The Ultimate Guide: How to choose the right window style for your home

Choosing the right window style for your home can be a daunting task, given the ever-growing array of choices, placement considerations, colours, and materials – the list goes on!  

The right style can significantly elevate the overall look and feel of your home. Whether you're plunging into a home renovation project or aiming to increase your home's value, understanding how to complement your home with the right window styles is so important. We've compiled a guide covering the most popular styles and key considerations to help you decide on the best window style for your home upgrade.

Popular Window Styles 

Casement Windows

Characterised by their side-hinged design, casement windows offer a variety of opening options that make them adaptable to any home style, from modern to traditional. Available in single or multi-paned glass options, they're suited for adding charm to any home. Within the casement category, there are further specialisations to consider: 

• Flush Casement Windows: These windows have sashes that sit flush within the window frame, offering a sleek and contemporary look that blends seamlessly with the exterior of your home. This style is perfect for those seeking a minimalist aesthetic. 
• Sculptured Casement Windows: Featuring a more traditional appearance, sculptured casement windows have decorative contours on the sashes and frames. This design adds a classic, elegant touch to any property, making it an ideal choice for adding depth and character. 

Sash Windows

Sash windows, recognisable by their one or two movable panels or 'sashes', slide vertically and sometimes horizontally. Often found in period homes, they can be split into a number of smaller panes, adding a historical charm to homes.

Tilt-and-Turn Windows

Offering dual functionality, tilt-and-turn windows can tilt inwards from the top for secure ventilation and swing open from side hinges for easy access and cleaning, making them a practical option for contemporary living spaces.

Fixed or Picture Windows

Designed to maximise natural light, fixed, large windows do not open but provide unobstructed views. Usually spanning from floor to ceiling, they are ideal for locations where the scenery is a focal point.

Roof Windows

Incorporating natural light from above, roof windows, including roof lanterns and skylights, can transform an indoor space. These windows can either sit flush with the roofline or stand proud, in a variety of materials.

Bay Windows

Projecting outward from the building's facade, bay windows create a recessed area inside, offering panoramic views and enhancing the sense of space. Variations like bow windows provide a softer curve, adding architectural interest.

By carefully considering your home's architectural style, personal preferences, and functional needs, you can select the perfect windows to enhance your living space.

Different Window Shapes

The shape of your windows also plays a pivotal role in defining the character of your home. Think outside the box - or should we say rectangle - and explore unique window shapes that can add a distinct architectural element and enhance natural light. Here are some different window shapes to consider for your home.

Curved and Arched Windows

These windows add an element of softness and elegance to any space, bringing a historical or gothic charm to modern and traditional homes alike. Arched windows can create a focal point in a room, offering graceful curves that contrast with the straight lines of standard windows. 

Gable End Windows

Perfect for homes with high roofs or loft conversions, gable end windows follow the pitch of the roof, filling the space with light and offering dramatic views of the sky. This design maximises the available wall space and is ideal for enhancing the spaciousness of a room. 

Porthole or Circular Windows

Offering a nautical touch or a hint of whimsy, porthole windows are not just for ships. In homes, they can serve as striking architectural features or fun, unexpected sources of light. Circular windows work well in bathrooms, hallways, or as accent pieces in larger rooms. 

Window Materials

Choosing the right material is important in ensuring that your windows complement your home's design and meet your practical needs. Here's a closer look at the popular materials available.

uPVC Windows

uPVC windows are renowned for their durability, low maintenance, and excellent thermal insulation properties. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, UPVC windows can suit any home style. They are resistant to weathering, rot, and rust, making them a cost-effective and long-lasting choice for any home. 

Aluminium Windows

Aluminium windows offer a sleek, modern aesthetic with slim frames and a large glass surface area, maximising natural light. Known for their strength, aluminium windows can support larger panes of glass, making them ideal for contemporary homes. Despite their lightweight, aluminium frames are incredibly durable and resistant to the elements, with the added benefit of being recyclable. 

Timber Alternative (uPVC for Sash Windows)

Timber alternative windows are designed to mimic the classic appearance of wood while offering the performance benefits of modern materials. Made from uPVC, these windows are crafted to look just like traditional timber, making them perfect for period properties or conservation areas. They offer better thermal insulation and are easier to maintain than real wood, without compromising on the aesthetic appeal of timber sash windows. 

Glazing Options: Energy Efficiency and Security

Choosing the right glazing for your windows is key to improving your home's energy efficiency, security, and overall comfort.

Double Glazing

Consisting of two panes of glass with a space between them, double glazing is the standard for energy efficiency and noise reduction. This gap is filled with air or an inert gas, like argon, to slow down heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Double glazing also reduces outside noise and increases the security of your windows, making them harder to break.

Triple Glazing

Taking it a step further, triple glazing adds an additional pane of glass, offering even better thermal insulation and soundproofing. This makes it an excellent choice for homes in colder climates or noisy areas. The extra pane provides an additional layer of security and can significantly reduce energy bills by maintaining a stable indoor temperature.

Armour Pane Upgrade

For homeowners prioritising security, armour pane upgrades are an excellent investment. This toughened glass is designed to withstand impact, making it much more difficult for intruders to break through. While primarily focused on security, this upgrade also offers the thermal benefits of double or triple glazing, depending on your base choice. Contact us if you would like to find out more about our armour pane upgrades.

The Finishing Touches: Personalising Your Windows

The final look of your windows is shaped by the colour choice, handle styles, and glass options. Choose from contemporary to traditional handle designs allowing you to match the handle style with the design feel of your home. Modern window frames come in a wide array of colours, including natural woodgrain finishes like oak, for the perfect aesthetic match. Glass customisations enhance privacy and style, with options like square or diamond leaded patterns, Georgian bars, and effects such as frosted or stippled glass.  

These finishing touches allow you to tailor your windows to your home's unique style and functional needs. Adding your own personal mark to your home whilst enhancing its architectural style.