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17 Popular Types of Windows

A list of top window types for your new home.

Updated on

January 29, 2024

Different types of windows are designed to serve different purposes in a modern home, from offering security to daylighting and enhancing the aesthetical appeal of the house.

Here are 17 window types that can be fitted in your home.

1. Round Circle Windows

These types of windows give your home some historical décor – making it look like Gothic or Victorian era house. Circle windows sell for between $250 and $750 per unit.

2. Arched Windows

These are windows types that came with rounded tops. Most of them are not designed to be opened and are commonly fitted above standard house windows types to offer ventilation.

Arched windows cost between $325 and $500 per unit.

3. Glass Block Windows

These window types are fitted on sections of a house to boost daylighting. They are often frosted or adorned with a patterned design to provide light and privacy.

Glass block windows are commonly used in bathrooms, toilets, basements, staircases, and other private spaces. They cost between $400 and $1,100 per window.

4. Sliding Windows

These windows have two sections that jointly form a single window. One of the sections is designed to slide horizontally over the other section to open or close.

Sliding windows often come in large sizes and cost $320 to $1,300 per unit.

5. Single Hung Windows

These types of windows are designed to open vertically with their bottom window pane or lower sash moving up and down while the upper sash remain stationary.

A single hung window costs $170 to $360 per window.

Single and double hung window. PHOTO | COURTESY

6. Double Hung Windows

These are similar to single hung windows only that both the lower and the upper sash can move up and down. They usually tilt out for easy cleaning and maintenance.

A double–hung vinyl window costs anything between $450 and $600, while a double hung wood window tends to be more expensive.

7. Egress Windows

These windows types are designed for safety. They provide an escape route in case of emergencies that prevent house occupants from exiting through the main door.

Egress windows are mostly fitted in the basement of a building.

Since installation may require some excavation, egress windows can be installed at a cost of $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the physical condition of a home.

8. Bay Windows

These windows jut from an exterior wall of a house to create a small shelf. They depend on flat windows set into an angled frame that are built out of the house.

Bay windows are usually large devices that are installed by a skilled window installer. This makes them quite expensive to install – at $1,150 to $3,550 per window.

A bay windows usually costs $240 to $800 per unit.

9. Casement Windows

These windows swing out to the side or up to open – allowing the window to be made of solid glass to offer a less obstructed view.

Casement windows cost anywhere between $270 and $750 per unit installation.

10. Jalousie Windows

These are unique window types that split into several planks of metal or glass. By cranking a level, the planks tilt to the side creating a series of openings for air to flow through.

Jalousie windows cost $175 to $375 per unit.

11. Awning Windows

These types of windows are ideal for regions with lots of rains thanks to their ability to create a water-resistant awning when opened.

Awning windows cost anywhere between $420 and $760 per unit installation.

12. Transom Windows

These are decorative semi-circular windows that break up space or add a unique design focal point. They are mostly fitted above doors or other standard windows in homes.

It costs anything between $200 to $575 to install a transom window.

13. Bow Windows

These are curved windows that make a circular area in the exteriors of a house. The cost of bow windows depends on the amount of window panels used to create the window.

A large bow window can be installed for between $1,400 to $3,800.

14. Storm Windows

These exterior windows, fitted within existing frames, provide an additional glass layer to prevent heat loss, making them ideal for cold climates.

15. Garden Windows

These types of windows are basically mini bay windows meant for plants. They act like small greenhouses that project out of a house.

Garden windows can be installed for between $1,000 to $4,000.

16. Hopper Windows

Hopper windows open from the top and are typically crank open to tip down.

Since they make efficient use of compact spaces, hopper windows are common on basements and bathroom.

These windows types seal up against the frame when closed all the way and are known for providing excellent insulation. It costs $265 to $720 to install a hopper window.

17. Skylight Windows

Skylights are usually installed on roofs to allow more natural light into the house. They are mainly used in situations where exterior walls do not allow installation of standard windows.