If you’re thinking about new windows or window replacement in Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia, you’ll need to consider what the best window style is for your particular home. There are many different styles of windows, each designed for its own particular application. What works in one room or situation may not be right for another room.

Popular Replacement Window Styles in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia:

Here are some of the more popular window styles in the Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia areas:

• Double-Hung Windows: This style of window has two sashes mounted one above the other. Both the upper and lower sashes move up and down within the window frame. This style of window is unquestionably the most popular window style in the Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia area.
• Sliding Windows: These may also be called Sliders, Gliders, or Gliding Windows. To understand what sliding windows are, take a double-hung window and turn it on its side. Or, perhaps it is easier to envision the slider as the common sliding patio door only smaller. 
• Casement Windows: These are like a miniature version of swing doors that are hinged on the outer sides and swing open in the middle. Add to that a crank or lever for opening and closing and you’ve got your garden-variety casement window.
• Awning Windows: This style is similar to the casement window however, casements are hinged at the sides whereas awning windows are hinged at the top.  When opened, these home windows protrude out at the bottom and slant in toward the top.
• Bay Windows: Bay windows generally consist of three panels set at a thirty or forty-five degree angle. The larger central window is generally parallel to the wall and fixed. The smaller side windows are often operable windows, most usually double-hung or casements.
• Bow Windows: Bow windows are very similar to bay windows. The main difference is that bow windows consist of four or more panels, usually of equal dimension, arranged is a gradual arc. Bow windows are also generally all operable windows, either casement or double hung.
• Garden Windows: Garden windows are sometimes casually called ‘box windows’ and are commonly found in kitchens above the sink area. This is because the side panels and back panel are set at ninety degrees to one another and to the wall.and
• Shape Windows: Also called Fixed Windows. ‘Fixed’ refers to the fact that these home windows styles lack operable sashes; the glass is affixed directly to the window frame. Because of the simplicity of design of these new windows styles, they can be made in just about any size or shape to suit the special design needs of a particular room.

6 Key Window Style Factors for Consideration:

For each of the popular window types, you should consider:

1. How does the style function and what makes it unique or different from other types?
2. What are the features of the style?
3. What decorating scheme or type of home lends itself well to the window style?
4. What are the pros and cons of this window style?
5. What are the materials available for the window style?
6. What brand names that offer the window style?

If you do decide to replace windows, you’ll want to make sure you choose a style that will complement your home’s style, as well as provide the functionality you need to make the most of your new windows.

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people.  If you have any questions about double-hung windows, casements, awning windows, sliders or gliders, bay – bow – or garden windows, shapes, new or replacement windows of any kind … feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!