Khaycelyn - Author
Here we share our types of living room windows guide including the important factors to consider, different kinds and their features, and the best options available.
Numerous types of windows contribute significantly to the attractiveness of your home, particularly your living room. During the daytime, windows enable natural light to illuminate your room while also allowing air to enter to keep it pleasant and cool.
Your windows also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, whether it is conventional or contemporary. Almost any window may be customized to meet your changing tastes and demands.
If you are thinking about constructing a new house or renovating an existing one, you might be thinking about what type of window to include in your living room.
It is critical to select your living room windows wisely. Before we discuss the different types of living room windows, let us know first the factors you have to consider.
Considerations For Choosing Windows For Your Living Room
• Sufficient Light: The majority of living rooms have wide windows that bring in a lot of outdoor light.
Adding bay or arch windows, enormous picture windows, or glass walls may transform your living room into a bright, pleasant spot.
On the contrary, installing only a few little window frames can make your space dimmer and warmer.
• Attractive and Neat Design: The window design you select will have an impact on the aesthetic and ambiance of your house and living space.
Certain window types have a contemporary aspect, while others have a more traditional appeal. Furthermore, the size and position of windows influence the entire appearance of your space.
• Great Energy Efficiency: The size, style, and performance of the windows you choose can have a significant impact on the energy productivity of your home.
Recognizing what windows give the most optimum efficiency might help you determine which ones to install in your living space.
• Reasonable Cost: The prices of various types of windows for living rooms range widely. For a single-hung window, the cost will be around $200 to $400.
For a bay or any large-sized window, the cost usually ranges from $2,500 to $4,000. When selecting your living room windows, you must weigh your finances as well as style, illumination, and energy efficiency.
Now that you know the key factors you have to take into account, let us discuss the different types of living room windows.
Sliding
Sliding windows, the same as single- and double-hung windows, have two independent panes, one of which moves open over another.
Sliders, on the other hand, are positioned horizontally. Some varieties have simply one moving sash, while some have both movable sashes.
Moreover, sliding windows are available in a myriad of sizes, making them excellent for use in lengthy, slender linear wall spaces. They are exceptional for ventilation and allowing as much ambient light into a room as possible.
The downside, however, is that their external faces must be kept clean from outdoors, which might be difficult if there is landscaping underneath your living room window.
They don’t seal as well as casement windows, hence, they are less energy-efficient. Lastly, water can gather in the lower rail, perhaps causing mold and mildew.
Picture
The picture window is one of the most prevalent kinds of living room windows. It is made out of a single fixed swath of glass pane within a huge frame.
Picture windows offer a clear, and quite frequently gorgeous view of the outside, and they are typically used as a centerpiece in a living room.
Aside from that, picture windows bring a lot of natural lighting into your space. They offer the magnificent sight of the outdoors. They also contain no mechanical components, therefore their original cost and maintenance expenses are inexpensive.
They are, in fact, energy-efficient, particularly if the panes are low-E treated and filled with argon.
On the contrary, since they are so massive, they might bring in a considerable amount of heat from the sun, which can be uncomfortable in summer weather.
When a picture window cracks, a huge section of the pane should be changed, which can be costly. And because picture windows do not open, they do not give that much good air circulation.
Single-Hung
Single-hung windows have two sashes: one that is stationary and the other that glides up and down on a rail. Ventilation is provided by moving the bottom sash up over the top one.
These windows are commonly found in sheds and vintage transportable homes, although they can be utilized in any form of construction.
They are some of the most affordable types of windows. Furthermore, they are quite simple to set up.
The disadvantage is that they are often of inferior workmanship than other types of windows, with shortened longevity and poorer energy efficiency. Single-hung windows lack the versatility and efficiency of double-hung windows since the top sash is immovable.
Double-Hung
Double-hung windows are among the most common types of living room windows. They have two sashes on different tracks, one over another.
To open the window and allow airflow, both sashes move upwards. Furthermore, most double-hung windows include sashes that tilt inward for simple maintenance.
In addition, double-hung windows are more durable than single-hung windows. Their movable sashes give ventilation adaptability as well as cleaning efficiency. Also, their double-locking technology firmly closes the two sashes for maximum energy conservation.
The disadvantage is that double-hung windows are more expensive than single-hung windows.
They require more regular cleaning and upkeep of their components to keep them operating at peak performance. This is notably true for outdated versions. Read more about our comparison between single hung vs double hung windows here.
Transom
Transom windows are mostly aesthetic, though they do enable more natural lighting to enter the space. They are lengthy, thin rectangular or curved windows that are situated atop or next to bigger windows.
Transom windows could offer a hint of contemporary or a historic ambiance to a home, according to their design.
A huge amount of natural light enters the space through these windows. A transom window provides a decorative element while enhancing the home’s modern or traditional vibe. Transom windows boost a home’s curb appeal and profitability.
Nonetheless, the drawback is that transom windows hardly offer ventilation since they do not get opened. The increased sunshine pouring in via transom windows has the potential to warm the space.
Casement
Casement windows are made up of possibly one sash or two sashes arranged side by side in a framework. They usually have a screen on the inside of the chamber, and the windows open outwardly using a lever.
They offer a clear view with minimum hindrance from framing. They are also good ventilators since they swing outside. Furthermore, because of the tight sealing between the sash and frame, they are considered among the most energy-efficient windows.
The disadvantage is that the entire weight of the sash must be minimal so that the framework can hold it while the window is open, which limits the total size of the casement window. Window coolers cannot be put in casement windows owing to the outward-opening sash.
Awning
Awning windows have one sash with a movable top and a bottom that opens outwardly. They are very popular in humid places as their unique opening style allows for air while also acting as an awning, repelling rain. They give a house a streamlined and modern appearance.
In the rainy season, these windows offer ventilation while keeping rainwater out. When closed, they form a secure sealing, resulting in high energy efficiency. They also give better security than other movable windows since they do not open extensively.
However, because these windows do not open completely, their ventilation capacity is restricted. People walking outside may collide with the overhanging sashes. Read more about awning vs casement windows here.
Bay
Bay windows are made up of many windows that are merged into a protrusion constructed outside the home. A bay window generally consists of one sash in the middle and two sashes surrounding it at 30 to 40-degree angles.
A storage or lounge room is frequently placed into the wall underneath the windows within the house. Bay windows in traditional residences are normally double-hung; bay windows in current dwellings may be static or casement window frames that can be opened.
Bay windows are ideal for bringing natural lighting into the living area. Incorporating one or more bay windows increases the value of a property.
Furthermore, adding seats or storage to the bay window section might improve the room’s practicality and coziness.
Bay windows, on the contrary, need a build-out as well as several windows, making them rather costly. Installing window coverings may be difficult and typically necessitates the services of an expert.
Bow
A bow window is identical to a bay window, except its exterior is circular rather than faceted. A conventional bow window is made up of five similar sashes, each of which is coated with curved glass.
Natural light enters the living area through a bow window. The addition of a bow window improves the worth of the house. The inclusion of chairs or storage can increase the room’s usability.
However, the cost of installing a bow window is comparable to that of a bay window.
Garden
Garden windows, resembling bay and bow windows, extend from the house’s façade; however, the similarities end there.
Garden windows are designed primarily to function as displays for houseplants. They have wooden platform flooring and glass on all three outer sides as well as the top.Moreover, they are significantly smaller than bay or bow windows and do not necessitate nearly as much outer build-out.
They give a bright, sunny environment in which to cultivate indoor flowers and plants. Garden windows make a living space stand out. Garden windows in the kitchen are a convenient place to display houseplants and herbs.
The disadvantage is that they are costly to set up, with costs ranging up to $4,000. They are highly prone to damage since they protrude from the house’s exterior. Garden windows might enable air escape if not properly sealed upon construction, lowering their energy efficiency.
Arched
Arched windows are an ornamental feature that adds aesthetic appeal and class to a house. They are often installed above picture or casement window frames and are available in a variety of sizes.
These windows offer a touch of classic elegance to any home. They are available in a range of sizes and arc forms, rendering them suitable for topping almost any current window.
These windows, unfortunately, do not open and hence do not allow airflow. Though they’re not unreasonably expensive, installing an arched window atop your current window does incur additional costs.
Circle
Circle windows are mostly ornamental in nature. They are most commonly found in traditional Gothic and Victorian houses. They let in more natural lighting and offer genuine architectural features to the room.
Circle windows, on the other hand, do not open and hence cannot supply ventilation. The construction of a circle window increases the entire cost of windows in the property since they are designed to be ornamental highlights.
Jalousie
Jalousie windows are made up of several tempered glass panels held together by a specific framework that enables them to be turned open. Jalousies, resembling awning windows, are common in humid, sunny, and subtropical climates.
The panels of jalousie windows open and slant from the bottom, giving airflow while also dispersing rain.
They provide shade from direct sunlight, which is beneficial in hot areas. Furthermore, they are among the most inexpensive windows to buy and mount.
The disadvantage is that jalousie windows, with their slatted glass and lack of weather-stripping, are ineffective in terms of energy efficiency. They also raise a privacy issue since the panels may be easily and discreetly detached.
Skylight
Skylights are put on a house’s roof. Even though some types of skylights may open for proper ventilation, their primary use is to give ambient light.
They bring in a lot of natural light, which is especially useful during the dreary wintertime.
Skylights can help you save money on your energy costs by allowing the sun’s heat into your home throughout the winter. A skylight may create a bold design statement, particularly in modern or contemporary dwellings.
Unfortunately, they can overlight or heat a space, particularly if the skylight does not open. Skylight construction is difficult because roof leaks might occur if the covering is not properly mounted.
Best Windows for Living Room
• Bow and Bay Windows: These are some of the top living room window selections. These are two distinct window designs, however, they are frequently connected with one another due to their similarities.
A bow window’s curve contrasts wonderfully with the horizontal form of a bay window to create a vast perspective of your surroundings. Both make excellent relaxing seating corners in your house.
• Double-Hung Windows: These are ideal for individuals who want to blend design with ventilation in their living area. These windows have a traditional appearance and may complement a variety of design types.
• Casement Window: This window has one hinge on the side and swings outward resembling a door. This window offers a large viewing area while also letting an abundance of natural lighting and ventilation into your living space. To savor the breeze, you can simply open your casement windows and let the clean air in.
See more related content in our article about the different types of window shades on this page.
