9 Designs to Consider When Buying Windows
Buying windows is an important long-term decision. Here’s your guide to choosing the type of windows that will look great on your house for years to come.
Windows play a large role in cultivating that homey feeling in your house.
They let in the light to brighten up a room while allowing you to see out into the world around you. The style and quality of windows greatly affect that comfortable, home feeling.
Homeowners who know they will eventually sell their house want to get a good return on investment when buying windows.
Did you know that updating your windows could increase your asking price with an 85% return? Be sure you choose functional, energy efficient ones for the biggest boost.
Take a look at this brief window buying guide to help you decide what windows will work best in your Chicago-based home.
How to Choose the Best Window Style for Your Home in Chicago
Before you learn about the 9 most popular types of windows, you need to think about your home and what you want from your new windows.
Consider the following things before exploring the most common window designs below.
First, think about your lifestyle and who lives in your home. Do you need to worry about paws or little hands playing with shades or blinds?
What about the view you want to see from the window? How about the climate you fight against outside your home?
Next, you should consider how much money you have in your renovation budget for the project as a whole. You do not want to spend your entire budget on the windows themselves without including installation.
Finally, consider what material may best complement the inside and outside of your home. Choose wood for a warmer, more natural finish and stain it to match your personal style. Pick fiberglass if you need to defend against extreme cold or heat.
Or, buy vinyl if you need something affordable and energy efficient.
The Top 9 Styles to Consider When Buying Windows
Check out the top 9 most popular window styles used in residential homes below.
Awning
An awning window works by opening from the bottom out rather than the top or the side.
They have a sturdy hinge at the top and a locking mechanism so you can keep it open. Awning windows tend to leak less air because the frame and the sash press together very tightly when shut.
Since awning windows open from the bottom out, they work great to move water away from the window’s opening. You should also choose an awning style opening if the window is wider than it is tall.
Bay/Bow
Windows with a large central frame flanked by casement or double-hung windows set at an angle of 30-45 degrees from the center are called bay windows. Bow windows look similar, but they have four or more windows adjacent to the large, central one.
They also form an elegant curve rather than an angle.
Bow and bay windows let in more light than the other kinds. They open up a room and make it feel bigger. Many people like to build a window seat under their bay or bow window for a cozy place to look out.
Casement
Casement windows are a very popular modern type of window that features in many home designs. A casement window has only one panel and opens from the sides by turning a crank.
These windows offer better energy efficiency and comfort because they seal tightly when closed.
A casement window also offers great ventilation since it opens all the way by swinging out. Usually, these windows stand taller than they do wide as well. Avoid putting casement windows in high traffic areas since they swing out so far.
Double-Hung
Double-hung windows provide a classic look to any home. They come with two sashes in one frame. The two sashes slide past one another vertically either from the top to the bottom or the bottom to the top.
Install a double-hung window in a place where it stands about 2x as tall as it is wide and so the sashes form equally-sized squares. Many homes built in the traditional Colonial or Victorian styles feature double-hung windows.
Fixed or Special Shape
If you’re looking for windows that don’t open, consider installing a fixed or special shape window. These windows are often used for decoration since they contain no vents and do not open.
Special shape windows come in a variety of styles including rectangular, octagonal, round, hexagonal, elliptical, pentagonal, or your own unique design. Fixed windows still enhance your view to the outdoors while adding an interesting architectural look.
Single-Hung
Similar to double-hung windows, single-hung windows only come with one sash instead of two. They often provide the same features and classic look as a double-hung window.
Single-hung windows work by sliding the bottom sash upward, not the other way around. Choose between a small ventilation area or one the size of about half the window.
Sliding
Also known as gliders, sliding windows works just the way you would think based on their name; they slide past one another. They move horizontally rather than vertically, which makes them easier to open than some of the other styles.
Sliding windows look sleek and work well in hard-to-reach parts of your house like over a large piece of furniture or the kitchen sink.
Many multifamily buildings and apartment or condo complexes install gliders. Choose between a single slider with only one movable sash or a double slider with two movable sashes.
Transom
Transoms are another popular type of windows that don’t open. Although you can buy transom windows that vent, most do not. Most people install transom windows below or above the primary windows in a room.
Transom windows help give the illusion of a larger window in small spaces while letting in more light. The ones that open add to your home’s airflow as well. Transoms come in a variety of shapes from elliptical or half-circular to rectangular and square.
Customized Windows
Not thrilled with any of the styles on this list? Interested in designing your own custom window? As long as you partner with a savvy window manufacturer, the sky is the limit.
Build extra wide or extra tall windows in funky shapes to create a one-of-a-kind home style. Or simply mix and match these various design to come up with your own unique look.
Get the Best Deals on Windows in the Chicago Area
The many styles of windows available on the market mean there’s something for everyone’s taste. You should have an easier time deciding on the best time to buy windows now that you know your options.
But how do you find a great renovation company to help you get the best deal when buying windows?
Whether you want to update your home for you or in preparation for sale, Forde Windows and Remodeling has you covered.
Our more than 30 years of experience installing and remodeling both private and commercial windows means you get the highest quality windows with great customer service.
Contact us today to get a quote for your next window repair or renovation project!