One of the best ways to upgrade your home is to install new windows. By replacing your old windows, you enhance your home’s value, energy performance, and aesthetics. Plus, you have the opportunity to give your home a new look both inside and outside.
If you’ve decided to purchase new windows, you have quite a few questions to consider. What style of window do you want? What aesthetic options should you choose? How important is energy efficiency?
This all might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, choosing windows that best fit your taste and sense of style should be fun. So relax, take a deep breath, and let us help you find the perfect window styles for your home.
Explore Popular Window Styles for Every Home
In today’s replacement market, there are arguably as many window styles as architectural styles – and there’s a plethora of aesthetic options to boot. To make the most informed decision you can, you’ll want to become acquainted with the window styles available today.
Understanding Different Types of Replacement Windows
Let’s start with the single-hung window. These are operable windows in which only the bottom sash opens. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for a basic replacement window.
Then there’s the double-hung window. Obviously, both sashes move in these models, making them easy to clean. Although double-hung windows are typically more expensive than single hungs, many homeowners like having the option of opening both sashes.
Single-hung and double-hung windows have been the standard in American homes for decades. But in recent years, horizontal sliders have become increasingly popular. As their name suggests, sliders open horizontally as opposed to vertically, giving homeowners uninterrupted glass space.
Speaking of glass space, if you really want to take advantage of the views surrounding your home, you might want to consider picture windows. These windows are inoperable; but, since they have no meeting rail, they can provide large expanses of glass. You can center a picture window and put operable windows to either side – this is called a mulled unit – if you want the best of both worlds.
Picture windows are also a great choice if you’re looking to jazz up your space with specially shaped windows. Picture windows shaped like octagons, circles, radiuses, etc., are great choices in a variety of settings.
Circling back to operable windows, let’s explore casements and awnings. Both of these windows are opened with a crank handle; the difference is that casements are hinged on the side and swing out while awnings are hinged on the top and swing up from the bottom. These windows are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms. In addition, awning windows are used in basements, while it’s not unusual to see casements paired with picture windows and installed in living rooms and dining rooms.
Choosing the Right Window Styles for Your House
Now that you’re familiar with the types of windows on the replacement market, it’s time to determine which ones best complement your home. The good news is that most modern windows look good in just about any setting. But, if you’re gunning for a particular look, you might find that there’s one or two window styles that work best for your house.
To begin, consider your home’s architectural design. A Colonial, Victorian, or farmhouse will look better with traditional single-hung or double-hung windows, as those were the most common types of windows when these houses were first popular.
On the other hand, if you have a more modern house, then you have some room to get creative. Naturally, neither a single hung or double hung will ever look out of place. But with a contemporary house, you might be inclined to install a slider, picture window, or some type of mulled unit.
Sunrise Window Styles: Features & Benefits
Here at the Sunrise Collection, we offer every style of window mentioned above. But we also have a number of options that will enhance your windows’ performance and aesthetics.
Premium Design and Curb Appeal
We proudly manufacture windows with sleek, modern designs that will complement your home. What’s more, we offer several aesthetic enhancements. Whether you want grids, blinds, or rain glass, we have something to suit your needs. And our color options are second to none. It doesn’t matter if you want something dark (think black or royal brown) or light (white or tan), the Sunrise Collection has something for you. We even offer custom colors that are sure to add a little pizzazz to your windows.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Energy efficiency is of the utmost importance, and the windows in the Sunrise Collection are engineered to reflect that. Our standard window unit is double glazed, though we offer a triple-pane option on some models for added performance. Likewise, Low-E glass coatings are
standard on all Sunrise windows, but you can also get high-performance Low-E. And to really augment your windows’ energy performance, you can get units with gas between the panes.
The purpose of these energy-efficient measures, of course, is to help you save money on your energy bills. By installing energy-efficient windows in your house, you’re saving money and helping the environment.
Durability, Security, & Low Maintenance
You want your windows to give you long-lasting service and security while requiring little upkeep. That’s what we strive to provide at the Sunrise Collection. Using the best vinyl material on the market, our engineers design windows that are built to last. And our hardware is carefully constructed to work seamlessly when it’s time to operate your window.
Comparing Popular Window Styles
With the number of window styles on the market today, it can be difficult choosing the one that’s best for your home. By comparing the most popular styles, you’ll be in a better position to make a decision.
Double Hung vs. Slider vs. Casement Windows
You can make a strong argument for any of these styles. Double-hung windows are popular because they look traditional and offer versatility. It’s nice to have the option of opening either sash. Moreover, as noted above, the fact that both sashes open makes them easier to clean.
Slider windows continue to grow in popularity. Slider windows, with their sleek, narrow design and uninterrupted glass space, project a modern look. They also have the advantage of being operable windows, so you can take advantage of a nice breeze on a warm day.
Like double hungs and sliders, casement windows are operable. The main difference is that casements open and close with a crank handle. If you’re worried about the aesthetics of a handle that juts out, rest assured that Sunrise Collection casement windows feature a folding nesting handle, so they’re tucked away and largely out of sight when not in use.
Cottage Style Windows: Unique Charm
Cottage style windows are double-hung windows that have a larger bottom sash than top sash. This design makes them ideal for cottages, but they can be found in other kinds of houses too. These windows clearly have a certain allure, but they’re also highly desirable because they’re operable and versatile. Furthermore, the larger bottom sash ushers an abundance of natural light into the home.
