When it comes to home design, windows are more than just functional openings – they play a crucial role in defining the character and ambiance of a space.
Picture yourself in your kitchen, contemplating how to brighten it and create a welcoming atmosphere for family gatherings – you might find yourself wondering whether a standard-shaped window is enough. Wouldn’t a round or arched one be better?
Given that there are so many window shapes available, we shouldn’t settle for less! So if you want to discover whether you can get creative with shapes when it comes to windows, keep reading! Below, you’ll find details about the most common ones in the industry. But first we’ll tell you more about window styles.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right window style can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and overall look, with options like double hung, casement, awning, and fixed windows offering unique benefits.
- Window shapes, including arched, round, triangular, and hexagon, add character and visual interest to your home, enhancing both its interior and exterior design.
- Distinctive window types like skylights, garden windows, Palladian windows, and oriel windows not only improve natural light and ventilation but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of various architectural styles.
Top Window Styles
Picking the right windows for your home is like choosing the perfect outfit – it’s all about style, function, and making you feel good! Each window type has its own pros and cons, influencing how your home looks and feels, inside and out. Before we discuss more about window shapes, let’s talk about the most common window types and their shapes:
- The double-hung window is a versatile all-star. It has two sashes that slide up and down and is praised for its traditional design. If you’re looking for something simpler, you can install a single-hung window with a fixed upper sash. These windows are usually taller than they are wide.
- A casement window, hinged on one side, opens outwards with the turn of a crank, letting in plenty of fresh air. However, not all casement windows have this mechanism – Magic casement windows, for example, thanks to our Parallex Hardware, operate without cranks or hinges. Our system forces the top and bottom of the sash to move together, thus eliminating the risk of sagging or warping. These windows are favored above others for unobstructed views and superior ventilation. Like double-hung windows, casement windows are usually taller than they are wide.
- An awning window, which is hinged at the top, opens outwards from the bottom, so you can keep it open even when it rains. Awning windows are usually installed in wide rough openings.
- A sliding window slides horizontally along a track. Sliding windows are perfect for wide wall spaces, providing a sleek, contemporary style.
- Fixed and picture windows, as their names suggest, are all about views. They don’t open but they do frame your outdoor scenery like a living painting.
- Bay and bow windows extend outwards from a building, creating little nooks of extra space within the house and, at the same time flooding your room with light.
Common Window Shapes
Let’s clarify something before getting to uniquely shaped windows – most operable windows have a standard shape, usually rectangular or square.
Operable windows can indeed be round, triangular, or some other shape, but this is rarely the case, as homeowners prefer fixed windows for these uniquely shaped rough openings.
Therefore, the window shapes we’ll discuss below are most often used only for fixed windows. If you want an operable window with any of these shapes, contact your window manufacturer to confirm if this is a possibility.
Below, we explore popular window shapes, their characteristics, historical significance, and how they can transform your home’s exterior and interior spaces. We begin with the timeless elegance of arched windows.
1. Arched Windows
Imagine walking into a home where a beautifully arched window catches the light, instantly transporting you through centuries of architectural history!
Arched windows have been used in home designs since the Roman era. Originally, they were valued for their structural support, symbolizing strength and stability. Then, during the Gothic period, arched windows took a slightly different shape, having become pointed arches instead of rounded ones.
Over the years, they’ve been used in various architectural styles, and now they’re quite popular among homeowners who want to add a touch of uniqueness to their houses.
In modern homes, arched windows are installed above doors or entryways, above standard windows in living rooms or bedrooms, along stairwells, in kitchens, and even in bathrooms.
2. Round Windows
Round windows, also known as rose windows (although this term is more often used for windows found in Gothic cathedrals and churches), have a long history, possibly originating from the Roman oculus, although their origin remains unconfirmed.
These windows were often used as decorative elements in cathedrals and other grand buildings. In modern design, round windows become captivating focal points, blending functionality with unique aesthetic charm.
These windows are perfect for adding a touch of Renaissance architecture to contemporary homes. Their circular design infuses a unique visual appeal to any room, helping create a sense of balance and symmetry. Whether placed in bathrooms, stairwells, or living rooms, round windows can bring a distinctive style to any space!
3. Triangular and Trapezoid Windows
Triangular and trapezoid windows are a distinctive architectural feature that can add a unique touch to your home. With their three-sided shape, they break away from traditional window designs, offering a fresh perspective and eye-catching appeal.
These windows can serve as striking focal points, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space while allowing for creative design possibilities. One of the key benefits of triangular and trapezoid windows is their ability to maximize natural light, particularly in areas with sloped ceilings or unconventional layouts.
They can be installed in various locations, such as attics or under eaves, where conventional windows might not fit.
4. Palladian Windows
Palladian windows consist of three window sections, of which the middle one is arched and larger than the other two, which have a standard shape. These windows are characteristic of neoclassical styles and are usually divided by columns or piers.
Now, why would anyone want such grand windows in their homes? Because they’re amazing! They can indeed be really expensive but imagine the amount of natural light they’ll let in! Plus, they serve as an excellent focal point in a large house, often installed on the second story of the building.
5. Transom Windows
Transom windows are a great addition to any home, typically installed above doors or larger windows to enhance both style and function. These windows can be fixed or operable, and they can have various shapes.
By increasing the amount of natural light and improving ventilation, a transom window can make rooms feel brighter and more open. Since it can take various shapes, this window type suits various architectural styles, adding elegance and practicality.
6. Dormer Windows
Dormer windows, which extend from a sloping roof, offer extra space and light in attics, making them more functional and inviting. These windows are often used to create cozy nooks and add architectural interest to the exterior of a home.
Like transom windows, they can be designed in various styles and shapes to suit different architectural preferences.
7. Oriel Windows
An oriel window is, in essence, a bay window, but it does not touch the ground, being supported by brackets, corbels, or other cantilevers.
The design of oriel windows allows for additional natural light and a broader view, making them a popular choice for the upper floors of any room – be it classic or contemporary.
8. Gothic Windows
Gothic windows are distinguished by their pointed arches and intricate stained glass designs. These windows allow for larger openings, contributing to the dramatic vertical lines typical in Gothic architecture.
Traditionally, Gothic windows were designed to enhance the illumination of interiors through colorful stained glass.
In modern homes, Gothic windows can bring a unique blend of beauty, history, and character, allowing homeowners to connect with a rich architectural tradition that dates back centuries and adding depth and dimension to the facade.
9. Cottage Windows
Cottage windows are basically double-hung windows, except that their sashes don’t have the same size. The upper sash is usually smaller than the lower sash, creating a charming and cozy aesthetic.
Additionally, the upper sash is often divided by muntins or grilles. These windows are very common in Craftsman-style houses.
10. Half Moon Windows
Half-moon windows are also known as lunette windows, although the term lunette isn’t used to refer to windows only – it refers to any half-moon-shaped architectural space, regardless of whether it’s glazed, void, or painted.
As their name implies, half-moon windows have a half-moon shape and they are often installed above doors, window walls, or other large windows to create an eye-catching architectural feature indoors and enhance curb appeal.
11. Skylight Windows
Skylight windows are a fantastic addition to rooftops, being designed to maximize natural light and create a sense of openness indoors. They’re especially useful for brightening up attics and bathrooms.
There are different types of skylights to suit anyone’s needs and preferences. Fixed skylights, which can be of numerous shapes, let in light and offer beautiful views, while vented skylights help manage humidity and improve airflow.
For smaller spaces, consider installing tubular skylights – an excellent choice for capturing and reflecting light.
12. Quarter Circle Windows
Quarter-circle windows have a design that resembles a quarter of a circle – just as their name suggests! They have one right angle and a connecting curve.
These windows are usually used in larger window systems, paired with other windows, for more natural light and enhanced design. They can be operable and fixed, although the fixed option is definitely more common.
13. Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows are a great solution for maintaining privacy while still letting in natural light – perfect for spaces like bathrooms and basements. These windows consist of thick glass blocks placed in a frame, offering better insulation than standard options.
Nonetheless, it’s worth considering that these windows distort views, so you basically won’t be able to see the outdoors through them. Plus, while aesthetically pleasing, glass block windows cannot be opened for ventilation, so it’s best to pair them with operable windows.
14. Garden Windows
Garden windows extend outwards from your home, creating a mini greenhouse effect that’s perfect for growing plants. They are similar to bay windows, except that they have three side panels and one middle (usually a picture window) panel. Some of these panels are operable for ventilation.
Garden windows are usually installed in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, as they let in more light and provide better views than flat windows.
Although perfect for plants, garden windows do have some disadvantages, including increased condensation and moisture problems, as well as too much heat loss/gain. If you do choose to install garden windows, make sure they’re energy-efficient.
15. Pentagon, Hexagon, and Octagon Windows
Pentagon, hexagon, and octagon windows, with their five-, six-, and eight-sided designs, add a unique geometric element that stands out in modern architecture, serving as an eye-catching piece in any room.
You can install these windows anywhere you want, from attics to kitchens. They are usually fixed, but you can ask the window manufacturer you’re working with if they can incorporate an operable sash for ventilation.
16. Elliptical Windows
Elliptical windows have an oval shape and differ from arched windows through their wider, flatter curve. While arched windows are preferred for their classic elegance, elliptical windows are usually praised for their contemporary look, being suitable for modern designs.
Elliptical windows are usually fixed and larger than standard windows.
Got a Unique Window Idea? Contact Magic!
Here’s a secret about Magic – no idea scares us! Whatever design you have in mind, we’re here to bring it to life!
Needless to say, our product specialists are eager to work with you to manufacture the windows of your dreams, regardless of their shape. Book your free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an L-shaped window?
L-shaped windows connect a roof window and a vertical one, creating a seamless transition between them for more light and views.
How can arched windows enhance the design of my house?
Arched windows can truly elevate the design of your house by adding elegance and a touch of historical authenticity, making them a stunning focal point in any room. They’re a stylish way to enhance both beauty and character in your space.
Are glass block windows a good choice for bathrooms?
Absolutely! Glass block windows are a great choice for bathrooms as they offer privacy while still letting in natural light.
What is the difference between bay windows and bow windows?
Bay windows have a three-panel design that juts out at an angle, while bow windows create a gentle curve with four or more panels. Both add charm and light to your space, but the shape is what really sets them apart!
Can garden windows be used in colder climates?
Absolutely, garden windows can be used in colder climates, especially if you opt for Canadian-made ones that are built to handle the chill better than some U.S. versions. Just make sure to choose the right type for your area!