Knowing the most common types of windows isn’t only important for when it comes to knowing how to properly clean and care for your windows. Understanding the most common types of windows used in homes will help you to more easily determine your favorite window choices during a home purchase or renovation. Knowing window types will also help you to choose the best options for your plantation shutter window treatment.
No matter your window size or shape, Shenandoah Shutters provides the homes within our service area with authentic, wooden plantation shutters that simply can’t compare to any other window treatment. Making the decision to invest in custom, hardwood plantation shutters is a decision that will add value to your home, along with the many other benefits of plantation shutters. Plantation shutters are beautiful, energy efficient, private, and easy to maintain. Best of all, we can offer choices for any type of window in your home. To help you understand your options, here’s a look at 11 of the most commonly seen windows in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C:
Casement Windows
With casement windows, you use a handle or crank to open the window outward. The hinges are located on either side of the casement window. These types of windows easily allow air into your home, while at the same time being known as one of the most well-sealed windows.
Because of the unique design of casements, people often think that plantation shutters cannot be used on these windows. At Shenandoah Shutters, our original, patented design known as the Softedge is perfect for casement windows. With the Softedge design, hinges are completely concealed when you close the windows, giving you the neat, clean appearance that you expect from high quality plantation shutters.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are exactly what they sound like. These windows exist purely to offer a clear view of the outdoors. These windows are especially popular in scenic locations, providing breathtaking views. However, these windows do not open. Adding plantation shutters to windows such as picture windows allows you to enjoy the remarkable view without sacrificing the privacy of your home.
Bay Windows
Also known as bow windows depending on the look (more curved), this type of window is probably the one you think of when you think of a living room window with a cushioned window seat that is perfect for reading and relaxing. Bay and bow windows protrude outward, typically creating a kind of trapezoid shape. They usually combine picture windows with other windows, such as double-hung windows, creating 3 or more panels of windows that form the angle.
This kind of window is effortlessly the forefront of any room, letting in light and offering brilliant views. Plantation shutters let you control the sunlight and set the mood of your room while still enjoying the traditional coziness of a bay or bow window.
Single-Hung Windows
On single-hung panel windows, the top panel (known as the sash) is immovable, while the bottom opens. Because of this, single-hung windows, as well as similar double-hung windows, are often the windows of choice for walkways.
Double-Hung Windows
A double-hung window has two sashes that allow for vertical movement to open and close the window. Typically, these types of windows “tilt-in,” making them another strong candidate for the Softedge design.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top of the window and open with the glass facing down, allowing the windows to remain open even during rain or related weather. Awning windows tend to be used less for ventilation and more for adding greater view and light opportunities to a home.
Slider Windows
Another window that sounds exactly like its action, slider windows allow you to slide open the window for ventilation. A sliding glass door is essentially a larger version of this smaller window design.
When it comes to doors, in particular, Shenandoah Shutters, has a specific plantation shutter option for sliding glass doors, as well as equally complex French doors.
Skylights
These are a favorite of homes, allowing you to view the sky through the window installed in your ceiling. Plantation shutters are ideal for skylights because they give you the ability to filter in and out light when needed. With plantation shutters, you don’t have to choose between the view and mornings sleeping in without blasts of sunlight.
Stationary Windows
These are windows that aren’t designed to open. Instead, stationary windows make a statement with their design or contribute to the light and beauty of a home. Regardless of the unique shape of your stationary window, plantation shutters can be custom made to allow you to control the sunlight. Hardwood plantation shutters also serve to further enhance the beauty of your stationary windows.
Transom Windows
Transom windows are often (but not always) rectangular and located just above the beam of a door or window. Although they opened in decades past, today’s transom windows usually do not open. Instead, these windows tend to serve more of a decorative or aesthetic purpose. When installing plantation shutters, you can choose to have the transom window remain exposed to let in even more light and make a bold design statement.
Portholes
This unique window is closely associated with ships and boats, but is beginning to appear with greater regularity in today’s modern homes. Porthole windows (and similar windows) are simple, circular windows that make dramatic statements, particularly in bathrooms and seaside themed rooms. They let in beautiful bursts of light that can be gorgeously filtered with custom made plantation shutters.
Your Windows Are as Unique as Your Home
At Shenandoah Shutters, we recognize the uniqueness of your windows. No matter how unusual your window’s shape, we can craft a custom, real wood plantation shutter to match. Your plantation shutters will be built by seasoned employees who are dedicated to crafting quality wooden shutters. If you’d like to check out the plantation shutters in action on some of the windows listed above, we invite you to visit our woodshop and showroom in Richmond, Virginia. We also encourage you to view our online gallery for images of our plantation shutters on various types of windows. Ready to update your existing window treatment or install a window treatment for the first time? Schedule a free, in-home estimate and design consultation by calling 1-800-733-1549 or contacting us online today.
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