Windows shape the personality of your home, enhance its architectural style, and improve comfort and efficiency. The right window design makes a room feel more open, adds character to your exterior, and even boosts your property’s value.
Whether you’re building a new home or looking to upgrade your existing windows, choosing the right styles is key to achieving both function and curb appeal.
In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of window styles that serve practical purposes and elevate the look and feel of your space. From dramatic picture windows to charming arched accents, these window ideas will inspire you to add style and light to every corner of your home.
1) Picture windows
If you’re looking to make a bold design statement while maximizing natural light, picture windows are a perfect choice. These large, fixed-pane windows don’t open, but they more than make up for it by offering expansive, uninterrupted views of the outdoors.
Whether you’re framing a mountain range, a backyard garden, or an open sky, picture windows act like living artwork for your home.
Picture windows are ideal for living rooms, dining areas, stairwells, or anywhere you want to draw attention to the view; they create a strong visual connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Their minimalist design suits modern architecture, but they can also be customized to fit more traditional styles by pairing them with grilles or decorative trim.
2) Bay and bow windows
Bay and bow windows are classic architectural features that instantly add charm, depth, and elegance to a home’s exterior and interior. These window styles project outward from the wall, creating a curved or angled shape that enhances curb appeal and expands the interior space.
Bay windows typically consist of three panels — a large central picture window flanked by two smaller angled windows — while bow windows include four or more equally sized windows that form a more gradual, rounded appearance. Both styles create a cozy alcove that you can use for built-in seating, reading nooks, or decorative displays.
These windows are especially popular in living rooms, dining areas, and primary bedrooms. They bring in abundant natural light and offer panoramic views. By extending the visual footprint of the space, they also make rooms feel more open and spacious.
3) Casement windows
Casement windows are a stylish and practical option that suits a wide variety of home designs. Hinged at the side and opening outward like a door, they provide excellent ventilation and a clean, unobstructed view when open. Their design allows them to catch breezes effectively, making them one of the most efficient window types for airflow.
Sleek and modern in appearance, casement windows are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms — anywhere you want to combine natural light with easy-to-use functionality. They’re operated by a simple crank mechanism, making them especially convenient for hard-to-reach spots like over sinks or counters.
4) Double-hung windows
Double-hung windows are a timeless and versatile choice that complements almost any architectural style, from classic colonials to modern farmhouses. Featuring two operable sashes that slide vertically within the frame, these windows allow you to open either the top, the bottom, or both for customized airflow and easy ventilation control.
One of the standout benefits of double-hung windows is their ease of cleaning. Many models come with tilt-in sashes, allowing you to clean the exterior glass from inside your home, which is especially convenient for upper-story windows. This user-friendly design makes them a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
5) Awning windows
Awning windows are an innovative, stylish solution for homeowners who want both ventilation and protection from the elements. Hinged at the top and opening outward from the bottom, these windows create an awning-like effect — hence the name — which allows you to keep them open even during light rain without letting water in.
Their compact, horizontal shape makes awning windows ideal for placement higher on walls, in bathrooms for privacy, or paired with larger fixed windows to add airflow without sacrificing natural light. They’re also a great choice for basements or other spaces where vertical space is limited but ventilation is needed.
Functionally, awning windows are easy to operate, usually with a simple hand crank. They also form a tight seal when closed, helping to keep out drafts and improve energy efficiency. Their design suits both contemporary and traditional homes, offering a clean look with practical benefits.
6) Clerestory windows
Clerestory windows are striking architectural features that can dramatically transform a space’s look and feel. Positioned high on a wall, typically near the roofline, these horizontal windows are designed to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy and valuable wall space.
One of the main advantages of clerestory windows is their ability to brighten interior spaces without compromising the room’s layout.
Because they’re installed above eye level, they allow for more flexible furniture placement, artwork, or cabinetry placement on the surrounding walls. They’re especially popular in open-concept living areas, stairwells, and modern home designs that emphasize clean lines and abundant light.
7) Arched or specialty-shaped windows
Arched and specialty-shaped windows add architectural character and a custom, high-end feel to any home. Unlike standard rectangular windows, these unique designs come in a variety of shapes — arched, circular, triangular, octagonal, and more — allowing you to highlight distinctive architectural features or create a stunning focal point in any room.
Arched windows are especially popular above entryways, in dining rooms, or as a dramatic accent in living spaces. Their soft, curved tops add elegance and a sense of grandeur, making them ideal for traditional or Mediterranean-style homes.
Other specialty shapes, like round or geometric windows, work well in contemporary homes, where symmetry and creative design are important.
Get your windows from Murray Glass
Ready to enhance your home with stylish, high-quality windows? Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of arched designs, the modern appeal of picture windows, or the timeless functionality of double-hung styles, Murray Glass is here to help.
Our expert team specializes in custom window solutions tailored to your home’s unique character and your personal vision.
From consultation to installation, we provide the guidance, craftsmanship, and attention to detail you can count on. Contact Murray Glass today to explore your options and let us bring natural light, beauty, and lasting value to every room in your home.
