20 Types Of Windows for a House

When building or remodeling, the selection of window types enables you to customize your choice based on lighting needs and personal style. And since most windows last at least 15-20 years, choosing new ones is a big deal.

Type of windows

Here’s an overview and average costs of the 20 most common window types to help you make an informed choice.

Type of WindowDescriptionAverage Cost
Single-HungTall rectangle with two sashes, only the bottom sash opens$275-$600
Double-HungTall rectangle with two sashes, both sashes open$200-$1,200
CasementTall rectangle featuring one panel that opens via a crank or push$250-$600
SlidingHorizontal rectangle with two sashes$150-$800
BowFour to six windows of equal size installed at an angle and that extend past a home's exterior wall$3,600
BayThree to five windows installed at a sharp angle that protrudes past a home's exterior wall$1,200 - $2,600
PictureA fixed window, usually square or rectangle-shaped$250-$1,000
AwningA square or horizontal rectangle with a hinge at the top and opens via a crank or push$300-$1,000
GardenSmall projection window featuring four glass panels$2,000-$3,000
HopperA square or horizontal rectangle with a hinge at the bottom that opens via a crank or pulley$100-$1,000
ArchedWindows with an arch at the top$275 - $875
RoundCircular windows, usually fixed$200+
JalousieA window with split slats, or louvers, that open and close in unison$200-$400
TransomA small window over top of a door$150-$300
Glass BlockWindows composed of individual squares of thick glass $100-$1,000
EgressA window that meets guidelines set by the International Residential Code for fire safety$200 - $1,200
SkylightRooftop windows$900 - $2,300
StormInserts that go over a regular window to increase energy efficiency$85 - $180

20 Different Types Of Windows


1. Single-Hung Windows

Single Hung Window

A single-hung window is a tall rectangle with two sashes. The top sash is stationary, and the bottom sash opens vertically for ventilation. Single-hung windows are among the most common types found in residential homes.

The biggest con is most don’t tilt in for cleaning. But even with this drawback, single-hung windows are more energy efficient than double-hung versions because of their stationary top. They’re also less expensive.

Standard widths for single-hung windows range from 24 to 48 inches, and heights range from 36 to 72 inches. Average costs are $275 to $600 per window.


2. Double-Hung Windows

Double-Hung Windows

A double-hung window is similar to a single-hung window – a tall rectangle with two sashes. The difference is both sashes open and close. Most double-hung windows have sashes that can tilt in for easy cleaning.

Double-hung windows are the most popular replacement window. They’re staples in living rooms and bedrooms and can even be used as egress basement windows when space allows. The only drawback is that since both sashes open, they aren’t as airtight as a single-hung or fixed window.

The most common widths for a double-hung window are 24 to 48 inches, and standard heights range from 36 to 72 inches. Average costs are $600 per window, ranging from $200 to $1,200 depending on size, material, and brand.


3. Casement Windows

Casement Windows

Casement windows feature one panel (or sash). Casement windows have a side hinge and open outward to the left or right. Most casement windows open through a hand crank. Some versions have a handle instead, which you push to open and pull to shut the window.

There are many variations of this style, including the double or French casement window. These imitate french doors with two windows side by side that open outward. You can even order fixed casement windows to give you the look without the functionality.

The average widths of casement windows range from 17 to 59 inches. Standard heights vary from 17 to 63 inches. You can get a vinyl casement window for $250 – $600, with the average replacement costing $650, including installation.


4. Sliding Windows

Sliding window

Sliding windows are wide rectangles with two sashes that open horizontally. One or both sashes can open, depending on the type. These windows are common picks for basements, over the kitchen sink, and bathrooms.

Sliding windows are low-maintenance, but you need to pay attention to their track so it doesn’t get clogged with dirt. The biggest con is they’re easy to break into. You can fix this with a more secure lock or a stopper bar.

Standard sliding windows range from 36 to 84 inches wide, and heights vary from 24 to 60 inches. Prices are $150 to $800 per window, depending on size, brand, and frame material.


5. Bow Windows

Bow Window

Bow windows feature 4-6 windows of equal size. They are installed at a slight angle,  “bowing” away from the house. Bow windows create a nook inside that many homeowners equip with a window seat. 

These windows originated in the 18th century United Kingdom and now grace many Victorian-style and modern homes. A bow window can contain any window type, but casement and fixed are the most popular options. 

Bow window sizes range from 42 inches to 120 inches in width, with typical window heights of 42  inches to 78 inches. The average cost is $3,600, but if you’re putting a bow window where one has never been, prices can far exceed this.


6. Bay Windows

Bay Windows

Bay windows are a type of projection window featuring 3-5 panels or windows. They have sharper angles than bow windows and protrude further from the home’s exterior wall. A typical bay window setup includes a picture window in the middle and two operable windows, like double-hung or casement, on either side.

Bay windows are customizable, and there are many versions, including canted, oriel, and box. While bay windows are a considerable investment, they can boost your home’s curb appeal and provide extra interior space. Many homeowners add window seats or holiday decor to their bay windows.

Bay window widths range from 36 to 126 inches wide, with heights spanning 36 to 78 inches. The average cost of a bay window is $1,200 to $2,600.


7. Picture Windows

Picture window

Picture windows are large windows with a low profile frame. The glass on these windows is left bare for unobstructed views. The purpose of picture windows is to act as a frame, displaying views outside.

Picture windows don’t open, which gives them an airtight seal, offering better energy efficiency than other styles. If you’re looking to create a design focal point but don’t want the projection of a bay or bow window, a picture window is a nice alternative.

The most common widths for a picture window are 24 to 96 inches, with typical heights reaching 96 inches. Size is the biggest pricing factor, with costs ranging from $250 to $1,000.


8. Garden Windows

Garden Window

Garden windows are small projection windows with four glass panels, popular over the kitchen sink. They feature a middle glass panel, one on each side and another as a roof. The design emulates a greenhouse, giving homeowners a place to grow houseplants or herbs. 

Garden windows can increase natural light in a space, but they are expensive at about ten times the price of a single-hung window. Without proper installation, these windows tend to sag and leak. It’s crucial to have garden windows installed by a professional.

Most garden windows range from 24” x 24” to 72” x 60.” A standard 24” x 36” garden window costs between $2,000 and $3,000.


9. Awning Windows

Awning Window

The typical awning window is a wide rectangle or square with a hinge at the top. These windows open up and outward, most often by using a hand crank. Awning windows are popular for basements, bathrooms, and other tight areas.

You can open awning windows for ventilation even when it’s raining. They are secure and less prone to leaks. Their biggest drawback is the hand crank, which may need replacing every few years, depending on the frequency of use.

Standard awning window widths range from 18 to 48 inches, with heights from 12 to 48 inches. An awning window will cost you $300 to $1,000, depending on size, frame material, and brand.


10. Hopper Windows

Hopper Window

A hopper window is the reverse of an awning window. It has a hinge at the bottom and opens inward and down. It’s another popular choice for tight areas like basements and bathrooms.

These windows allow for a lot of ventilation and are easy to clean. But since a hopper window opens inward, it’s unsuitable as an emergency exit and can pose a safety hazard when left open. Hopper windows can go on the top or bottom of other styles, like casement windows.

Standard hopper window widths are 30-36 inches with heights of 12-24 inches. You can find hopper windows as inexpensive as $100, with prices ranging up to $1,000 depending on size.


11. Arched Windows

Arched Window

There are many types of arched windows. Most have an arch at the top and a rectangle at the bottom. They can come in one big piece but more commonly consist of a regular window with a partial circle on top.

Some of the most popular arched windows include the radius, palladian, and half-round. Any of these styles can create a focal point in your home. Since arch windows are decorative, most don’t open for ventilation.

Since there are several variations of arched windows, there’s no standard size. The typical costs range from $275 to $875 per window, including installation.


12. Round Windows

Round windows

Round windows are circular, often called porthole windows. They are common for attics, closets, and tight spaces, but most don’t open. Instead, they provide natural light and add a decorative element to a room.

Common variations include the octagon, hexagon, half-round, quarter-round, elliptical, and half-elliptical. Since round windows are stationary, they have an airtight seal, making them energy efficient.

Round windows are 24-36 inches in diameter, with costs that start at $200 and go up depending on size, features, and brand.


13. Jalousie Windows

Jalousie Window

Jalousie windows feature split slats that open and close in unison by the turn of a crank. The design promotes ventilation and resembles a Venetian blind. These windows peaked in the 1940s – 1960s and fell out of favor when air conditioning became mainstream. Since they are not energy efficient, most manufacturers have stopped making them.

A benefit of Jalousie windows is you can replace individual broken slats instead of the entire window. Since they offer excellent ventilation, some homeowners add them to enclosed porches. They aren’t a good choice in other places, though, since they’re easy to break into, require a lot of maintenance, and leak air.

Jalousie windows come in sizes similar to double-hung windows. The average costs range from $200-$400 per window, but they’re harder to find.


14. Transom Windows

Transom Windows

Transom windows are small and go atop door frames. They debuted in the 14th century and have been a popular accent window since. Many homeowners place transom windows over entryway and interior doors as a design element and a way to let more natural light in the house.

Most transom windows are fixed. The styles that do open have hinges, functioning like an awning or hopper window. Transom windows can have clear or decorative glass.

Transom windows range from a few inches tall to over 36 inches, with standard widths of 15 inches to 96 inches. Costs for transom windows are $150 to $300.


15. Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows

Glass block windows are large panels of thick glass blocks. Many homeowners choose glass block windows for the basement since they’re secure and weatherproof. The biggest con to these windows is they don’t open or feature only small ventilation panels.

Glass block windows peaked in popularity during the 1980s, then fell out of favor. They’re making a comeback, with many homeowners adding them to bathrooms and using them for decorative purposes like shower stall doors and partition walls.

Rather than standard dimensions, glass block windows come in various sizes and designs. You can find small glass block windows for less than $100, while large panels are as much as $1,000.


16. Egress Windows

Egress Windows

An egress window needs to meet the International Residential Code for fire safety. These windows must be big enough for an emergency exit with a net clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet, a minimum opening width of 20 inches, and a minimum opening height of 24 inches.

Below-grade basements may also require a window well and cover. The window well is a u-shaped cut-out that surrounds the outside of the basement window, allowing space for an emergency exit and for firefighters to enter the home. A removable cover is placed on top of the well to prevent kids and debris from falling in.

Several types of windows can be egress as long as they meet safety codes. Single-hung, double-hung, casement, and sliding windows are the most common.


17. Skylight Windows

Skylight windows

Skylights are rooftop windows coveted for the natural light and views they provide. Most skylights are fixed, but some can open. With proper installation, these windows can add value to a home and make a room feel bigger.

The biggest downside is their potential for leaks. If a skylight is not airtight or its seal deteriorates, water can enter the home or get underneath the roofing material, causing damage. 

Skylights come in many sizes and shapes. The average cost of a skylight and installation ranges from $900 to $2,300.


18. Storm Windows

strom windows

Storm windows go on the interior or exterior of your home over your regular windows. They stop air leaks and increase energy efficiency, most popular for use with older single-pane windows. If you’re interested in storm windows, you can choose from various functionalities and styles.

The biggest downside is that they’re hard to keep clean. But storm windows are an ideal solution for homeowners who aren’t ready for replacements or have historical windows they’d like to keep.

You can find storm windows in all standard window sizes. They cost, on average, $85 to $180 per window.


19. Clerestory Windows

Clerestory windows are rows of windows that sit high up on a wall near the roof line. These windows date back to 300 A.D., originating in Roman Basilica architecture. They were popular in gothic churches and trains before making their way to modern homes.

Clerestory windows are often small squares or rectangles installed in a row to illuminate a room. Most Clerestory windows don’t open, but some are hopper or awning style, allowing for ventilation.

You can customize the size of clerestory windows. Sizes range from 1 foot wide by 2 feet long to 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. The average cost is between $1,000 and $5,000.


20. Custom Windows

Custom windows don’t come in stock configurations – instead, they are made to order. They include specialty shapes, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and those required for narrow spaces.

You can work with a manufacturer to develop a custom solution if you have a large or awkward space. In most cases, a design consultant or your contractor will come to your home and take measurements for the window. 

There is no standard for custom windows – they can be any size or shape. Costs range from $100 – $5,000+ depending on the size and function.


When choosing a window style, there are many considerations to make. Aside from the looks of the window, you need to consider how the window functions.

For example, a protrusion or outward opening window may not work if your house is close to another structure. In this case, you’d need window horizontal or vertical opening windows.

When buying windows, look for options with Low-E glass and an Energy Star rating. These will help with energy efficiency in your home.