Window styles
Find the right window style for every room
The right style depends on the room, the view, how you want to open it and how it looks from the street. Here’s a straightforward guide to the styles we install every week.
Operating windows
Windows that open
Sliding
Slider windows
One sash glides sideways past the other. Sliders are the most common style in Salem-area ranch homes because they fit wide, short openings well and have few moving parts.
- Best for: bedrooms, living rooms, over kitchen sinks and counters
- Good to know: easy to operate and a great value
Hung
Single-hung windows
The top sash is fixed and the bottom sash slides up. Single-hung windows have a traditional look, a simple design and a great price.
- Best for: tall, narrow openings and budget-conscious whole-house projects
- Good to know: the fixed top sash is cleaned from outside
Hung
Double-hung windows
Both sashes move, and most tilt in for cleaning from inside. Double-hung is the classic choice for older and traditional homes.
- Best for: two-story homes, traditional styles, rooms where you want to vent from the top
- Good to know: tilt-in sashes make second-story windows easy to clean
Crank-out
Casement windows
Hinged on the side and cranked open, casements open fully for maximum airflow and press tightly against the weatherstripping when closed.
- Best for: hard-to-reach spots, catching breezes, a contemporary look
- Good to know: they swing outward, so check clearance near walkways and decks
Crank-out
Awning windows
Hinged at the top so the sash opens outward like an awning. You can leave it cracked open during a light Oregon rain.
- Best for: bathrooms, basements, and above or below picture windows
Fixed & specialty windows
Picture, bay, bow and garden windows
Picture windows
A large fixed pane that frames the view and lets in the most light. It’s often paired with sliders, casements or awnings on either side for ventilation.
Bay & bow windows
Windows that project out from the wall and add space, light and a seat or shelf. A bay usually has three panels, and a bow is a gentle curve of four or more. These often need new framing and support, and our crew handles that work.
Garden windows
A small glass box that projects out over the kitchen sink, with a shelf for herbs and plants. It’s a customer favorite.
Skylights
Daylight for hallways, bathrooms and kitchens without windows. Correct flashing is what keeps a skylight from leaking, so we take our time on it.
“We just had 8 Windows install this week including adding a bow window needing all new framing and also one window eliminated framed in and resided to get more wall space.”Larry D., Facebook review
Questions
Window style FAQs
Once you’ve narrowed down styles, see glass and frame options and the brands we install.
Can I change window styles when I replace?
Usually, yes. Swapping a slider for a single-hung or a double-hung for a casement often fits the same opening. Changing the size of the opening is also possible with a full-frame install. We’ll show you what works during your estimate.
Which window style is most energy efficient?
Fixed picture windows seal the tightest because they don’t open. Of the operating styles, casements and awnings press against their weatherstripping when closed, so they seal very well. The glass package matters more than the style, though, so we always look at both.
What window works best over a kitchen sink?
Sliders and casements are easy to open when you’re reaching over a counter. A garden window is a favorite if you want a shelf for herbs and plants.
What are egress windows?
Bedrooms need a window big enough to climb out of in an emergency. When we replace bedroom windows we make sure the new style and size still meet egress requirements.
Keep exploring
More windows & doors services
Free, no-pressure estimates
Ready for windows you’ll love for decades?
Talk to Mike and the team directly. We’ll come out, measure, walk you through your options, and give you a written quote. No call centers, no high-pressure sales.