Different Types Of Windows Styles & Frames Explained
Windows play a crucial role in the comfort, appearance, and energy efficiency of any home. They allow natural light into rooms, provide ventilation, and help regulate temperature throughout the year. In the UK, there are many different types of windows available, ranging from traditional sash windows used in historic homes to modern casement and sliding designs found in contemporary architecture.
Many homeowners researching types of windows are trying to understand which style works best for their property. Some want windows that match the architectural style of a period home, while others are focused on improving insulation or reducing noise. The good news is that modern window systems can combine traditional designs with advanced glazing technology, making it possible to achieve both appearance and performance.
In this guide, we explain the 10 most common types of windows used in the UK, along with additional variations that homeowners may encounter when planning renovations or window replacements.
If you are planning to replace your existing windows, you can explore the full range of double glazed windows available here:
Quick Comparison of the Most Popular Types of Windows
Before looking at each design in detail, the table below shows some of the most widely used window styles found in British homes. You can also go to the specific details of each style but clicking it’s name in the table.
| Window Type | Typical Property Style | Opening Method | Common Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casement Windows | Modern homes | Side or top hinged | uPVC / Aluminium / Timber |
| Sash Windows | Period homes | Vertical sliding | Timber / uPVC |
| Tilt and Turn Windows | Apartments | Tilt and inward swing | uPVC |
| Bay Windows | Victorian houses | Projecting outward | Timber / uPVC |
| Bow Windows | Decorative homes | Curved projection | uPVC |
| Sliding Windows | Contemporary homes | Horizontal sliding | Aluminium |
| Roof Windows | Loft conversions | Pivot opening | Aluminium |
| French Windows | Patio areas | Double casement | Timber / uPVC |
| Fixed Windows | Modern architecture | Non-opening | Aluminium / uPVC |
| Awning Windows | Bathrooms / kitchens | Top hinged | uPVC |
Check the below infographics showing visually different types of windows that are used in UK homes. You can also share this infographics on social media or with your friends and colleagues.
What Are the 8 Main Types of Windows?
When homeowners search for 10 types of windows, they are usually referring to the most commonly used residential window designs.
The main window styles include:
2. Sash windows
5. Bay windows
6. Bow windows
7. Roof windows
Each of these window types offers different benefits depending on ventilation requirements, property style, and architectural design.
1. Casement Windows
Casement Window Opening Demonstration
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How to use:
Click the buttons to see how a UK casement window opens outward from the side hinge.
Click the buttons to see how a UK casement window opens outward from the side hinge.
Casement windows are one of the most popular window styles in the UK. These windows are hinged at the side or top and open outward using a handle. Because the entire window panel can swing open, casement windows allow excellent airflow and are often installed in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms.
Modern casement windows are widely used in both new-build homes and renovation projects because they combine practicality with strong energy efficiency.
Quick facts about casement windows:
- Hinged at the side or top
- Very common in modern houses
- Provides excellent ventilation
- Compatible with double glazing
Many homeowners choose casement windows when replacing older frames because the design seals tightly when closed, helping prevent heat loss.
You can explore the available casement window designs here:
Properties that require a traditional appearance often use flush casement windows, where the opening panel sits flush with the outer frame rather than overlapping it:
2. Sash Windows
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How to use:
Click the buttons to see how a traditional UK vertical sliding sash window moves.
Click the buttons to see how a traditional UK vertical sliding sash window moves.
Sash windows are one of the most recognisable window styles in British architecture. Instead of opening outward, sash windows slide vertically within the frame.
Traditional sash windows consist of two movable panels that slide past each other. This design allows homeowners to control airflow effectively by opening both the top and bottom sections.
Sash windows are commonly found in:
- Georgian homes
- Victorian terraces
- Edwardian properties
- Conservation areas
Because sash windows are closely associated with historical architecture, they are often required in listed buildings or heritage renovations.
You can check our double glazed sash windows systems here:
For homeowners who want the traditional appearance without extensive maintenance, uPVC sash windows provide a modern alternative:
Are Sash Windows Still Popular in the UK?
Yes. Sash windows remain extremely popular, particularly in period properties. Modern versions now include double glazing and improved sealing systems, allowing them to maintain their traditional appearance while offering much better insulation.
You can learn more about the types of sash windows in the dedicated guide.
3. Tilt and Turn Windows
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How to use:
Click Tilt Window to open the top inward for ventilation, or Turn Window to open the whole sash inward from the side.
Click Tilt Window to open the top inward for ventilation, or Turn Window to open the whole sash inward from the side.
Tilt and turn windows are commonly used in modern apartments and contemporary homes. These windows use a dual-opening mechanism that allows them to tilt inward for ventilation or swing fully inward for cleaning.
This design makes them particularly practical for upper floors where cleaning the exterior glass would otherwise be difficult.
4. Sliding Windows
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How to use:
Click the button to slide one sash horizontally and see how a standard sliding window opens.
Click the button to slide one sash horizontally and see how a standard sliding window opens.
Sliding windows open by moving horizontally along a track rather than swinging outward. This makes them particularly useful in locations where space is limited.
Because sliding windows can accommodate larger panes of glass, they are often used in modern architectural designs that prioritise natural light.
5. Bay Windows
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How to use:
Click the buttons to see a 4-sided bay window projecting outward from the wall, with the two angled side windows opening outward.
Click the buttons to see a 4-sided bay window projecting outward from the wall, with the two angled side windows opening outward.
Bay windows project outward from the wall of a building, creating additional interior space and allowing light to enter from multiple directions.
They are commonly installed in Victorian and Edwardian homes where they form a distinctive architectural feature.
Bay Windows vs Bow Windows
| Feature | Bay Windows | Bow Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Angular design with sharp angles | Smooth curved design |
| Panels | Usually 3 window panels | Usually 4–6 window panels |
| Appearance | Traditional architectural look | More decorative and elegant style |
6. Bow Windows
Bow windows use multiple panels arranged in a smooth curve. This design creates a wider viewing angle and allows more natural light to enter the room.
Bow windows are often chosen for their decorative appearance and are commonly installed in living rooms.
7. Roof Windows
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How to use:
Click the buttons to see how a typical centre-pivot roof window opens within a sloping roof.
Click the buttons to see how a typical centre-pivot roof window opens within a sloping roof.
Roof windows, also known as skylights, are installed directly into the roof rather than the wall. They are commonly used in loft conversions or attic spaces.
Roof windows allow daylight to enter rooms that would otherwise have limited natural lighting.
There are also different types of roof windows further such as Centre Pivot, top hung, escape roof windows etc.
8. French Windows
Window Opening Style
French Windows
French windows consist of two casement panels that open outward without a central frame. When both panels are opened, they create a wide opening that helps connect indoor living spaces with patios, terraces, or garden areas.
Best For Patio areas and garden-facing rooms
Opening Style Double casement opening outward
Key Benefit Wide, unobstructed access when both panels open
Common Materials Timber / uPVC
Closed View
Two outward-opening panels with no fixed centre obstruction Click the button to see the full opening effect.
Windows Opening Styles Explained
Windows can also be classified by the way they open. Understanding window opening styles can help homeowners choose the most suitable design for ventilation and accessibility.
Common opening styles include:
- Side-hung windows – hinged at the side
- Top-hung windows – hinged at the top
- Sliding windows – move horizontally
- Tilt-and-turn windows – dual opening mechanism
- Fixed windows – non-opening designs
Interactive Window Demo
Window Opening Styles Explained
Select a style to see how it opens, where it works best, and why homeowners choose it. This gives visitors a quick visual explanation without long paragraphs.
Choose a window opening style
Side Hung
Best for: Everyday ventilation
Opens this way
Opens outward from the side and is one of the most practical options for everyday ventilation.
Ventilation
High High
Cleaning
Moderate Moderate
Best for
Living rooms, bedrooms
Practical use: A strong all-round option when you want a clear, easy-to-understand window style with good airflow.
Traditional Window Styles in British Architecture
Many homes across the UK still feature window styles that reflect the architectural periods in which they were built. These traditional designs are closely associated with historical eras such as the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. While modern window technology has improved insulation and security, these classic styles remain popular because they preserve the original character of period properties.
Understanding the differences between Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian window styles can help homeowners choose a window design that complements the architecture of their property.
Georgian Windows
Georgian windows are known for their symmetrical design and distinctive glazing bars that divide the glass into multiple small panes. A traditional Georgian sash window often follows a six-over-six configuration, where each sash contains six individual panes arranged in a grid pattern.
This design originated during the Georgian period when large sheets of glass were difficult to manufacture, so windows were constructed using several smaller panes.
Today, Georgian-style windows are often recreated using decorative glazing bars applied to modern double-glazed units. This approach preserves the traditional appearance while improving thermal performance.
You can see an example of this style in our Georgian bar uPVC sash windows, which combine the classic Georgian design with modern double glazing technology.
Victorian Windows
Victorian windows became popular during the 19th century when glass manufacturing technology improved and larger panes of glass became available. As a result, Victorian window designs often feature two-over-two sash windows, with larger panes and fewer glazing bars than Georgian styles.
Victorian homes are also well known for their decorative bay windows, which project outward from the façade of the building and allow more natural light into interior spaces.
Modern Victorian-style sash windows maintain this traditional appearance while incorporating modern materials and energy-efficient glazing. For example, our Ecoslide sash windows replicate the classic Victorian sliding sash design while offering the durability and low maintenance of modern materials.
Edwardian Windows
Edwardian windows represent a transitional style between Georgian symmetry and Victorian simplicity. A common Edwardian sash window features a six-over-two configuration, with smaller panes in the upper sash and a single large pane in the lower sash.
Edwardian homes often include large bay windows and wider window openings, which were designed to maximise natural light and create brighter interior spaces.
When restoring Edwardian properties, homeowners often choose modern sash windows that match the original design while benefiting from improved insulation and security. You can learn more about these designs in our guide to Edwardian windows, which explains how traditional aesthetics can be combined with modern glazing technology.
Types of Window Frame Materials
The material used for a window frame plays an important role in durability, maintenance requirements, insulation performance, and overall appearance. In the UK, most modern windows are manufactured using uPVC, timber, or aluminium, each offering different advantages depending on the style of property and the homeowner’s priorities.
uPVC Windows
uPVC windows are one of the most widely used window types in the UK due to their affordability, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Unlike timber frames, uPVC does not need to be repainted and is resistant to moisture, meaning it will not rot or warp over time.
Modern uPVC frames also provide excellent insulation when combined with double glazing, helping homeowners reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Many homeowners upgrading older windows choose uPVC windows because they provide a cost-effective way to improve both security and thermal performance.
Timber Windows
Timber windows have been used in British homes for centuries and remain a popular choice for period properties. Their natural appearance makes them particularly suitable for conservation areas and heritage buildings where maintaining the original architectural style is important.
High-quality timber frames offer excellent insulation and durability when properly maintained. Timber windows are especially common in traditional sash installations, where the authentic material helps preserve the historical character of the building.
Aluminium Windows
Aluminium windows are often chosen for contemporary homes because they provide slim frames and a sleek, modern appearance. The strength of aluminium allows manufacturers to create larger glass areas while maintaining structural stability.
This makes aluminium windows particularly suitable for modern architectural designs and large window openings. Homeowners looking for a modern aesthetic often choose aluminium windows because they combine durability, low maintenance, and minimalist design.
Best Types of Windows for Different Rooms
Different rooms benefit from different window designs.
Living rooms often use large bay or bow windows to maximise natural light. Kitchens usually benefit from casement windows because they provide strong ventilation.
Bathrooms typically use top-hung windows or frosted glass designs to maintain privacy while allowing airflow.
Bedrooms usually require windows that provide both ventilation and insulation, making sash and casement windows common choices.
Energy Efficient Window Types
Energy efficiency is one of the main reasons homeowners replace old windows. Modern double glazing significantly improves insulation by trapping air between two panes of glass.
Casement windows and modern sash windows fitted with high-quality seals are both capable of delivering excellent thermal performance.
You can learn more about window energy ratings here:
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Types Of Windows
The most common types of windows in the UK include casement windows, sash windows, tilt-and-turn windows, bay windows, and sliding windows. Casement windows are particularly popular because they are affordable, energy efficient, and suitable for both modern and traditional homes.
Sash windows slide vertically within the frame, while casement windows open outward using side hinges. Sash windows are typically found in traditional and period homes, whereas casement windows are more common in modern properties.
Casement windows are often considered the most energy efficient because their design allows the window to seal tightly against the frame when closed. However, modern sash windows with high-quality double glazing can also provide excellent insulation.
Victorian houses typically use sash windows or bay windows. These styles match the architectural design of Victorian properties and help maintain the traditional appearance of the building.
Modern homes often use casement windows, aluminium windows, sliding windows, or large fixed windows. These designs provide larger glass areas and cleaner architectural lines.
The most affordable window style is usually a uPVC casement window. uPVC frames are inexpensive to manufacture and require very little maintenance, making them one of the most cost-effective options for homeowners.
Modern double glazed windows typically last between 20 and 35 years depending on the quality of materials and installation. Proper maintenance can extend their lifespan even further.
In some cases, replacement windows inserts can be installed without removing the entire frame. However, full frame replacement is often recommended when upgrading to modern double glazing.
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