Window Types 101: Which Style Is Right for Your Home?

Single-hung windows are the most basic and affordable option — the bottom sash moves up and down while the top sash stays fixed. They're a solid choice if you're working with a tighter budget.

Double-hung windows let both the top and bottom sashes operate, which makes them great for ventilation and easier to clean — especially on the second story and above.

Fixed or picture windows are large panes designed to showcase a view. They don't open, which makes them a great complement to operable windows elsewhere in a room.

Casement windows are hinged on the side and crank open outward, allowing ventilation even during rain. They're often paired with fixed windows for better airflow.

Sliding windows glide horizontally on tracks, similar to a sliding glass door — a good fit for rooms with horizontal space but limited vertical clearance.

Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing outward, offering excellent airflow, a tight seal for energy efficiency, and an unobstructed view.

Specialty and custom windows — arched, round, triangular, hexagonal — are typically fixed panes designed to complement your home's architectural style.