Choosing the Perfect Window Styles for Your Home

There are a lot of things to consider when exploring new window styles for your home. You want them to be energy and cost efficient while making sense from an architectural point of view. And, of course, you want them to look nice. 

In this article, we will discuss window style guidelines, different home window styles, and how to find the right windows for your home. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to make an informed and confident decision about home window styles and their benefits for your unique home. 

Window Style Guidelines

When selecting new windows for your home, consider the following when looking at window styles. 

Aesthetics

First, when selecting new windows, you want to make sure that you choose windows that make architectural sense for the space they will inhabit. You might choose a different home window style for windows in a large kitchen than you would for a bedroom space. Windows create the character of your home, and can go a long way in expressing your home’s personality and style. 

Energy Efficiency

Because windows are part of the sealing for your home, they can also be a big source of energy loss and energy inefficiency if they aren’t installed properly. Consider looking for energy efficient window options if this has been a problem for your home in the past. 

Cost Efficiency

Home windows really vary depending on the style, materials, and design that you envision for your space. Vinyl window frames are very popular and are also known to be affordable. Wooden window frames are a classic style, typical in older construction, and tend to be more expensive. Aluminum window frames are also on the more expensive end and can be less energy efficient than wood and vinyl windows. Another option is fiberglass, which can be customizable.  

Design

When selecting the right windows, you also need to consider if you want ready made windows or custom windows. Windows off the shelf will be more cost effective, however, custom made windows give you more options for design and style that might be more fitting to your wants and needs. Custom windows also may take longer to make.  

Considering your requirements will help you find the right windows. 

Home Window Styles

Here are some popular home window styles and features to consider as you embark on the journey to find the right windows for your living space. 

Awning Windows

Awning windows work similarly to casement windows in that they have a hinge to open and close them. The difference is that awning windows open from top to bottom instead of side to side. The top is the fixed point while the base swings out to open. This window style is nice because they can be opened even during rainy weather and still keep the house dry. 

Casement Windows

Casement windows are windows that can be cracked open horizontally on a hinge system. One side of the window remains stationary while the other side swings open. These are also very popular windows, with a bit more modern flair than the double and single-hung window options. The window seal on these windows is tight, making them excellent at keeping out drafts. They also allow good ventilation because they open all the way. 

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows have two large frames around the glass panes that slide up and down on a vertical track. These are often found in homes with more traditional styles. They are a very common window style, making them readily available across many brands and manufacturers. They are typically fairly affordable because they are so popular. 

Single-Hung Windows 

Single-hung windows are a spin-off from the traditional double-hung windows. They’re similar, with the differentiator being that the upper frame of the single-hung window is fixed in place. This means that only the bottom part is movable. Because only part of the window is accessible, this style of window can be more cost-efficient and more energy efficient than double-hung windows. 

Slider Windows 

Slider windows open by sliding horizontally along top and bottom tracks. These types of windows gained popularity in mid-century homes. They’re a nice choice if you need to effortlessly open your windows a lot. They can also be cheaper in price but are harder to find.

Specialty Windows

Speciality windows introduce radius and arch windows into your living space. This window style is a great choice to break up sharp angles and walls in your home’s interior. By adding contrasting arch window installations, the room softens. These windows are often impressive and regal in nature, making them a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their living space by playing with light, space, and shape. 

Picture Windows

A picture window creates a beautiful framed view of the outdoor surroundings – “a picture” with a single pane of glass. The glass doesn’t have any rails so the view is completely unobstructed. These windows allow tons of natural light into your home and create a “wow” factor for viewers. This window style is a great option if you want to showcase a beautiful outdoor space in a minimalistic way. 

Finding the Best Window Styles for Your Home

When choosing windows for your home, consider the window style guidelines to find the style that fits best in your living space. Keep in mind the factors of cost efficiency, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and design when making your decision. 

If you find that you need the support of a windows professional to learn more about window styles, we are here to help! Talk to one of our knowledgeable staff at AZ Valley Windows to learn more about our offerings and how we can upgrade your home’s windows today. Our expert team of window installers will supply you with information you need to support your decision in finding the best window styles for your home. Give our team a call in a service area near you to learn more about window installation in Phoenix.