable panes (versus one). Since the shutters tile inwards, they’re fairly low maintenance. This is one of the most popular window types used to preserve the character of heritage homes.

Disadvantages

The cons of double hung windows are the same as those for single hung windows: the mechanisms wear over time, they can be difficult to open, and they pose a risk for children.

Tilt and turn window

Advantages

The tilt and turn window can be opened two ways, horizontally inward and vertically inward, giving you the ability to ventilate the house even in less favorable weather conditions. They can also serve as a door, and they have a superior airtight seal.

Disadvantages

Because of how they open, this window model needs more space indoors. They also need intricate mechanisms, making them more expensive than other models.

Sliding window

Advantages

A sliding window slides from left to right, so it takes up little space. It’s more affordable than other options and is low maintenance.

Disadvantages

This is one of the least watertight windows on the market. They can also be difficult to close or open if they are large.

Awning window

Advantages

Awning windows open outward from the bottom up. They’re the most watertight model available on the market, alongside casement windows. They can be left open when it rains.

Disadvantages

Since it opens outwards, it needs clearance, which can limit patio or balcony space. It also has a screen on the inside of the frame.

Shaped window

Bedroom with high ceiling, white brick wall, grey duvet bed, grey curtains, and a large arched window with panes, overlooking a multiplex — Photo: Shutterstock/Dariusz Jarzabek

Advantages

When deciding on which types of windows are best for your home, think about the areas you would most like to highlight. Custom-shaped windows can be placed in various nooks and crannies that can’t accommodate normal window styles. Additionally, these odd shapes can be placed above standard-style windows or doors to add visual interest. With shaped windows, homeowners have plenty of opportunity for customization and can choose between a wide range of shapes including round, angled, hexagon, triangle and more.

Disadvantages

With this custom, you can expect a slightly higher price tag. Shaped windows will often need custom window treatments as well, which also come at a higher cost. Additionally, most shaped windows are fixed meaning they can’t be opened.

Basement window

Advantages

If your basement has a living area or a bedroom in it, you will likely need to install a basement egress window. Egress windows are larger than normal basement windows and are designed to be an emergency exit or entrance to your home. In addition to the safety they provide, egress windows also offer increased natural lighting and can help raise the value of your home.

Disadvantages

On the flip side, egress windows can be difficult to install and, as such, are more expensive than different types of basement windows. The windows will also need to meet local building codes and if installed incorrectly can lead to moisture issues.

Cottage window

Farmhouse-style kitchen, with benches along the walls, a round table, paneled walls, and windows with panes overlooking a sunrise over a lake — Photo: Adobe Stock/Abdul

Advantages

Cottage windows are a style of double-hung windows where the top sash is smaller than the bottom one. The top sash commonly, but not always, has several panels separated by a strip of wood or metal called a muntin. A major advantage of this style is its aesthetic appeal.

Disadvantages

Like other double-hung windows, the main disadvantage here is that the window mechanisms will wear over time, making the window harder to open and close with ease.

Garden style window

Advantages

Garden windows, sometimes called greenhouse windows share a few characteristics with bay windows. Both styles have multiple glass panels and both jut out past the exterior wall of the home. Garden-style windows have perpendicular glass or screens on either side, glass on top, and occasionally they feature an inner glass shelf where you can place your plants. The main advantage here is the ability to grow plants all year round. Garden windows also offer excellent ventilation, increased light and extra storage space.

Disadvantages

The potential disadvantages of garden windows include difficult installation, higher installation costs and difficulty cleaning the windows.

Storm window

Advantages

Storm windows are meant to be placed overtop of interior or exterior residential windows. This style of window serves as a protective layer meant to keep your home safe from the elements and excess noise. Storm windows also offer a level of insulation.

Disadvantages

On the downside, storm windows are not always the nicest to look at and have the potential to let less natural light into your home. Like most specialty windows, they can also come with a steep installation bill.

Fixed window

Fixed glass windows on residential towers — Photo: Shutterstock/Trygve Finkelsen

Advantages

Fixed windows are one of the most popular window types used in commercial buildings and high-rise apartment buildings. As the name suggests, they’re impossible to open, leading them to be the safest and most watertight model on the market. Their simplicity makes them more affordable, as well.

Disadvantages

Since there’s no direct access to them, it’s more difficult to wash the outside of these windows. And, since they don’t open, they don’t provide any outdoor airflow.

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Types of window glass

With so many different types of window glass on the market, it’s best to familiarize yourself with common types before investing in new windows.

Float glass

Photo: Shutterstock/Sichkarenko.com

Float glass is normal, untreated glass that leans on the fragile side. This type of glass is commonly found in residential homes but is best suited to smaller windows due to its fragility.

Tempered glass

Tempered glass refers to glass that has undergone the tempering process. This process involves putting the glass through extreme heat and cold to increase its strength. Although you can use tempered glass for windows, it’s most commonly used for interior doors, shower doors, glass railings and glass furniture.

Laminated glass

Laminated glass consists of two layers of float glass with a thin layer of resin in between. Because of the added strength, laminated glass is best used for storm windows or as an added safety measure for commercial and residential buildings in high-risk areas.

Low-E glass

White casement windows, with a color-coded performance graph — Photo: Shutterstock/Rawf8

Low-E stands for low emissivity and refers to glass with a special insulating coating. This coating helps keep your house cool in the summer and warmer in the winter which in turn will save you money on the heating bill. Low-E coatings help block harmful UV rays as well. This type of glass is great for any window but can be particularly helpful to those who live in cold climates. This type of glass is great for any window but can be particularly helpful to those who live in cold climates.

Insulated glass

White casement windows with a view of a green landscape, and a sectional detail showing the principle of insulating glass — Photo: Shutterstock/Rawf8

A popular choice for double and triple pane windows, insulated glass does just what the name implies. Between the panes of insulated windows is an inert gas which works to slow down heat transfer through the glass.

Tinted glass

Tinted glass contains low levels of dye or pigment that help obscure some sunlight and offer a light layer of privacy. Tinted glass is commonly used in cars but is also a great option for anyone with street-facing windows.

Windows materials and costs

After you’ve picked your model, it’s time to consider materials. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to consider climate, energy efficiency, and budget before finalizing your decision!

For example, hybrid windows use PVC (interior frame) and aluminum (exterior), making them more energy efficient than other options. They’re typically used in areas with varying weather conditions or strong winds. Aluminum also comes in a lot of colours, allowing you to match your home’s exterior with ease.

Alternatively, you can opt for PVC windows or aluminum windows. The former tends to be very popular because they have great value for the cost. The latter, however, is very resistant but comes with a higher price tag. You can also consider wood windows, but keep in mind that they need a lot of maintenance.

Need to replace your windows?

There are lots of things to consider when replacing your window, such as your home’s aesthetic, energy efficiency needs, and budget. You’ll also want to consider both materials and window models before finalizing your choices. Keep in mind that there are more window models available on the market – it’s just that the most popular window types are generally cheaper than custom or luxury products!

Not sure where to start? Browse through our completed window projects to get a feel for how new windows can transform your home. If you’re ready to start replacing your windows, reach out to one of our Renovation Advisors–they’ll guide you through the project, find you up to three Verified Contractors, and help you understand your quotes, all at no cost and no obligation.

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Amber VanWort is a freelance content writer with a degree in journalism from Durham College. Amber’s work has been published in Narcity, Chicago Tribune, The Belleville Intelligencer, Best Reviews, and more. Her passions include food, travel, and real estate. When she’s not busy meeting her client’s expectations, you can find Amber in the kitchen, elbow-deep in a bag of flour.