Know Your Houzz: Learn the Different Types of Windows
Get a clear look at the many window types that may be used in your home with this comprehensive guide
Rebecca Gross
19 September 2016
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Windows are the glass-paned openings in a house that allow the passage of light, and ventilation when open. They can be placed and sized to suit various positions along a wall. They can open in a variety of directions and by a variety of methods, each type having its own benefits. To learn about windows, read this glossary of the many types that can be seen in both traditional and contemporary houses today.
Sliding window
A sliding window has one to two elements that slide horizontally across to facilitate ventilation in a room. They are typically easy to open and because they don’t open outwards.
A sliding window has one to two elements that slide horizontally across to facilitate ventilation in a room. They are typically easy to open and because they don’t open outwards.
Casement window
Casement windows are the most traditional window type, with hinged frames that open inwards or outwards like a door. They may have a handle, latch or crank for manual opening and they offer maximum ventilation.
Casement windows are the most traditional window type, with hinged frames that open inwards or outwards like a door. They may have a handle, latch or crank for manual opening and they offer maximum ventilation.
Louvre window
A louvre is a small rectangular glass panel that can pivot open to facilitate air flow. Louvre windows have a series of these panels and the amount they are opened will control and affect the ventilation or breeze within a space.
A louvre is a small rectangular glass panel that can pivot open to facilitate air flow. Louvre windows have a series of these panels and the amount they are opened will control and affect the ventilation or breeze within a space.
Clerestory window
This window type takes its name from religious architecture and the clerestory windows at the upper level of a church. In domestic architecture, they are the window along the top of the wall where it meets the seam of the ceiling. Due to their height they are often fixed, although not always, and they offer natural light without giving away any privacy.
This window type takes its name from religious architecture and the clerestory windows at the upper level of a church. In domestic architecture, they are the window along the top of the wall where it meets the seam of the ceiling. Due to their height they are often fixed, although not always, and they offer natural light without giving away any privacy.
Stacking window
Stacking windows look like sliding windows but contain more moving panels. They are often comprised of two or more panels that slide behind one fixed panel or structural element. Each panel collects and interlocks with the next panel, causing it to slide. Sliding windows can be fully recessed into the framework so they completely disappear, maximising the space of the opening.
Stacking windows look like sliding windows but contain more moving panels. They are often comprised of two or more panels that slide behind one fixed panel or structural element. Each panel collects and interlocks with the next panel, causing it to slide. Sliding windows can be fully recessed into the framework so they completely disappear, maximising the space of the opening.
Awning window
An awning window is a type of casement window that is hinged at the top, rather than the side, of so that it opens like an awning. They can conveniently be left open even when it rains as the glass panes protect the interior of the home.
An awning window is a type of casement window that is hinged at the top, rather than the side, of so that it opens like an awning. They can conveniently be left open even when it rains as the glass panes protect the interior of the home.
Sash or single-hung sash window
A sash window has one moveable element and one fixed element, and usually, the lower portion of the window can slide up and down for ventilation. Sash windows hail from England in the 1600s and they typically have separate panes of glass set within a wooden framework.
A sash window has one moveable element and one fixed element, and usually, the lower portion of the window can slide up and down for ventilation. Sash windows hail from England in the 1600s and they typically have separate panes of glass set within a wooden framework.
Double-hung sash window
A double-hung sash window has two moveable elements that overlap slightly. In contrast to the single-hung sash window in which only one portion slides vertically, both the upper and lower portion of the double-hung sash window slide up and down.
Double-hung sash windows are a good choice for nurseries and children’s bedrooms, because the lower panes can remain closed for safety while the upper panes are opened for ventilation.
A double-hung sash window has two moveable elements that overlap slightly. In contrast to the single-hung sash window in which only one portion slides vertically, both the upper and lower portion of the double-hung sash window slide up and down.
Double-hung sash windows are a good choice for nurseries and children’s bedrooms, because the lower panes can remain closed for safety while the upper panes are opened for ventilation.
Bi-fold window
A bi-fold window consists of a series of individual glass panels that fold or concertina along a sill track, and can be pushed to one or both sides of the structural opening. They can help create the illusion of a larger space, as the wall opening does not have obstructive structural posts.
A bi-fold window consists of a series of individual glass panels that fold or concertina along a sill track, and can be pushed to one or both sides of the structural opening. They can help create the illusion of a larger space, as the wall opening does not have obstructive structural posts.
Transom window
A transom window is the sectional glass pane that sits atop the crossbeam of a door, and sometimes another window. This rectangular or fan-shaped glass panel, used in both interior and exterior architecture and design, allows extra light and ventilation into a home. Transom windows can sometimes be in the form of an awning window, opening with a top hinge.
A transom window is the sectional glass pane that sits atop the crossbeam of a door, and sometimes another window. This rectangular or fan-shaped glass panel, used in both interior and exterior architecture and design, allows extra light and ventilation into a home. Transom windows can sometimes be in the form of an awning window, opening with a top hinge.
Frosted window
Frosted windows are glass panes that have had an applied coating to reduce their transparency to varying degrees. Frosted windows can boost the privacy of room while still allowing plenty of natural light in.
Frosted windows are glass panes that have had an applied coating to reduce their transparency to varying degrees. Frosted windows can boost the privacy of room while still allowing plenty of natural light in.
Internal window
Windows don’t just have to be on the exterior walls of a building, they can also comprise a full interior wall, or at least part of it. This physically divides spaces into rooms without obstructing natural light and visual space.
Windows don’t just have to be on the exterior walls of a building, they can also comprise a full interior wall, or at least part of it. This physically divides spaces into rooms without obstructing natural light and visual space.
Picture window
A picture window is a large glass pane that does not open. While they don’t allow for ventilation, they do allow for natural light, a visual connection between the indoors and outdoors, and hopefully fantastic views.
A picture window is a large glass pane that does not open. While they don’t allow for ventilation, they do allow for natural light, a visual connection between the indoors and outdoors, and hopefully fantastic views.
Ribbon window
A ribbon window has a long horizontal and short vertical frame and were recommended by Modernist architect Le Corbusier in his 1920s manifesto Five Points of Architecture. He proposed that these long strips of glass pane would illuminate spaces equally. In addition to light, ribbon windows can be used to emphasise the shape of a room and enhance the view.
A ribbon window has a long horizontal and short vertical frame and were recommended by Modernist architect Le Corbusier in his 1920s manifesto Five Points of Architecture. He proposed that these long strips of glass pane would illuminate spaces equally. In addition to light, ribbon windows can be used to emphasise the shape of a room and enhance the view.
Low-set window
Low-set windows are those that are set low in the wall, often meeting the seam of the floor. Functionally, these unexpected windows let natural light into a room, offer views of the ground and perhaps footsteps outside, while still protecting privacy. They also allow for unbroken wall space above the windows, which can be well suited for hanging art.
Low-set windows are those that are set low in the wall, often meeting the seam of the floor. Functionally, these unexpected windows let natural light into a room, offer views of the ground and perhaps footsteps outside, while still protecting privacy. They also allow for unbroken wall space above the windows, which can be well suited for hanging art.
Leadlight window
Leadlights are decorative windows made of small pieces of glass – clear or coloured, plain, textured, bevelled or etched – enclosed by lead frames (called cames). They are generally non-pictorial (unlike stained-glass windows); rather, they feature geometric designs and stylised plant motifs that often reflect the decorative and architectural style of a period.
TELL US
What kind of windows are in your home? Upload photos and share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
7 Great Ways to Utilise Your Bay Window
Leadlights are decorative windows made of small pieces of glass – clear or coloured, plain, textured, bevelled or etched – enclosed by lead frames (called cames). They are generally non-pictorial (unlike stained-glass windows); rather, they feature geometric designs and stylised plant motifs that often reflect the decorative and architectural style of a period.
TELL US
What kind of windows are in your home? Upload photos and share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
7 Great Ways to Utilise Your Bay Window
Related Stories
Kitchen Guides
10 Key Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Here are key kitchen dimensions that will help you design like a pro
Full Story
More Room Guides
35 Serene Puja Room Designs
Take a leaf out of these elegantly designed, beautiful prayer rooms on Houzz
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer?
From furnishing working drawings to beautifying the home, find out how an interior designer plays multifunctional roles
Full Story
More Room Guides
Turn One Room Into Two With These Genius Ideas
Carve out an extra room within your home with these fab room-splitting tips and tricks
Full Story
Bedroom Guides
What Are the Ideal Wardrobe Measurements?
Here are dimensions for different types of wardrobe designs that ensure maximum functionality and storage
Full Story
Architecture
These Indian Homes Know How To Combat Harsh Climate
See how these homes by SPASM, Kumar Moorthy & Associates and JPLUSDARCHITECTS mitigate the ramifications of harsh climate ahead of time
Full Story
Architecture
How to Find an Architect That's Right for You
Make the construction and renovation of your home a pleasant and memorable journey by selecting the right architect
Full Story
Bathroom Guides
Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process
Full Story
Living Rooms
30 Best Sofa Designs
This guide gives a rundown of sofa types that will leave you spoilt for choices
Full Story
Small Spaces
7 Stylish Ways to Dry Your Laundry In a Small Apartment
Has your drying rack become a perpetual eyesore in your home? These dapper laundry drying solutions have you covered
Full Story
Great article Rebecca Gross. Thank you for featuring DE atelier Architects.
I find it amusing that louvers used to be cheap and old fashioned and nobody would want them. Now they are expensive and popular, for good reason. I love them. I have happy memories of wandering, as a toddler, out to our enclosed front porch to sleep on a daybed on hot summer nights, because the louvers were always partly open in summer and they let in a nice cool breeze.
I also love double-hung windows because they can be opened at the top in all kinds of weather, and if you arrange locks correctly you can safely leave them open a little even when not at home
One of the things I detest about our current home is the unimaginative windows - all sliders and almost all placed exactly in the middle of the room's external wall and at conventional heights. Unfortunately, they can't be readily changed because they are set into solid concrete walls, though I did add a double-hung in the kitchen and I changed a huge bathroom slider to a combination frosted hinged door and fixed panel, because it was ridiculous that there was no convenient entry to a toilet from the spa or when gardening and you had to troop right across the living room and down the hallway dripping wet or muddy.
I love unconventional window sizes and placements. They can make a house much more interesting and, if cleverly selected and placed, can reduce heat and glare while admitting light and breezes. Windows should always be placed to maximize cross-breezes, with large windows to the north to attract maximum winter sunlight and smaller and well-shaded windows to the west to keep out summer sun.
I think people are finally becoming more aware of the importance of designing homes with living areas facing north and rooms where morning sun is desirable facing east, and of using smart window design and placement to reduce energy costs and make homes more comfortable. It's about time!