A Guide to the Most Popular Window Types

While windows most importantly offer function, thermal performance, and energy efficiency in your home, they are also architectural features that express character and style. From classic designs that compliment a more traditional or historical feel to a more modern and contemporary aesthetic that embraces minimalism, there's a wide array of window styles to choose from. In the vibrant Nashville market, windows are no longer just a commodity. They are a reflection of your personality, your style, and how you feel. Each window in your home can be customized to compliment its architectural uniqueness. 

Let's explore some of the most popular window operating styles available today to help you see the possibilities for your window replacement project.

1. Single-Hung Windows: Simplicity and price have been natural drivers of the single-hung popularity over the past few decades. With single-hung styles, only the bottom sash opens as the top sash is fixed. The bottom sash opens vertically to offer sufficient ventilation to most any space. With improvements in manufacturing, the single-hung offers value for those who are less concerned about cleaning the exterior.

2. Double-Hung Windows: Timeless and versatile, double-hung windows are perhaps the most prevalent window style found in homes here in Middle Tennessee. These windows consist of two sashes that slide vertically within the frame, allowing for both top and bottom sections to open. Double-hung windows are cost-effective, and offer excellent ventilation, with the option to open either sash or both at the same time. They are also easy to clean, especially for second or third story units, making them a practical choice for any room in the house.

3. Casement Windows: Appreciated for their sleek and contemporary appearance as an operable unit, casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward like a door when opened, typically with a screen on the inside. This design maximizes airflow and provides mostly unobstructed views without the traditional checkrail of a single-hung or double-hung. This makes them ideal for rooms where ventilation and natural light are paramount. Casement windows are also known for their energy efficiency, as they offer a tight seal when closed, minimizing energy loss.

4. Picture Windows: If you're looking to maximize unobstructed views for optimal natural light and don’t particularly need or benefit from ventilation in a particular room or space, then picture windows are a great choice. These fixed windows do not open or close, serving as a simple solution to appreciate the outdoor scenery. Picture windows are often used in conjunction with casement or double-hung windows to provide ventilation while preserving the view and adding character.

5. Sliding Windows: Sleek, space-saving, and easy to operate, sliding windows, also known as sliders or gliders, feature two or three sashes that move horizontally along a track. This design is particularly popular in contemporary and modern homes, but are growing in popularity in Tennessee as a great alternative for wider openings that could benefit from air flow. Sliding windows are ideal for rooms with limited space or where a swinging sash would be impractical, such as above kitchen sinks or in tight alcoves.

6. Bay and Bow Windows: Adding dimension and architectural interest to both the interior and exterior of a home, bay and bow windows protrude outward from the wall, creating a cozy alcove or a panoramic seating area. Bay windows typically feature a large center pane flanked by two smaller side windows, while bow windows consist of multiple equally sized panels curved to form a gentle arc. These windows not only flood the room with natural light but also enhance the visual appeal of the home's facade.

7. Awning Windows: Similar to casement windows but hinged at the top and opening outward from the bottom, awning windows are perfect for ventilation even during inclement weather. These windows can be left open during light rain showers, allowing fresh air to circulate while keeping the interior dry. Awning windows are commonly installed above or below other window styles to provide additional airflow without compromising privacy.

8. Garden Windows: Unlike other designs and less often found, garden windows are unique in that they protrude from the exterior facade, offering a dimensional element much like a bay window but more strategically sized and placed. These windows are designed like a box and allow visible transmittance through a glass pane on the top of the unit, along with the three exterior facing sides. Typically, these windows are great for kitchens, where indoor plants can rest while receiving ample amounts of natural light.

9. Transom Windows: Typically positioned above doorways, transom windows are decorative accents similar to picture windows that add visual interest to an entryway. While they are most commonly non-operable, transom windows can sometimes be designed to open for ventilation depending upon your configuration. Their primary function is to let natural light into the room while maintaining privacy, making them a popular choice for front doors.

There are also many specialty and geometric shapes not included in this list but that are available through our various manufacturers. These shapes include half rounds, eyebrows, arches, ovals, octagons, triangles, elipses, and cathedrals to name a few.

These various operating styles afford homeowners a range of options to fit their needs and budget. It’s important to recognize that just because you may have a single-hung for a window now, you don’t necessarily need to replace it with a single-hung. In most instances, we can reimagine your window with a different design so that you maximize your value and enjoy the benefits of other styles that may be more suitable for your space. At Wallaby Windows, we’re not here to sell you a window. We’re here to help you solve your problem and to design the perfect solution for your needs and budget.

 

Whether you prefer the standard features of double-hung windows or the contemporary appeal of casement windows, choosing the right window design can enhance the beauty, functionality, and energy efficiency of your home. By understanding the unique characteristics of each style, you can select windows that complement your home's architecture and reflect your personality. So, whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one here in Tennessee, allow Wallaby Windows of Nashville to help craft the perfect style for you and your property.

Serving Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Thompson's Station, Spring Hill, Columbia, College Grove, Murfreesbsoro, Smyrna, Nolensville, Antioch, and more!