How to select windows for your home

Do you want the window to frame the view outside or simply provide ventilation? Will it function as an operable window or will it be a non-opening decorative accent on the outside of the home?

Awning — This casement-type window, hinged from the top, opening outward from the bottom, generally has less air leakage, because the sash closes by pressing against the frame. Because of this design, awning windows shed water away from the window opening.

Awning windows are typically installed over fixed windows or doors as transoms , or in garages above eye level to provide ventilation and privacy at the same time. They are a good choice for windows that are wider than they are tall. Bay and bow — A typical bay window consists of a large center window bordered on either side by double-hung or casement windows set at or degree angles.

All the windows can be stationary fixed , operating venting , or any combination of those. The bow window, similar to a bay window, consists of four or more equal-size windows, usually casements, that create a gradual arcing projection. Both bay and bow windows provide great open views, as well as give a room the aura of being larger than it really is. Adding a window seat is a popular addition to any bay or bow window.

Casement windows offer more ventilation than double-hung windows, typically have less air leakage than other window styles, and look best if they are at least slightly taller than they are wide. Because they swing out, however, they may not be well suited to installation adjacent to heavy pedestrian traffic areas, such as decks or front porches.

Double-hung — Double-hung windows feature two sashes in a single frame. The top and bottom sash bypass each other vertically when sliding open from the bottom up or the top down. Double-hung windows look best when they are about twice as tall as they are wide and each sash is an equal-sized square.

They are often installed in traditional or Victorian homes, or those featuring a classic or Colonial style. A circular or hexagonal window can be strategically placed to enhance a view or the exterior architecture of your home.

Or, in a window wall, a fixed window can be flanked by venting units and topped with smaller fixed units, called transoms. Single-hung — Single-hung windows offer all the features and benefits of double hung windows, with one difference: only the bottom sash opens by sliding upward.

The ventilation opening can be adjusted from a small area to one-half of the window area. Sliding — Sliding windows, sometimes called gliders or sliders, function just as their name implies — moving horizontally side to side. Sliders are one of the sleekest, contemporary profiles in windows, and ideal for installing in those hard-to-reach areas, like over the kitchen sink. They also are commonly installed in multi-family buildings and apartment complexes.

If your house is designed along lines of the Hamptons style, it is particularly essential that you choose windows that give it an authentic look. Also, take into account how you want your windows to open.

If you want them to open outwards, go for casement windows. These have hinges either at the top, bottom, or side. If you want screens, these will have to be installed inside. Many consider this as the most important thing while choosing windows. You can paint your window black as it never goes out of fashion. You can also choose pure white or an anodized silver, which are just as timeless as the black color. Also, you can go for the classic Woodland Grey. People have been using this color to paint their windows for over two decades.

If you prefer your windows white, you can select the Surfmist coating as it has a slightly grayish tinge to it. However, you can see more of the underlying color inside. Usually, anything can be achieved as a special order but these will add a considerable amount to your budget. So always ensure you consider the finish that you want before you get too far into the selection process.

This is always the big question when you come to choose windows. Again, easier if they are timber as they can always be re-painted. However if you are looking at a powdercoated window then you are pretty much stuck with this. You can actually paint them, but it is not easy and straight forward and ideally you should choose a colour with some longevity. Related: Using Surfmist as a trim colour. Related: Why I love a crisp white trim. Contemporary windows and doors are quite simple in their design.

I believe that wherever possible though a window or door frame benefits from either a timber architrave or masonry corbelling. You need to consider whether you have Heritage controls on your house when painting windows. Often a Heritage order will specify different colours for the frame and architrave. If you don't have Heritage controls then you can paint them in one colour.

The house below has windows and trim in Dulux Domino. I love timber windows that can be painted one colour outside to suit the exterior scheme and another colour inside to suit the interior. You then get exactly the right look and feel for each area.

However with powdercoated windows the colour you have outside is what you will also be working with inside so you need to find a colour that works for both situations. There are products on the market with different powdercoated colours inside and outside with special glass but these are a more expensive solution. Double glazing is popular in many countries around the world but hasn't made much of an impact on the market in Australia. I find this hard to believe as we have such extremes of temperature in some areas here — bitingly cold during the winter and baking hot during the summer months.

If you live in an area of extreme temperatures then this is something you should consider. You can also make the house more comfortable in warm clients with Low E glass. This comes in various strength levels and it is a good idea to look at this closely as it will change the colour and reflectivity of the glass.

Always look at samples to ensure you like the overall look with your exterior colour scheme. Crittal windows black steel frames are making a comeback.

I find these very appealing but of course they're not for every property style. They suit small scale contemporary homes, warehouse conversions and some more traditional homes. They can be expensive but they have low maintenance costs. I hope that this has been a useful overview for you.

I have lots of free advice in my FREE Resource Library including exterior and interior checklists for your next renovation or new build. You can sign up and download everything here. I also have an online colour consultation service if you are stuck with which colours to choose for your home — more information is here.

I am currently looking for a glass door company for the installation of my windows at my new home in Springfield. Thanks for helping me choose the right window style that best fits my property. I shall then take note of your tip to consider the style and period of my house to easily find the perfect window style. Hi Nedra Mid Century modern houses are all about the views and bringing the outside in so windows are very generous and plain.

Casement windows work very well for this look rather than a sliding or a double hung style. Hope this helps Samantha.

Hi Samantha thanks again for your great advise! Check to see how much light the window allows to come through. Do some online research on at least three replacement windows brands including installers before settling. It provides proper ventilation too. If you are looking for a good installer , please try Clera windows in Canada.

I got their help to replace the windows of my bedroom and kitchen. My husband and I just moved into an older home, and we want to put in some more energy efficient windows. Thanks for the great post! My windows open towards where the freeway is by my house.

I think if I were to get new windows, I would make them so the face the opposite direction because the freeway is pretty noisy. I thought it was a good point that you can consider making changes when you get new windows.

I know I would make a good list of changes. I am in the process of building a new home and need to decide on what type of windows I want. Thanks for all your information, I especially liked your comment about vinyl windows I have a vinyl fence in my house right now and have loved it. I will definitely call my contractor to see if we can do a vinyl window frame. I did the calculations for soffit vents by reading your article. Well I have 22 of them. Owen Corning has a ventilation calculator online that gives you blank for you to add your attic square feet and it calculates your net free ventilation area.

I did their formula and it said I need net free vent area or 20 soffit vents at 20 net free equals and 32 feet of ridge vent at Thanks for the helpful tips.

You wrote that awning windows are hinged at the bottom, and open at the top. My grandmother wants to replace the windows in her home, and asked me to do a bit of reading on the subject.

I think these awning windows would be nice, as it would make it hard for anything to get in the window if you were to accidentally leave it open. A close friend of mine had a window break and they need to get a replacement.

You mentioned that you should consider what kind of glass you want, as that is based on the needs you have. I know my friend will probably want impact resistant, as his son likes to play ball and that is what broke the last window. It will make sense for her to consider wood windows that will surely enhance the beauty of her windows.

Thanks for sharing this. Hello, you have a great blog. It consists of almost all the details one must consider while choosing the right windows for house. I was thinking about adding double-hung windows to all areas of my house. I like that you mentioned that this type of window is perfect for creating airflow.