Decorative Window Styles

Hung Windows

• Hung windows open by sliding the bottom sash up and in front of the top sash. Double hung windows allow the top to open by sliding down behind the front sash. Hung windows come in a variety of decorative elements. Some include grid-work set in between double paned glass to give the appearance of separate panes of glass, but without the added expense.

Sliding

• Sliding windows are windows that open by sliding one sash in front of or behind the other sash. In a single sliding window, one sash is permanently affixed while the other slides open and closed. Double sliding windows have a center that's permanently affixed and both ends are smaller sashes that slide open and closed. Sliding windows are often used in conjunction with hung windows, and are especially convenient when a single hung window is too small for the space but two are too large. Sliding windows are more easily customized to size in these circumstances.

Casement

• Casement windows are often called roll-out windows because of the crank mechanism that opens the window. This mechanism resembles a smaller version of the window crank used to roll car windows up and down in older vehicles. Casement windows protrude sideways from the house and can get caught in strong winds.

Awning

• Awning windows are windows that are bottom-hinged and open out and away from the house. Hopper windows are similar, except they open into the house, the opposite of awning windows. Awning windows located above doors are called transom windows, regardless of what direction they open. Louvered windows are a variation of awning windows, but louvered windows are typically made of several small panes of glass that open away from the house.