Your Ultimate Guide to Door and Window Styles

Part 1: Door and Window Styles and Their Function

When choosing a door or window style for your replacement project, it pays to weigh  its benefits. Consider how a certain style can affect functionality vis-a-vis what your home’ requirements, and decide from there. There are many window and door options available today, each of them offering distinctive features that make them a worthy investment. Here’s an overview of each one:

• Double-Hung Windows. Recognizable by their two operable sashes, which slide vertically, double-hung windows are known for a relatively expansive glass area that allows in plenty of natural light. When opened, these windows also offer access to a generous amount of natural ventilation. Double-hung windows can be installed in any room and they’ll never look out of place. Some of them are available with tilt-out or removable sashes, making them easier to clean and maintain. Their versatility and function makes them the most popular choice for homeowners across the country.
• Casement Windows. Hinged on the side, these units swing open or closed. Because they open all the way out, casement windows are a great option for those looking to cool their homes naturally. Because they use single-lever or tandem latches, these windows allow for easier operation. A big plus is that when they’re closed, casement windows remain firmly closed–which means improved safety for your home. Casement windows are the perfect choice to help open up small rooms and are right at home in compact areas, such as above kitchen sinks, countertops or appliances.

Pro-Tip: Have double-hung or casement windows installed in areas that use a significant amount of water, such as your bathroom or laundry area. With their ventilating action, these units can prevent excessive indoor moisture, while keeping these rooms fresh and odor-free.

• Picture Windows. Don’t waste that lovely outdoor view with a small and insignificant window style–replace it with a picture window. With their slim frames and expansive glass, picture units can maximize your home’s viewing area in the best possible ways. Their distinctive design also lets considerable natural light into your space.
• Bay and Bow Windows. These windows have a similar design, but differ slightly in that bay windows create a more angular shape because they’re comprised of up to three panels. Bow windows, which have four or more panels, create a gentle curve. Both, however, offer a deep sill area that can serve a number of functions, from additional seating to a  reading lounge or a breakfast nook, a small storage area, or as a surface on which to display decorative items.

Patio doors come in hinged French or sliding glass options. The former swings outward to the outdoor living space, creating a wide opening that allows for smoother foot traffic (very handy for entertaining!). The latter offers the same, with the added benefit of saving space. Sliding glass patio doors fit neatly to the side so they don’t interrupt furniture placement. Both hinged French and sliding glass patio doors help create a stronger connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Part 2 Window Styles and Your Home’s Architecture

One of the most important steps in choosing your new windows and patio doors is to match them with your home’s architectural style. This way, they can further enhance the exterior but staying true to its original design elements. Some windows–double-hung ones, for instance–are versatile enough to complement both traditional and contemporary home styles, but most work better with a specific architectural styles. Here are a few examples:

Picture and Sliding Windows + Modern-Contemporary Homes

A minimalist appearance, smooth and clean lines, design elements in steel, glass and stone–these are some of the features you’ll find in a Modern-Contemporary home. This architecture favors open, spacious rooms with considerable access to natural light. That’s why picture and sliding windows are a staple for this home style. Both windows have thin frames and a large glass area, helping better connect the home’s interior with the outdoors. Because this same glass area lets in a large amount of natural light, picture and sliding units help keep your home brighter for longer during the day

Bay and Bow Windows + Queen Anne Homes

With their unique design, bay and bow windows are a perfect match for Queen Anne homes. These units highlight the architecture’s asymmetrical details, brooding look and bold color schemes. The curved design of bay and bow allows natural light to come in from different angles, maximizing your home’s daylighting. To further add to the aesthetics of your Queen Anne home, make sure the bay or bow units’ trim color goes well with the current exterior palette.

Casement Windows + French Tudor or Spanish-Mission Homes

Steep, multi-gabled rooflines, decorative half-timbering and elegant entryways characterize a French Tudor home. It features tall, narrow multi-paned windows in groups of up to four. Casement units are the traditional choice for this architecture. They provide fresher, cooler air and an extended view of the outdoors. Casement windows also grace Spanish-Mission homes, which are characterized by smooth, flat wall surfaces, red tile roofing, arched entryways and neutral exterior color schemes.

What about patio door styles? Hinged French doors are the typical option for traditional homes such as Colonial, Craftsman or Cape Cod because of their classic look and elegant detailing. Sliding glass patio doors, on the other hand, are common in Modern, Contemporary or Industrial homes. Extensive customization options offered by premier window companies, however, allow you to design your patio door in such a way that it’s never limited to just one home style. A sliding glass door for your Craftsman home? No problem! Be creative and enjoy the design possibilities offered by this home improvement.

Part 3: Door and Window Styles and Energy Performance

Good looks and function are priorities when choosing new windows or patio doors, but do take into account their energy performance, as well. Did you know that your choice of window style alone can already make a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency? Check out these examples:

• Double-hung and casement windows can cool your home naturally. Both window styles allow access to superior natural ventilation. You can open both the top and bottom sashes of double-hung units at the same time. This way, warm and stale air can be expelled through the top sash, while cooler, fresher air enters through the bottom sash. Casement windows, meanwhile, can be opened wide or angled to direct cooling breezes into your rooms. This leads to a more comfortable indoor environment, especially in the summer. Because these windows help reduce the load on your air conditioning, you can save considerably on cooling bills.
• Picture windows can prevent significant energy loss. This window style exists to frame the most amazing views, but that’s not the only thing picture units are good for. They are fixed, which means you can’t open them. While this may seem like a downside, it’s actually not–because a picture window is inoperable, it keeps a more durable, airtight seal. This prevents costly heating energy from escaping your home, ensuring consistent indoor temperature in colder months. If you want to lower your lighting bills, picture windows can help, as well. Their large glass area lets in plenty of natural light.

Which patio door style is energy-efficient? Hinged French doors might be better at energy-savings as they create an airtight seal when closed. When it comes to cooling your home, however, both options do well, as their wide openings let in plenty of breezes.

Pro-Tip. Your choice of window style can help contribute to a more comfortable, energy-efficient home; you can even further enhance performance with the right framing material and glass. For many homeowners, the best combination is a composite frame with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. Composite windows offer both durability and energy performance: they combine the best features of other framing materials, including wood’s strength and insulating properties, with vinyl’s low maintenance requirements. Composite windows effectively resist corrosion, chipping and other types of damage, while keeping an airtight seal that prevents energy loss.

Low-E glass supports the insulating value of composite windows by helping reduce heat transfer. This results in a better thermal comfort, minus the high energy costs. There are even Low-E glass options that are treated with UV-blocking technology to help prevent sun damage to your interiors. Together, composite frames and Low-E glass allow for windows that offer exceptional energy performance.

Window and door replacement doesn’t have to be a taxing process. You can easily make the most of your home improvement project by choosing style that best fits your needs.