Window Styles Explained | Stay Glassy Ep. 7

Not all windows are created equal — and the style you choose affects everything from how your home looks to whether your bedroom is legally safe. In Episode 7 of Stay Glassy, Newman Windows and Doors pros Maria and Duncan walk through every major window style available to Southern California homeowners: sliders, casements, awnings, single and double hungs, picture windows, and bays and bows. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the options, this episode breaks it all down in plain language — with real windows, real demos, and the guidance to help you choose confidently.

Window Styles Explained: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Sliding windows are the most common window style in Southern California — versatile, secure, and available in modern and traditional looks
• Casement windows are the most popular choice among architects — maximum ventilation, beautiful aesthetics, and excellent for egress in bedrooms
• Awning windows are ideal for bathrooms, clerestories, and above entry doors — but do not meet egress requirements
• Single hung vs. double hung comes down to price and personal preference — double hungs offer full screens and easier cleaning; single hungs offer an unobstructed view through the top
• Picture windows never meet egress — they don't open, but they maximize views and natural light
• Bay and bow windows project from the exterior wall and require significant additional construction — base, roof, and structural labor all add to the cost
• Don't feel obligated to choose just one style — mixing and matching window types throughout a home is common and encouraged
• All bedroom windows must meet egress code — the operable opening must be large enough for an occupant to escape or a firefighter in full gear to enter

Sliding Windows

Horizontal sliders are the most common window style in Southern California and for good reason. They work well in horizontal spaces, suit both modern and traditional aesthetics, and come in a variety of colors and grid configurations. Quality sliders include a positive action lock — meaning the window automatically locks when closed — as well as anti-lift clips that prevent the window from being removed from outside when in the closed or vented position. They also meet forced entry code. Vinyl is the most common material, and dual-pane glass means outside noise stays outside.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are the top choice among architects for good reason — they offer maximum ventilation, classic good looks, and the best egress performance of any operable window style. A casement cranks open up to 90 degrees, providing a full, unobstructed opening. They're ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, and any area where strong airflow is a priority. The one placement consideration: casements project outward when open, so they're not ideal in tight exterior passageways, along pool decks, or anywhere foot traffic could result in someone walking into an open sash.

Awning Windows

Awning windows crank outward from the bottom at 30 to 40 degrees — a much smaller opening than a casement. This makes them a smart choice for specific applications: bathrooms, clerestory positions, or above an entry door where you want ventilation without leaving the door open. They're available in vinyl and fiberglass and come in a range of colors, including options with white interiors and colored exteriors to match different color schemes. Importantly, awning windows do not meet egress requirements and should not be used as the sole window in a sleeping area.

Single Hung and Double Hung Windows

Single hung and double hung windows look nearly identical from the outside, but function differently. A single hung slides up and down from the bottom only — the top sash is fixed. It has a screen on the lower half, leaving the top portion with an unobstructed view. A double hung has two operable sashes — both top and bottom slide — with a full-length screen and easier cleaning access, particularly useful on upper floors where you can tilt both sashes inward. The choice between them usually comes down to price: single hung is less expensive and more than adequate for most situations. Double hung is the right call for traditional or farmhouse aesthetics, or for homeowners who want full cleaning flexibility.

Picture Windows

A picture window is simply a fixed window — it doesn't open. Any window in its fixed configuration is technically a picture window. They're used where the priority is view and light over ventilation: overlooking a backyard, a lake, a forest, or any space where you want an unobstructed frame of the outside world. No screen, no hardware, just glass. Picture windows do not meet egress requirements and should never be the only window in a bedroom unless a compliant egress door or window is also present.

Bay and Bow Windows

Bay and bow windows both project outward from the exterior wall, creating architectural interest from outside and usable depth — often a window seat — on the inside. A bay window is three-sided, typically with 45-degree angled side panels and a flat front. A bow window uses more segments (usually five or more) for a gentler curve. Both require significant additional construction: a base, a roof or top treatment, and integration back into the home's exterior. That labor is why they're substantially more expensive than standard windows. Bay and bow windows are most commonly placed in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens — anywhere a dramatic focal point is desired. The side panels can be casements, single hungs, or fixed, depending on the look and ventilation goals.

What is the difference between a single hung and a double hung window? A single hung window slides up and down from the bottom only — the top sash is fixed. A double hung has two operable sashes, with both top and bottom able to slide. Double hungs offer a full-length screen and easier cleaning; single hungs leave the top section screen-free for an unobstructed view. Most homeowners choose based on price and aesthetic preference.

Can casement windows be used in bedrooms? Yes — and they're often the best choice. Casement windows open up to 90 degrees, providing a larger clear opening than single or double hung windows of the same size. This makes them excellent for meeting egress requirements, which govern the minimum opening size needed for emergency escape from sleeping areas.

Why are bay windows more expensive than other window styles? Bay windows project outward from the exterior wall rather than sitting flush in it. This means the installation requires building a base, constructing a roof or top treatment, and integrating the structure back into the home's exterior — all of which adds significant labor cost beyond the window product itself.

Which window styles meet egress requirements for bedrooms? Casement windows, single hung windows, and horizontal sliders can all meet egress when properly sized. Awning windows typically cannot due to their limited opening angle. Picture windows never meet egress because they don't open. Always confirm that the clear daylight opening — not the frame size — meets the minimum specs: 20 inches wide, 24 inches tall, 5.7 square feet combined, and starting no higher than 44 inches from the floor.