There are so many options to consider when you’re remodeling or building a home. Materials, textures, colors, patterns – and that could just be the flooring options! Start thinking about fixtures, cabinetry and appliance upgrades and it’s easy to see why designing a home can be stressful.

We want to help lighten your load, at least when it comes to choosing windows. There are about 36 types of windows and each has its own purpose. Thankfully, that list is a shorter for residential properties, but if you’re not sure what window best fits your house, it can still be overwhelming. We compiled a list of some of the most popular windows and their best uses. Consider these before you install or replace your windows.

Sash

This is the most popular window option for many homeowners. There is either a single or double latch that secures the window and once released, a panel can be moved to let in outside air. Variations of the sash window have panels that slide horizontally or vertically. This type of window is ideal for nearly any room in your home because they are easy to use and replace if necessary.

Bay Bay windows are great for bedrooms and living areas. Its shape extends the room and natural light enters the room from three different angles. It’s a flexible area that many interior decorators like to use as an alternate storage or sitting space. Bay windows aren’t great for every room in your house, so be selective when you think about installing them.  Casement

This window type mimics a door because it is hinged only on one side. The casement window gained popularity in the United Kingdom, and many new homes on our West Coast use this type. You can choose from lever or crank handles as an opening and closing mechanism. Because of the unique way it operates, think about elevated areas, like above kitchen sinks that will make accessing it easier.

Double Hung

The double hung is the advanced version of the traditional sash window. It can open from both the bottom and the top. Homeowners with small children should consider this for their rooms.  You can let fresh air in through the top panel and avoid the dangers of having your child play next to an open window. The double hung window is hinged at the base of each panel – an added convenience when it comes time to clean them because you can clean the outside from inside your home. An experienced remodeler can fit double-hung windows into vertical or horizontal spaces, which gives you design flexibility.

Hopper

The hopper window is the cousin of the casement window. The main difference is that the panel opens inward instead of out. You’ll most likely see a hopper in a basement, bathroom or laundry room. They’re great light and ventilation elements, but we don’t recommend that you open them on a rainy or windy day. Your room will end up wet or with traces of the outdoors.

Picture

If your goal is simply a good-looking window with no other function, then a picture window could be a perfect addition to your home. They don’t open or move, but positioned in the right area, picture windows can provide the right amount of natural light for a room. In most homes, you’ll see picture windows placed high above or on either side of a door. Cleaning tall or expansive windows may take some professional help, but it’s a wise investment since they keep the elements out and let light in.

Once you settle on the best type of windows for the rooms in your home, the next step is to decide what materials and colors will work best. There are four materials that we work with to create standard, custom, and energy-efficient solutions for our clients. When you consider materials, compare the maintenance requirements, durability, strength, noise reduction etc. Speak with a remodeler at Statewide today about your replacement window options.