Windows play a big role in your home’s appearance and function. They let in light, provide a view, and let you control your environment. When deciding what window to put in your home, it’s important to consider these factors:
- What is the purpose of the window? If you want sunlight, you’ll need more than if you just want a view.
- Is the window for beauty or function? A window for privacy or security will provide protection from the outside elements.
- Where will it be in your home? Windows near the floor are more vulnerable to intruders. Windows in high traffic areas, like hallways and stairwells, may require additional reinforcement or durability to support heavy use.
There are many types of windows to choose from, depending on the purpose and placement of the window.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows don’t open and are placed near the roofline. They provide good security and offer a view of the outside world. They also protect your home from strong winds or heavy rainstorms which can penetrate an open window.
Casement Windows
Casement windows swing open using a hinge on one side to maximize airflow. They’re easy to open and can provide ventilation in your home during the summer months.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are similar to casement windows, but they allow for more customizable layouts since they can be mounted horizontally or vertically depending on the layout of your interior design. Their bottom edge also retracts to allow for easy cleaning.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are the most common style of window and are found in almost every home, commercial building, or government institution. They can be opened by pulling them vertically up into the home or down into the lower sash. These are good for allowing airflow when there are no strong winds outside.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are good for rooms that have limited space. They’re the same as double hung except they only open up halfway. These are also good for creating an illusion of more space in your home without having to resize the window itself.
Transom Windows
Transom windows provide additional light and ventilation by placing them on top of a larger window. They come in large panes that allow for sunlight or additional airflow into your home.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are great for conserving space by stacking them on top of each other. These are perfect for rooms with limited wall space, like bathrooms and small bedrooms. They let you control the amount of light and air coming into your room, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.
Storm Windows
Storm windows are placed over the top of an existing window to provide protection from the elements. They’re attached with screws or clamps, and they can be removed at any time since they don’t take away from your view. These also increase the energy efficiency of your home by creating an airtight seal around the window.
Common Window Treatments
Some homeowners even install shutters, wood, or metal panels that can be opened and closed to increase security or protection from bright sunlight. These are typically placed on the outside of the home but can sometimes be found on interior walls as well.
Window blinds are also a common feature in most homes. These can be moved down to control the amount of light that enters your home, and they’re great in rooms where privacy is needed for activities like dressing or watching television.
Curtains are an excellent way to increase privacy in your home when you don’t want to install blinds or shutters. They also add a nice finishing touch to your window.
Finally, window treatments can be used in tandem with blinds or shutters to change the atmosphere of any room. Interior window solar shades are window coverings that protect against harsh sunlight or bright moonlight while still letting you see outside. These are installed on top of window panes and can be found at most home improvement stores.
Choosing Windows for Your House
There are a variety of window options out there, and it’s important to choose the right window for your home. In order to achieve optimal sunlight exposure, size matters when it comes to window panes. If you have basement windows, it might be worth installing small window panes so that they don’t take up too much space in a room. On the other hand, you might have a large window that needs to be paired with larger window panes. In this case, you can use window treatments like blinds or shutters to control the amount of space your window takes up.
In addition, consider where you’ll be placing these windows in your home. Choose windows that face due south so that you can get the most sunlight exposure. You don’t want to place your window near a source of heat like an oven or heating vent, since this will cause your window to fog up in cold weather or allow sunlight in when it’s not needed.
When picking window panes for your home, consider window treatments as well. If you have window treatments, go for window panes that are easy to open and close. If you have no window treatments, pick window panes that provide privacy or protection from the sun. Most importantly, choose window panes that fit your house.
