8 Window Styles, Explained
Click any style to see full details, photos, and pricing factors on its dedicated page.
Garden Windows
A small box-style window with glass on three sides and a built-in shelf — the classic choice above a kitchen sink.
See Garden Windows →
Bow Windows
Four to six panels joined in a gentle curve — a bigger, more dramatic cousin of the bay window with extra floor space.
See Bow Windows →
Bay Windows
A fixed center pane flanked by two angled operable windows — a classic, slightly more compact projecting window.
See Bay Windows →
Slider Windows
Opens horizontally, sliding side to side — simple, reliable, and the most budget-friendly style.
See Slider Windows →
Casement Windows
Hinged on the side, cranks open like a door for the widest possible ventilation opening and a tight seal.
See Casement Windows →
Awning Windows
Hinged at the top, opens outward from the bottom — lets you ventilate even in light rain.
See Awning Windows →
Picture Windows
A large, fixed pane that doesn't open — unobstructed views and among the most energy-efficient styles.
See Picture Windows →
Single & Double Hung
Slides vertically — in a double hung both sashes move, which also makes them easier to clean from inside.
See Single & Double Hung →3 Patio & Entry Door Styles
French Patio Doors
Swings open on hinges for a classic look — open just one panel for airflow, a strong fit for older or character homes.
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Folding Patio Doors
Multiple hinged glass panels fold and stack to one side, opening up nearly the entire wall — ideal for entertaining.
See Folding Patio Doors →
Sliding Patio Doors
The classic two-to-four-panel glass door on a track — the most opening width for the least cost, and the most popular choice.
See Sliding Patio Doors →When to Choose One Over the Other
The most common questions homeowners ask before they call us.
Bay Window
- 3 panels — fixed center, two angled sides
- More compact projection
- Typically costs less than a bow
- Great for a cozy reading nook
Bow Window
- 4 to 6 panels in a gentler curve
- Projects out further, more floor space
- Reads as bigger and more dramatic
- Great as a living room focal point
Casement Window
- Side-hinged, opens like a door
- Widest possible ventilation opening
- Compresses shut for a tight seal
- Strong fit for a main window
Awning Window
- Top-hinged, opens from the bottom
- Ventilates even in light rain
- Popular above sinks & in bathrooms
- Pairs well below a picture window
Slider Window
- Opens horizontally on a track
- Simple, budget-friendly
- Common in SoCal tract homes
- Fits a wide range of openings
Single & Double Hung
- Slides vertically instead of sideways
- Double hung: both sashes move
- Easier to clean from inside
- Suits traditional & Craftsman homes
Patio Doors: French vs. Folding vs. Sliding
- Sliding: the most opening width for the least cost — the most popular choice
- Folding: opens nearly the entire wall — the most dramatic indoor-outdoor connection, ideal for entertaining spaces
- French: swings open on hinges for a classic look — open just one panel for airflow, best for older or character homes
Window & Door Styles at a Glance
| Style | How It Opens | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Garden | Fixed, projects outward | Kitchen sinks & herb shelves |
| Bow | 4–6 panels, curved | Living rooms, dramatic focal point |
| Bay | 3 panels, angled | Reading nooks, compact projection |
| Slider | Horizontal slide | Budget-friendly, wide openings |
| Casement | Side-hinged, cranks out | Maximum airflow, tight seal |
| Awning | Top-hinged, opens from bottom | Bathrooms, ventilation in rain |
| Picture | Fixed, doesn't open | Views, energy efficiency |
| Single/Double Hung | Vertical slide | Traditional & Craftsman homes |
| French Patio | Swings on hinges | Classic look, character homes |
| Folding Patio | Panels fold & stack | Entertaining, full-wall openings |
| Sliding Patio | Horizontal slide on track | Most opening width for the cost |
Window & Door Installation Across Southern California
Serving all of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the western Inland Empire. Browse a city page for local details, or call us — we probably cover your area.
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Buying Guide Questions, Answered
What's the difference between a bay window and a bow window?
A bay window has 3 panels — a fixed center pane flanked by two angled operable windows. A bow window uses 4 to 6 panels in a gentler curve, projecting out further and adding more usable interior floor space. Bow windows read as bigger and more dramatic; bay windows are a bit more compact and typically cost less.
Should I choose casement or awning windows?
Both crank open and seal tightly. Casement windows hinge on the side and open like a door, giving the widest possible ventilation opening — a strong fit for a main window. Awning windows hinge at the top and open outward from the bottom, so you can ventilate even during light rain, which makes them popular above sinks, in bathrooms, or paired below a picture window.
What's the difference between slider windows and single/double hung windows?
Slider windows open horizontally, sliding side to side — simple, budget-friendly, and common in Southern California tract homes. Single and double hung windows slide vertically instead; in a double hung both sashes move, which also makes them easier to clean from inside. Hung windows suit traditional or Craftsman-style homes, while sliders fit a wider range of modern openings.
Should I get French patio doors, folding patio doors, or sliding patio doors?
Sliding patio doors give the most opening width for the least cost and are the most popular choice. Folding patio doors open up nearly the entire wall for the most dramatic indoor-outdoor connection, which suits entertaining spaces. French patio doors swing open on hinges for a classic look and let you open just one panel for airflow, which fits older or character homes best.
Which window style is the most energy efficient?
Picture windows are typically the most energy efficient because they're fixed and have no moving hardware to seal, so there's less opportunity for air leaks. Casement and awning windows seal tightly too because they compress shut like a door. Slider and hung windows rely on a track seal, which can loosen over time.
How do I know which window style is right for my home?
It comes down to the room, the view, and how much ventilation you want — a kitchen sink often calls for a garden or casement window, a living room benefits from a bay or bow, and bathrooms do well with awning windows. Guy and Adam walk every homeowner through the options in person during the free on-site consultation and help you pick the style that fits the opening and your budget.
Explore Our Core Services
Windows Replacement & Repair
Complete professional installation, replacement, and repair for energy-efficient windows, custom size configurations, and specialty window designs — plus an honest fix for stuck sashes, broken seals, and worn hardware when a repair beats a full replacement.
Doors Replacement & Repair
Supply, expert fitting, and repair for glass entry doors, sliding patio doors, folding patio doors, and French patio doors — plus fixes for doors off track, worn rollers, and hardware issues.
Shower Glass Replacement & Repair
Frameless and custom shower glass, measured and installed right — plus repair for shower glass hinges, hardware, and cracked panels.
Get Your Free On-Site Consultation
Not sure which style is right for your home? Guy or Adam will walk you through the options in person — call or email to schedule.
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