Thinking about new windows? From casement to corner styles, this ultimate guide from The Window Centre breaks down the most popular window types to help you find the perfect fit for your home’s style, function, and energy needs.
Choosing new windows for your home is more than just a functional decision—it’s a chance to reimagine your living space. Whether you're building a new home, undertaking a renovation, or replacing tired, inefficient windows, understanding your options is key. With so many styles available, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what suits your space, your taste, and your lifestyle.
That’s where this guide comes in. At The Window Centre, a wide variety of window types are available, and each comes with its own set of advantages. We’re here to help you navigate those choices with a clear and friendly breakdown of the most popular window styles and how to know which one is right for you.
Casement Windows: The All-Rounder
If you're after versatility and energy efficiency, casement windows are a great place to start. Hinged on one side and opening outward like a door, these windows are operated with a crank handle.
Best for:
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Hard-to-reach places like above the kitchen sink
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Maximizing ventilation
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Achieving a clean, modern look
Casement windows seal tightly when closed, which makes them one of the most energy-efficient options. Their simple, sleek design also means they work well with both traditional and contemporary home styles.
Awning Windows: Ventilation, Rain or Shine
Similar to casement windows, awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom. This allows them to stay open even during a light rain, making them a smart pick for wet climates or homeowners who love fresh air year-round.
Best for:
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Bathrooms and basements
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High or hard-to-reach places
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Pairing with picture windows for style and function
They also add a nice architectural detail when used in combination with other window types, like stacking above or below a fixed window.
Single Hung Windows: Simple and Traditional
Single hung windows have a classic look that fits almost any home. With a fixed top sash and a movable bottom sash, they offer basic functionality with minimal maintenance.
Best for:
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Homeowners on a budget
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Traditional home designs
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Lower-traffic areas
They’re particularly popular for bedrooms and living rooms. If you’re looking for a straightforward, cost-effective window with reliable performance, single hung is a safe choice.
Double Hung Windows: Practical and Easy to Clean
The more flexible cousin of the single hung, double hung windows allow both the top and bottom sashes to slide up and down. Many models also tilt inward for easy cleaning—ideal for second-story windows where outdoor access is limited.
Best for:
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Families with children (better ventilation control)
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Easy maintenance
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Colonial or farmhouse-style homes
These windows are also excellent for improving air circulation, as warm air can exit through the top while cool air enters through the bottom.
Picture Windows: Let There Be Light
Want to frame a beautiful view or flood your space with natural light? Picture windows are large, fixed-pane windows that don’t open but offer an unobstructed view.
Best for:
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Living rooms, stairwells, or entryways
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Scenic views
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Energy efficiency (less hardware = fewer air leaks)
These windows work beautifully in spaces where ventilation isn’t a concern but light and aesthetics are. They also pair well with operable windows like awning or casement styles.
Sliding Windows: Effortless and Space-Saving
Sliding windows, or gliders, open horizontally along a track—similar to sliding glass doors. They’re simple to operate and take up no interior or exterior space when open.
Best for:
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Rooms facing patios, walkways, or decks
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Modern or mid-century home designs
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Easy access and minimal maintenance
Sliding windows are ideal when you want a wide view and great airflow without protruding elements, which can be particularly helpful in tight or high-traffic areas.
Bay and Bow Windows: Adding Charm and Space
If you're looking to make a bold design statement or create extra room in your home, bay and bow windows are the go-to options.
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Bay windows usually consist of three panels: a large center picture window flanked by two smaller operable windows angled back toward the wall.
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Bow windows have four or more panels of equal size, creating a more curved appearance.
Best for:
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Expanding interior space (window seats or reading nooks!)
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Increasing natural light
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Enhancing curb appeal
These windows project outward, offering a panoramic view and a dramatic architectural feature that transforms both the inside and outside of your home.
Corner Windows: Modern Meets Scenic
Corner windows wrap around the edge of your home, eliminating the need for a traditional post and creating a seamless transition between walls.
Best for:
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Contemporary or minimalist homes
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Highlighting landscapes or gardens
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Bringing in maximum daylight
They’re a striking design choice that can make any room feel larger and more open. If you’re going for a “wow” factor, corner windows are a top-tier pick.
Specialty Windows: Custom Shapes and Statements
Got an unusual wall space or a unique vision for your home? Specialty windows allow for custom shapes like circles, arches, trapezoids, and more. They don’t usually open, but they can be paired with operable windows to combine beauty and function.
Best for:
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Accent features
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Gables or stairwells
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Custom home designs
These windows let your personality shine through and are often used to create symmetry or contrast in a home’s architecture.
Skylights: Light from Above
Adding a skylight is one of the most effective ways to brighten a room. Installed in the ceiling, skylights bring in sunlight and can make a small or dark space feel airy and inviting.
Best for:
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Bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways
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Energy savings during daylight hours
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Rooms where wall space is limited
Some skylights are fixed, while others can open for ventilation. They're especially useful in homes where privacy is a concern, but natural light is still desired.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Home
With all these options, how do you know which windows are best for your space? Here are a few questions to guide you:
1. What’s the room’s purpose?
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For spaces that need ventilation like kitchens or bathrooms, casement, awning, or double hung windows are ideal.
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For a quiet reading nook or a focal point in the living room, picture or bay windows might be the way to go.
2. How much light and airflow do you want?
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Picture and corner windows offer light but no ventilation.
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Sliding, double hung, and casement windows provide good airflow with varying levels of control.
3. What’s your home’s architectural style?
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Traditional: single hung, double hung, bay
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Contemporary: picture, corner, sliding
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Transitional: casement, awning, bow
4. What are your energy and maintenance priorities?
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Fixed windows (like picture or specialty) have fewer moving parts and are the most energy efficient.
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Tilt-in double hung windows are easy to clean, especially on upper floors.
Final Thoughts
Buying new windows is a big decision—and a long-term investment in your comfort, energy efficiency, and home’s aesthetics. The best choice is one that balances function, beauty, and practicality for your specific needs.
Take your time comparing styles, think about how each room is used, and consider how your windows will enhance your day-to-day living. Whether it’s the timeless charm of a bay window, the convenience of a sliding design, or the bold elegance of a specialty shape, there’s a style that will feel just right.
Still unsure where to begin? Visiting a showroom like The Window Centre can give you a hands-on look at your options and help you visualize the transformation. Seeing the materials, understanding the mechanics, and asking the right questions can make all the difference in feeling confident about your choice.
