Lake Washington Windows & Doors
Window Types Guide
How each of the eleven styles we install opens, and where it works best. The drawings show the window from outside. Dashed lines mark the hinge side; tap any drawing to see it larger.
Picture
Doesn’t open
Picture windows come in very large sizes and are sealed shut, which helps them hold heat. They don’t let in air, so they’re often paired with operable windows such as casements or awnings.
Good for: big views, extra light
Keep in mind: No airflow. Pair it with an operable window where you want fresh air.
Casement
Cranks open on a side hinge
A hand crank at the bottom swings the sash outward. Because the entire window opens, casements ventilate better than sliding designs. The crank works with one hand at arm’s length, so they suit high or hard-to-reach spots, and gaskets on all four sides help them seal tightly.
Good for: most airflow, big views, hard-to-reach spots
Keep in mind: The outside of the glass can be hard to reach for cleaning, and cranks on older units can wear.
Horizontal sliding
One sash glides past the other
Probably the most common style. Sliders usually run wider than they are tall, come as single or double sliders, and let you clean the outside of the glass from inside the house.
Good for: easy to clean, budget-friendly, kitchens, bedrooms & baths
Keep in mind: Slightly less energy efficient than hinged windows, and the track can collect grime.
Awning
Hinged at the top, opens from the bottom
Awnings ventilate well and seal tightly. The open sash tilts out like a small roof, so you can leave it cracked during a light rain. The crank is easy to reach, so they work high on a wall or above doors and other windows, and they’re common in bedrooms.
Good for: most airflow, hard-to-reach spots, kitchens, bedrooms & baths
Keep in mind: The open sash sticks out, so keep it clear of walkways and decks.
Single-hung
Bottom sash slides up, top stays put
Only the bottom sash moves. Single-hungs are often used in smaller rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms, and they generally cost less than a similar double-hung.
Good for: budget-friendly, bedrooms & baths
Keep in mind: Only the bottom half opens.
Double-hung
Top and bottom sashes both move
Lower the top sash, raise the bottom, or both. You get more airflow than a single-hung of the same size, and you can open the top while the bottom stays latched, which helps with small children or pets. Tilting models fold in so you can clean the outside from indoors.
Good for: easy to clean, kids & pets
Keep in mind: Moves less air than a casement of the same size.
Bay
A center window with angled sides that project past the wall
A bay combines angled windows that extend beyond the wall, giving you a wide, panoramic view and room for a seat or breakfast nook. The angled side windows usually open for ventilation. Bays are common in kitchens, bedrooms and living areas.
Good for: big views, kitchens, extra light
Keep in mind: It extends past the exterior wall, so it needs clearance outside.
Garden
A glass box that projects out, with vents on the sides
A garden window is a small glass box that projects from the wall, with a shelf inside for plants. Glass on the top and sides brings in light from three directions, and the side panels often open for air.
Good for: kitchens, extra light
Keep in mind: Sized for a single opening, not a whole wall.
Basement hopper
Hinged at the bottom, tilts in from the top
A hopper tilts inward from the top, so it opens high on the wall. Its short, wide shape makes it a natural fit for basement walls and other spots near the ceiling.
Good for: basements
Keep in mind: It opens into the room, so keep the sill area clear.
Transom
A narrow window above a door or another window
Transoms sit above entry doors, patio doors and larger windows. They pull daylight deeper into a room and make openings feel taller. Most are fixed, though they can be made to open.
Good for: extra light
Keep in mind: Usually fixed, so they add light rather than airflow.
Specialty
Arches, circles, triangles and other custom shapes
Specialty windows come in non-standard shapes such as arches, circles, triangles and trapezoids. Use one on its own as a feature or combine it with other styles. They can be built for energy efficiency and sound control like any other window.
Good for: extra light
Keep in mind: Most are fixed, so pair them with an operable window for airflow.
Compare all eleven
| Style | How it opens | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | Doesn’t open | Big views, Extra light |
| Casement | Cranks open on a side hinge | Most airflow, Big views, Hard-to-reach spots |
| Horizontal sliding | One sash glides past the other | Easy to clean, Budget-friendly, Kitchens, Bedrooms & baths |
| Awning | Hinged at the top, opens from the bottom | Most airflow, Hard-to-reach spots, Kitchens, Bedrooms & baths |
| Single-hung | Bottom sash slides up, top stays put | Budget-friendly, Bedrooms & baths |
| Double-hung | Top and bottom sashes both move | Easy to clean, Kids & pets |
| Bay | A center window with angled sides that project past the wall | Big views, Kitchens, Extra light |
| Garden | A glass box that projects out, with vents on the sides | Kitchens, Extra light |
| Basement hopper | Hinged at the bottom, tilts in from the top | Basements |
| Transom | A narrow window above a door or another window | Extra light |
| Specialty | Arches, circles, triangles and other custom shapes | Extra light |
Common questions
How many window styles are there?
Seven cover most homes: picture, casement, bay, single-hung, double-hung, awning and horizontal sliding. Counting variations there are more than 18. We install the eleven on this page.
What's the difference between single-hung and double-hung?
On a single-hung, only the bottom sash moves. On a double-hung, both sashes move, so you can open the top, the bottom or both. Compare them side by side
Which windows are best for soundproofing?
Windows with laminated glass. The plastic layer between the panes cuts down the noise and vibration that travel through glass.
Which windows insulate best?
Fiberglass windows. Vinyl vs. fiberglass buyer’s guide
What glass is best for houseplants?
Low-E glass. It reduces heat during the day, holds it at night and blocks harmful UV rays.
What works best in a bathroom?
Vinyl or fiberglass frames handle moisture best, especially near a shower. Bathroom privacy ideas Bathroom window ideas Shower window ideas
Do you replace sunroom windows?
Not at this time.
Which brand should I choose?
It depends on your home, style and budget. We install Milgard, Anlin and WinDor windows and can compare them for you at your consultation.
Window replacement around Seattle
Single- and double-hung windows are very popular in the Greater Seattle area for their convenience and versatility, and we install every style on this page. We replace windows in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Tacoma and across our service area.
See the windows in person at our showrooms in Seattle, Renton and Tacoma, or start planning a budget with our Seattle window costs guide.
Which Window Style Is Right for Your Home?
Not sure where to start with replacement windows? We will help you narrow it down. Answer a few quick questions about your home, style preferences, and project goals. Then, we will recommend the window style and product option that best fits your needs - whether you want more natural light, better airflow, improved energy efficiency, easier maintenance, or a fresh new look. At the end, you will get your personalized window recommendation plus access to an exclusive quiz offer toward your project.
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