Popular Window Styles for Chicago Homes

Transform Your Home with Beautiful Windows that Match Your Architecture

The windows in your home have a dramatic impact on how your home looks and feels. They can brighten your interior and foster a warm, inviting atmosphere, while also creating strong curb appeal from the exterior. New windows, installed by Siding & Windows Group, provide many advantages, including increased energy efficiency, better views, easier cleaning and more secure locking mechanisms.

So, when you’re in the market for new windows, it makes sense to choose an option you’ll love for years to come. And that means considering not just practical features, but replacement window styles too. Today’s windows are available in multiple designs, offering you great customizability. Here’s a look at windows that are popular in the Chicago area, and the reasons homeowners love them.

Double-Hung Windows

The most common type of windows in homes today, double-hung windows feature two sashes (frames that hold panes of glass) that slide up and down on vertical tracks. Both top and bottom sash are moveable.

Pros

• Double-hung windows are made by many manufacturers, giving you many choices.
• They are reasonably affordable.
• They look great on many home architectural styles.

Cons

• The large glass panes can make break-ins somewhat easier.
• If installed low on the wall, they can be a hazard for children to fall out of them.

Casement Windows

This style of replacement window opens horizontally, rather than vertically. One side remains fixed to the wall with hinges at the top and bottom. Using a crank, the other side pivots open like a door.

Pros

• Casements have a fresh, modern look that many homeowners find appealing.
• They’re great at catching and bringing in breezes and airflow.
• They open narrowly enough to prevent easy break-ins.

Cons

• Their crank system can wear down and break.
• They have to be very large to work as egress windows.

Casements are second only to double-hung windows in popularity. Here’s a little more about how to choose between double-hung vs. casement style.

Egress Windows

As their name suggests, egress windows are specifically designed for the purpose of safely allowing homeowners an exit in case of emergency. They are typically installed in places where it would otherwise be difficult to leave the house in situations like a fire—such as the basement. Municipal building codes will define the specific size and other details for proper egress windows in your area.

Pros

• Many styles of windows—casements, single-hung, double-hung, sliding, awning—can be used for emergency exit purposes as long as they are large enough.
• They ensure you have other ways of getting safely away from your home in case of fire or other emergency situations.

Cons

• They have to meet the building code. In newer home builds, this will likely be relatively simple to address. In older homes, some added carpentry may be necessary to install egress windows that fit with current building code requirements.

Awning Windows

This attractive style of window is attached to the wall via hinges at its top. It has a crank that opens it upward and out, so that it mimics the appearance of an awning (hence its name). They are often used on lower levels of a home, and in basements.

Pros

• Awning windows are secure and tend to do well at resisting break-ins.
• They can be left open in the rain, as the raised glass blocks rain from entering through the opening.

Cons

• They’re not great at drawing in fresh air and cooling breezes.
• Their crank mechanisms tend to wear down over time.

Slider Windows

In this style of window, there are two side-by-side sashes—like a horizontal version of a double-hung window. In some sliders, both sashes can slide horizontally to open the window. In others, one sash is fixed in place, while the other is movable.

Pros

• Functioning like double-hung windows, sliders are easy to open and close, and they are durable.
• They’re super convenient if you like to open and close your windows a lot.

Cons

• They’re a bit dated in style, and you may prefer something more modern in appearance.
• They come in limited sizes and shapes.

Other Window Styles

There are several other window types that may be fitting for your needs and preferences, including:

Bay and bow windows — These windows bow outward from the exterior wall, and are often used in sitting rooms and bedrooms.

Half rounds — These are often installed above double-hung windows for added light and decorative appeal.

Fixed windows — These windows don’t open, so they are most appropriate in areas where light and a great view matter more than fresh air or egress.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Replacement Window Styles

As you imagine the increased satisfaction and joy that new windows will bring you, consider what features you most desire, and weigh your options.

Materials

Do you desire your window frames to be wood, wood-clad, vinyl, or fiberglass? Material choice can influence not just appearance, but more importantly, energy efficiency and level of care needed to keep them in good shape.

Cost

Do you have a specific budget to meet? Different window styles may work well or not so well with the number you have in mind.

Glass

Do you want impact-resistant glass? Tempered glass? Low-E glass? There are many options, some of which improve insulation value and UV penetration, while others are safer if you’re concerned about breakage.

Multi-panes

Do you want single-pane, double-pane, triple pane? Specialty glazing? Do you want argon or krypton gas fill between panes? Your choices here can add insulation value and improve energy efficiency.

The more you decide on these details, the more you will realize the best window style for your home.

Get the New Windows of Your Dreams

Why not dream a little and imagine the possibilities of new windows to beautify and improve your home? Look through our windows gallery for creative ideas and designs—and if we can answer any questions, contact Siding & Windows Group for a free consultation.