A home without windows would create a dark and dreary existence. Windows help open up your space, so the rooms inside don’t feel like solid boxes you’re stuck inside of. It may not be something you often think, but a lack of windows feels gloomy and stuffy.
Windows bring in natural light, stunning views, and a relaxing breeze. They make homes feel welcoming and warm. A perfect combination of aesthetics and function, residential windows are often one of the most important features of a home.
There are so many window designs that any homeowner is bound to find one that fits their style. Windows can transform your home in a way other home improvements can’t. Here are 8 of the most popular residential window designs to consider.
One of the most common window styles, single-hung windows have a classic style. Single-hung windows open by lifting the bottom half of the window to the top. The top half of the windows don’t move, remaining stationary for one-way use.
These windows may or may not have a screen in the bottom half. The screen allows for open airflow while keeping bugs or animals out of your home. This classic style of window looks great within any home because of the clean and minimalist design.
You can make these windows look traditional or contemporary with decorative accents. These windows look great in any room of your home, but especially the living room, bedrooms, and kitchen.
Another classic window style for homeowners is the double-hung window. These are similar to single-hung, but both panes of the window move rather than just one. Double-hung windows feature both sashes being able to move.
Either the top or bottom panes of the window can be open at a time. This allows for more ventilation options while keeping the ease of use. Historically the top and the bottom sash can be opened at the same time allowing hot air to escape out the top and colder air to come in on the bottom. Like single-hung windows, double-hung can have screens to keep out bugs when the panes are opened.
The clean design of double-hung windows lends to many interior styles, so these windows are ideal for any home. Double-hung windows are great for living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms.
If you want a window that allows more airflow, then a casement design is for you. Casement windows feature full maneuverability thanks to the vertical hinge. This hinge allows the windows to be ordered to swing in or out, operated by a crank system.
These windows allow for maximum ventilation as well as an unobstructed view of your surroundings. This clean and modern design can adapt to any interior style. Casement windows are great for bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.
Bow windows are a decorative variety that’s similar to the classic bay window design. These windows feature three or more windows connected at the sides to create a rounded shape. Often, these window styles are the same for all the windows.
These windows differ from bay windows in that bow windows form a half-circle while bay windows feature angles. Bow windows create a unique nook that’s an architectural feature for the exterior and interior of your home.
Bow windows can allow for extra space like a breakfast nook in a kitchen or a window seat in the living room.
The signature Marvin Ultimate Bow windows are high quality, allowing for a gentle curve that will be a stunning feature of any room.
Awning windows are similar to casement in that both are crank operated. However, awning windows have their hinges attached horizontally, allowing for the windows to open out and up.
These windows feature either one or multiple hinges at the top of the frame that allows it to swing outward. Awning windows allow for some ventilation even though they don’t open all the way.
Because they allow ventilation while retaining the homeowner’s privacy, awning windows are great for the bathroom.
As the name implies, sliding windows slide open. These windows feature tracks above and below the window panes that allow the windows to open and close by pushing them to one side.
Sliding windows are common and one of the best residential windows for their ease of use, inexpensive price, durability, and ability to adapt to any interior design.
These windows are great within any room but are especially great in the bedrooms. You can also consider large picture windows in sliding patio doors. The Marvin Ultimate Bi-Fold Door adds lots of natural light to the room while in the open position the door has complete unobstructed views.
Bay windows are probably one of the most famous types of residential windows. They’re known for adding a gorgeous feature to the exterior of the home and a cozy nook inside the home.
Bay windows are formed by three or more windows connected at the sides and opened onto a view. Most commonly, bay windows have one larger picture window in the center and smaller ones on either side at an angle.
While this is a classic style, bay windows can be versatile in their design to fit a home’s interior. Bay windows look great as a feature in a living room but would make a nice addition to a bedroom as well.
For fans of a simple and minimalistic design with a bit of classic window design, tilt turn windows will be a great feature in your home. These are a versatile style and functionally easy to use.
Inspired by European design and using modern engineering, these windows can either swing open or tilt inward. This allows you to choose the kind of ventilation you want in your home.
Tilt turn windows are ideal for any living space like a living or family room, dining room, and even an office. The Marvin Signature tilt turn windows offer the best styling and highest engineering for the ideal residential window.
Residential windows are unique from any other home improvement project because they’re the one feature that affects both the interior and exterior of your home. This is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so you should choose the best windows.
Whether you’re doing a total remodel or only a residential window replacement, you should choose windows that combine functionality and aesthetics. The windows that work best for you will be easy to use and add beauty to your home.
Ready to transform your Chicago home with new windows? Our experts would be happy to give you a free estimate after you schedule a consultation.