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Different types of windows explained
Lifestyle
Whether you’re simply upgrading your home or looking to complete a whole extension or new build with that unique finishing touch, the right set of aluminium windows can make all the difference.
From casement and bay windows to tilit and turn options, there are numerous styles of windows available for you to choose from straight out of our downloadable product brochure.
Find the right style for you
To help you pick the ideal type of window to complete your home’s desired look, we’ve broken down the most common types of window frames, so you know how they function, and what home styles they’re best suited to.
Casement windows
The most common window style on the market in the UK, casement windows are defined as any type of window that is connected to its frame by hinges at the side.
As far as the different types of window hinges available are concerned, casement windows are considered the oldest and most versatile, which is the main reason for their popularity. They’re often side-hung, like a door, but can be installed to open horizontally with hinges at the frame’s top or bottom.
Like most styles of windows, casement windows are not restricted to single panels and can form the ends of wide panorama setups, or have smaller windows installed above stationary panes to act as vents. They can be used in almost any window set-up.
Providing good insulation and energy conversion, this window type is well-suited to most properties and styles, provided you choose the appropriate frame. For example, here at Express, we specialise in producing flush aluminium frames for our bespoke windows that suit more modern builds.
Tilt and turn windows
Another very popular window option, tilt and turn style windows, are specifically designed to be side swinging or bottom hung and only open inwards for ventilation purposes.
The main benefit offered by these types of window hinges is the flexibility they offer in airing your home without having to open the window fully. Not only does this stop them getting in the way, but their inward-swinging nature makes them very easy to clean.
Tilt and turn windows are best suited for the upper floors of your home for security purposes and are an excellent combination choice if you’re looking to compliment the style of a frameless glass balustrade.
Offering a snug seal and incredible thermal efficiency, tilt-and-turn windows can be installed in more traditional homes, though they tend to be favoured in contemporary designs thanks to their modern styling.
Bay windows
Most often created using casement or tilt-and-turn window styles, bay windows add extra space to a room by extending out into your garden in a semi-circle, square, or rectangle.
Bay windows require more effort to install than other windows, due to the necessity of supporting the projecting windows with brickwork but make up for this by providing an incredible vista of your garden and home views once complete.
And you won’t just be getting stunning panoramas with this window type. Thanks to their size, shape, and opening options, bay windows actually provide much better airflow when open, keeping the room fresh and cool on hot summer days.
Naturally, due to the nature of their construction, this type of window frame is better suited for ground-floor placement, but they can be installed in both modern and traditional properties, and can instantly be made the focal point of whatever space they’re in.
If you’re keen on this type of window and looking for decoration inspiration, discover all you need to know about dressing bay windows.
Picture Windows
The most picturesque form of window on offer, picture windows are uniquely defined by the fact that’re made from a single large pane of glass.
As the name implies, this type of window frames the outside like a picture, making it the best option if you want a frameless and unbroken view of your garden, making them a great option for living rooms, kitchens, and conservatories.
With that being said, however, unlike other types of window frames, picture windows cannot be opened. This makes them limited in their versatility and ill-suited to rooms that need proper ventilation. In scenarios like this, sliding doors or bi-folding doors might be better suited for your needs.
Of course, if you do want a picture window in your home, then you’re not restricted by style. Old-school or contemporary, the frames of these windows can easily be designed to match your aesthetic.
Shaped Windows
Last, but by no means least, we have shaped windows. As the name implies, these windows have been shaped to match the needs of the space instead of being traditionally rectangular or square.
Shaped windows offer great versatility for anyone looking to enhance the light in awkwardly shaped rooms or add small windows around their external doors. Though in many cases, you won’t be able to open them.
Like picture windows, shaped windows are predominantly ornamental, making them an excellent stylistic option but not ideal for rooms that need ventilating. However, thanks to their unique shapes, they can often overcome this issue by being combined with casement or tilt-and-turn options.
On the stylistic end, shaped windows certainly fit more of a modern aesthetic. But if you’re looking to add a unique twist to a more traditional set-up, they can certainly work with the right considerations.
Sliding and sash windows
Although still relatively common around the UK, the popularity of sliding and sash windows has been steadily decreasing in recent years, and we don’t offer them in our product range.
Easily identifiable as a set of one stationary panel and one moving panel that slides up or across the other, much like a mini door, these windows are distinctly period in their design. They work well in traditional homes, but design issues often mean their ventilation, flexibility, and insulation can be lacking.
While there are some other distinctly unique window types out there, the above are the most common styles available, and the types we offer here at Express. Hopefully, you should now have an idea of the style of windows you’re looking for, but if not, then why not get in touch with us or visit one of our showrooms?
From Scotland to London, our carefully built showrooms are home to all our custom-made products. Our Leeds and London showrooms even boast a fully reconstructed home, so you can see how our windows might look in your home. And if you want more help and advice, you can find more articles on our blog, including what to consider when updating your front door and whether you should choose aluminium or uPVC window frames.
