Which Window Will Open Up Your Home the Best?
What’s the difference between a casement and an awning window—and which one actually works better for your space? Ever wondered why some windows slide while others swing out like a door?
In this post, you’ll learn about 17 different types of residential windows, including how they open, where they work best, and what makes each one unique.
By the end, you’ll be able to confidently choose the right windows for your window project.
The 17 Types of Windows for Homes
- Single-Hung Windows
- Double-Hung Windows
- Sliding Windows
- Casement Windows
- Awning Windows
- Bay Windows
- Bow Windows
- Picture Windows
- Garden Windows
- Transom Windows
- Hopper Windows
- Egress Windows
- Skylight Windows
- Storm Windows
- Arched Windows
- Jalousie (Louvered) Windows
- Specialty Shape Windows
Overview of the 17 Window Types
| Window Type | Operable | How It Opens | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Hung | Yes | Only the bottom sash opens | Traditional styles, budget-friendly projects |
| Double-Hung | Yes | Both sashes open | Bedrooms, second floors, easy cleaning |
| Sliding | Yes | Slides horizontally | Wide walls, modern homes, low-maintenance needs |
| Casement | Yes | Swings out with a crank | Kitchens, bathrooms, full ventilation |
| Awning | Yes | Hinged at top, opens out | Bathrooms, basements, rainy climates |
| Bay | Yes (sides) | Center fixed, sides operable | Living rooms, reading nooks, more natural light |
| Bow | Yes (some) | Multiple panels curve out | Traditional homes, wide views, elegant design |
| Picture | No | Fixed in place | Scenic views, stairwells, energy efficiency |
| Garden | Yes (sides) | Box-like extension outward | Kitchens, plant shelves, added sunlight |
| Transom | Sometimes | Above door or window | Hallways, entryways, added architectural detail |
| Hopper | Yes | Hinged at bottom, opens in | Basements, bathrooms, tight spaces |
| Egress | Yes | Varies (must meet code) | Basement bedrooms, safety compliance |
| Skylight | Sometimes | On roof, may tilt open | Attics, hallways, bringing in sunlight from above |
| Storm | Sometimes | Over existing window | Insulation, noise reduction, preserving originals |
| Arched | Sometimes | Curved top; varies by style | Entryways, decorative focal points |
| Jalousie | Yes | Glass slats tilt open | Sunrooms, warm climates, air flow priority |
| Specialty Shape | Sometimes | Custom shape; varies | Vaulted ceilings, gables, custom design needs |
Contact us today about your window project.
1. Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are one of the most classic window types, recognized for their simplicity and affordability.
With this design, only the bottom sash opens while the upper sash stays fixed in place. This makes them ideal for ground-floor rooms where easy access to ventilation isn’t a concern.
They’re also a popular choice in older homes or when matching a more traditional style. Though you won’t get as much airflow as you would with double-hung windows, the streamlined function makes them easier to maintain.
They’re also a great fit if you’re on a tighter budget for your window project since they tend to cost less than more complex operable windows.
2. Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are widely considered to be some of the best windows for overall versatility.
Both the upper and lower sashes can move, allowing more flexible airflow control than single-hung windows.
They’re perfect for second-story rooms or homes with kids because you can open the top sash while keeping the bottom one closed. Plus, many styles feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning.
Thanks to their combination of function and convenience, double-hung windows are often used in modern replacement window jobs and renovations. They’re also a timeless addition that works with nearly all window styles.
3. Sliding Windows
Sliding windows, also called horizontal sliding windows, are exactly what they sound like—they open horizontally on a track.
This window design is great for wide walls or shorter window openings and fits well in spaces where swinging windows would get in the way.
Because they have fewer moving parts than some other window types, they tend to be more durable and low maintenance. Sliding windows also work well in contemporary homes that value clean lines and simple operation.
You won’t get quite as much ventilation as you would with double hung, but they provide good views and let in a lot of natural light.
4. Casement Windows
Casement windows swing open like a door, typically using a crank handle.
They’re hinged on the side, making them perfect for spots where you want full airflow—like kitchens or bathrooms.
Casement styles are known for creating a tight seal when closed, making them one of the most energy-efficient windows on the market. They’re also a great pick for catching cross breezes and pulling in fresh air.
Just keep in mind that because they open outward, they need space to function without hitting obstacles like outdoor furniture or shrubs.
5. Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, forming a small roof-like shape when opened.
This makes them perfect for rainy climates since they can still let in fresh air while blocking light rain.
You’ll often find awning windows installed higher up on walls or paired with fixed windows like picture windows. They’re common in basements, bathrooms, and other smaller areas where space or privacy matters.
Despite their size, these compact, operable windows can make a big difference in overall air circulation.
6. Bay Windows
Bay windows extend out from your home in a three-panel design.
It’s typically a large picture window in the center flanked by smaller operable windows on each side. These create a small nook or shelf area inside, making the room feel larger and more open.
They’re a great way to bring in more natural light and panoramic views. Because they usually include casement or double-hung side windows, they can provide both function and beauty.
Bay windows are especially popular in living rooms, breakfast areas, or any space where you want to add character and extra light.
7. Bow Windows
Bow windows are similar to bay windows but with four or more glass panels arranged in a gentle curve instead of an angular layout.
The extra panes create a rounded appearance on the outside and a broader view from the inside.
Bow windows bay designs are often used in traditional-style homes to create a more elegant façade. Like bay windows, bow units can also include operable windows for ventilation.
While they tend to be more expensive and require more professional installation, they also offer one of the most dramatic impacts for curb appeal and living space enhancement.
8. Picture Windows
Picture windows are fixed windows that don’t open.
But what they lack in airflow, they make up for in views. These large panes are designed to frame the outdoors like a picture frame, which is where they get their name.
They’re often paired with operable windows on either side to get the best of both worlds: stunning scenery and good ventilation. Picture windows are also among the most energy-efficient options since there are no seams or moving parts to leak air.
Perfect for living rooms, stairwells, or anywhere you want uninterrupted natural light.
9. Garden Windows
Garden windows look like a small greenhouse sticking out from your home.
With glass on the top and sides, they’re made for growing herbs or showcasing plants indoors.
You’ll usually find them above kitchen sinks, where they offer sunlight and a view while making room for a little indoor greenery. Garden windows often come with small operable panels on the sides to let in fresh air.
They’re technically a subtype of bay windows but are much smaller and built for a different purpose.
10. Transom Windows
Transom windows sit above a door or another window, typically as a decorative or light-enhancing feature.
Some are fixed, while others are operable to help with air circulation.
They’re a great way to bring in more natural light to interior spaces without sacrificing privacy. In older homes, they were often used for airflow before central air was common.
Today, they’re more often used as design accents—but when operable, they still serve a practical purpose.
11. Hopper Windows
These are the flip side of awning windows—hinged at the bottom and open inward from the top.
Hopper windows are a smart choice for basements, bathrooms, or utility spaces where ventilation is needed but space is tight.
They help maintain privacy while offering just enough fresh air. Hopper designs are often found in multi-paneled window units in older homes or industrial buildings.
12. Egress Windows
Egress windows aren’t just an option—they’re a safety requirement in any bedroom below ground level.
These windows must meet specific size, height, and clearance standards so someone can escape through them in case of emergency.
Though function is the priority, egress windows can still look great. Many designs use casement or sliding windows, depending on the available space.
If you’re finishing a basement, this type of window is one of the first upgrades to consider.
13. Skylight Windows
Skylights bring in natural light from above and can transform dark rooms into bright, open spaces.
Some are fixed windows, while others can open to provide ventilation.
They’re often used in bathrooms, hallways, attics, or anywhere with limited exterior wall space. Skylights can reduce the need for artificial lighting and even help regulate indoor temps when paired with proper ventilation.
As long as they’re professionally installed and sealed, they’re also surprisingly energy efficient.
14. Storm Windows
Storm windows are added to the inside or outside of your existing windows for an extra layer of protection.
They’re often used in older homes to help with insulation and noise reduction, as well as shielding original windows from weather damage.
This type of window is more of a supporting player—but one that can help cut heating and cooling bills. Some storm windows can also be operable for ventilation.
They’re a cost-effective upgrade when full replacement isn’t practical.
15. Arched Windows
Arched windows feature a rounded or curved top and are mostly decorative.
They can be fixed or operable, depending on the design. These shaped windows are often used in entryways or living rooms to create a more refined or classic look.
While they don’t always provide extra ventilation, they’re great for allowing natural light to flow in and highlighting unique architectural elements.
16. Jalousie Windows
Jalousie windows are made up of glass slats that tilt open like blinds.
They’re excellent for airflow in warm climates but aren’t the most energy-efficient windows around.
These were popular in mid-century tropical homes but have fallen out of favor due to security and insulation concerns. Still, they’re sometimes used in sunrooms, sheds, or screened porches where airflow is more important than energy savings.
17. Specialty Shape Windows
Specialty windows come in unique shapes—circles, triangles, trapezoids, or custom designs.
These are often fixed windows, though some can be operable depending on their shape and size.
They’re usually added for visual interest or to follow rooflines and vaulted ceilings. Specialty windows make a strong design statement and can be combined with other windows for a one-of-a-kind look.
But should your new windows be wood or vinyl?
Let Regal Home Improvement Help to Frame Your Next Upgrade
At Regal Home Improvement, we install and replace all types of windows with precision, care, and an eye for detail. Whether you’re updating old windows or planning a full window project, our team makes the process seamless from start to finish.
Don’t wait to enjoy more natural light, better airflow, and energy savings—your ideal window styles are just a step away. Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call to get started!
