Architectural Features-WINDOWS

A home’s windows provide not just ventilation, insulation, and protection from the elements, a window actually frames your view of the world outside. Look over the list below, and you’ll never confuse a bow and a box bay window again.

Bay: Bay windows extend out from the side of a house, and typically feature 2 angled windows flanking a center window that’s parallel to the exterior wall of the house. A Bay window visually extends the space of a room and the elevated nook created at the base of the Bay window is often used as a window seat, adding to the charm and functionality of a room.

Bow: Similar to Bay windows, a Bow window extends from the side of a house but in a curved shape, different from the angular shape of a Bay window. The elevated nook of a Bow window is often used as a window seat, similar to a Bay window, but the costs of a Bow window are typically higher than that of a Bay window, due to the additional work required to create the curved shape.

Box Bay: Box Bay windows extend out from the side of a house, but are a square or rectangular shape with all 90 degree angles. These windows are often used above a kitchen sink, or anywhere an additional surface would be useful.

Casement: Casement windows are mainstays of both contemporary and traditional homes. Casement windows are hinged on one side of the window frame and open from that hinged side, similar to a door. In a traditional home a casement window typically features a multi-grid pane, and in a contemporary home a casement will typically have no grids.

Double-Hung and Single-Hung: These are the most common windows, with two separate window sashes that divide the window horizontally. They open up-and-down and while the Double-Hung window features two movable sashes, a Single-Hung window has only one movable sash (usually the bottom sash). Grids are sometimes used in these windows.

Oriel: You’re not likely to run into an Oriel window unless you deal with older homes. Oriel windows were used in Victorian and Tudor homes, and are located only on the second or third floors of a home. They are smaller in scale than the Bay window, and the brackets and supports underneath the window are worked into the style.

Paired: Paired windows are two separate windows set together so the two windows make one larger window opening. They are frequently topped with a larger arched (or Palladian) window to further the feel of one larger window. Paired windows are frequently called double windows.

Palladian: Palladian windows are a mainstay of traditional homes, where they are used to provide a focal point and a feeling of grandeur. They are often used in 2-story foyers or other high-ceilinged spaces. Palladian windows are named after Andrea Palladio, the 16th century Italian architect who used this window design extensively.

Ribbon: Ribbon windows are a series of identical windows installed together in a single run. They frequently called triple or quad windows, depending on the number of windows in the run, and are popular in new construction. Ribbon windows often are used to bring more light to a room, or highlight an expansive view. When Ribbon windows are installed near a ceiling – usually in a high-ceilinged space – they are called Clerestory windows.

This article is based on research from numerous sources, including but not limited to: REALTOR.org®, WindowAndDoor.com, JackieCraven.com, Architecture.About.com, CalFinder.com, Roof101.com, RealtorBenefitsProgram.org, GuideToColumns.com, bhg.com.

See my entire list of architectural featurs on my website.