Home Window styles

Your style, your budget

A plain-language guide to window styles

New windows are a big decision, and it's never one-size-fits-all. Here's an honest look at every major style — how each one opens, what it's great at, where it costs more — so you can walk into your free estimate knowing exactly what you want.

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Double-Hung

Two sashes slide up and down, and both tilt in for easy cleaning.

  • Timeless look that suits most Southeastern PA homes
  • Great ventilation from the top or bottom
  • Tilts in to clean from inside
  • One of the more budget-friendly styles
  • The widest range of options to choose from
  • More moving parts than a fixed window
  • Not quite as airtight as a casement

Best for Bedrooms, living rooms, and traditional homes.

Single-Hung

Only the bottom sash moves; the top pane stays fixed.

  • Lower cost than double-hung
  • Simple, with fewer moving parts
  • Solid energy performance
  • Classic, traditional appearance
  • Less airflow — only the bottom opens
  • Harder to clean the upper pane from inside

Best for Budget-minded replacements.

Casement

Hinged on the side and cranks open like a door.

  • Excellent airflow
  • Seals tightly for strong energy efficiency
  • Large, unobstructed glass
  • Easy to reach over sinks and counters
  • Costs more than hung windows
  • Needs clear space to swing open outside
  • Crank hardware can wear over time

Best for Kitchens, hard-to-reach spots, and energy-focused homes.

Awning

Hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom.

  • Ventilates well — can stay open during a light rain
  • Seals tightly for good efficiency
  • Pairs beautifully above or beside picture windows
  • Needs clearance to open outward
  • Crank hardware needs occasional care

Best for Bathrooms, basements, and high wall windows.

Horizontal Slider

One or both panels glide side to side.

  • Smooth, easy operation
  • No outside clearance needed
  • Great for wide openings
  • Budget-friendly
  • Not as airtight as a casement
  • Tracks need occasional cleaning

Best for Wide openings, ranch homes, and basements.

Picture Window

A fixed pane that doesn't open — all view, no draft.

  • Outstanding energy efficiency
  • Maximum glass and unobstructed views
  • Very low maintenance
  • Often less than operable specialty windows
  • No ventilation
  • Can't serve as an emergency exit, so not for bedrooms

Best for Living rooms, family rooms, and scenic views — often paired with an operable window.

Fixed / Architectural

A fixed window in a custom shape — circles, half-rounds, triangles, and more.

  • Adds striking architectural character
  • Very energy efficient
  • No hardware to maintain
  • No ventilation
  • Custom shapes cost more and take careful measuring

Best for Architectural accents and specialty openings.

Bay Window

Three windows that project outward, adding light and space.

  • Creates interior space for a shelf or seat
  • Dramatic curb appeal
  • Abundant natural light
  • Combines fixed and operable glass
  • A bigger investment
  • More involved installation
  • Flashing and cap must be done right

Best for Living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.

Bow Window

Four or more windows set in a gentle curve.

  • Elegant, rounded appearance
  • Even more glass and light than a bay
  • Adds depth and interior space
  • Premium pricing
  • More complex installation
  • May need added structural support

Best for Front-of-home living rooms and standout elevations.

Garden Window

Projects outward with glass on several sides — a little greenhouse.

  • Perfect for plants and herbs
  • Adds light and a built-in shelf
  • A charming touch over a kitchen sink
  • A bigger investment
  • More exposed to the weather, so proper installation matters

Best for Kitchens.

Hopper Window

Hinged at the bottom and opens inward.

  • Good ventilation and security
  • Well suited to basements, even below grade
  • Budget-friendly
  • Opens into the room
  • Limited sizes

Best for Basements.

Egress Window

Not a style, but a window sized to meet emergency-escape rules — usually a casement, double-hung, or slider.

  • Required for bedrooms and finished basements in many cases
  • Provides a safe emergency exit
  • Adds light and air below grade
  • Size rules limit your style choices
  • Basement installs may need a window well or excavation

Best for Bedrooms and finished basement conversions.

At a glance

Compare every style

A quick side-by-side. More stars is better; more dollar signs means a higher typical cost.

Window type Typical cost Energy Ventilation Maintenance
Single-Hung $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Double-Hung $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Horizontal Slider $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Picture $$$$ ★★★★★ None ★★★★★
Hopper $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Casement $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Awning $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Fixed / Shape $$$$ ★★★★★ None ★★★★★
Bay $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Bow $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Garden $$$$ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Ratings are general guidance — actual performance depends on the product line, glass package, and installation. We'll walk you through the specifics at your free estimate.

Still not sure which is right?

That's what we're here for. A Terrashield specialist will look at your home, your goals, and your budget — and help you land on the styles you'll feel great about. No pressure, no gimmicks.

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