8 Common Types of Window Designs and Styles

In addition to letting sunlight and air into your home, windows often become a part of your moments of solitude. There are no words to describe the feeling of gazing out of the window on monsoon mornings or bright summer days. The right windows will add a sense of openness and warmth to your living space. Widow design and style can significantly impact the look and curb appeal of your home, and therefore, have to be chosen carefully. The right design can help accentuate the architecture of your home, while also elevating the overall aesthetics of the living space. 

Even though the primary functions of windows are to provide ventilation and natural light, their design, style and colour would majorly influence the visual appeal of your home. Today there is an expansive range of options available for window designs. You should ideally check out their specific features and characteristics to zero in on the options best suited for your home.  

1. Fixed Windows: Much like its name suggests, fixed windows are essentially non-operational, and do not open. Instead of providing ventilation, their fixed position primarily frames scenic views. Fixed windows are often referred to as picture windows as they help frame a scenery. If you have a gorgeous view outside but prefer to shut out the traffic noise and chaos of typical city life, then installing a picture window would be a good idea. They can specially create a cosy spot in your home, in front of which you can have your morning coffee or work on your laptop. 

2. Sliding Windows: Both sliding doors and windows have become highly popular today, and can be quite commonly found in modern apartments. Sliding windows move horizontally on tracks, instead of opening outwards. Therefore, they take up less space, and are ideal for compact homes. Sliding windows would especially be a good choice for narrow passageways and balconies. They are also very easy to operate, even for kids and elderly individuals. 

3. Casement Windows: A large number of traditional Indian homes feature casement windows. They have a fairly simple mechanism and design. With hinges on either side, casement windows open outward. They can be opened and closed based on your preferences, and therefore, can cater to varying ventilation needs. Casement windows can help improve overall energy efficiency at your home. They are designed to close tightly against their frames, thereby creating an airtight seal that helps prevent drafts and reduce energy loss. This means that installing casement windows would help keep your home warmer during the winter season and cooler during the summer season, ultimately lowering electricity bills and improving your overall comfort.

4. Pivot Windows: If you want good ventilation at your home even on heavy monsoon days, then opting for pivot and awning windows would be a good idea. The opening mechanisms in these windows pivot from the hinges located at the centre of the frame. Diverse types of window designs use this mechanism to provide shelter from rain and even direct sunlight. These windows can open either vertically or horizontally, depending on the pivot's location. Pivot windows are best suited for compact bedrooms. 

5. Single-Hung Windows: These windows comprise a single operational sash. The frame's sash allows for downward or upward movement. In most cases, the lower sash of single-hung windows is movable, and the upper sash stays fixed in position. Single-hung windows are typically pretty budget-friendly and therefore tend to be a favourite of many cost-conscious homeowners. Owing to their fewer moving parts, these windows often have a tighter seal, which helps reduce energy loss. Single-hung windows would especially be ideal for tight exterior spaces, like next to walkways or patios, as they do not protrude when opened. 

6. Double-Hung Windows: As opposed to their single-sash counterparts, double-hung windows feature two movable sashes or panes. Neither sash is fixed, thereby allowing easy upward or downward movement. As both sashes of these windows can open, they can help improve air circulation throughout the room, and provide you with greater control over airflow.

7. Corner Windows: Homeowners having stunning views surrounding their house should consider installing corner windows. They are basically found in the corner of a room, where panes meet at the crevice. Corner windows generally comprise of a couple of sashes that tend to extend on either side of the wall, providing you with a good view of the outside. As they open up a large section of the wall, these windows can also help make a room appear bigger than it actually is.

8. Bay Windows: These windows protrude a bit outwards, providing a space for a window seat or having a few indoor plants. Bay windows also help provide optimum sunlight in a room.

As a homeowner, you need to think about factors like architectural style of your home, location and size of a room, and subsequently select the perfect window design.