Here we will compare Bay Windows to Bow Windows, Single Hung Windows to Double Hung Windows, and other types of windows including their pros and cons so that you know what’s best for your home window installation projects.

Bay Windows vs Bow Windows

A lot of people use the terms bay window and bow window interchangeably, but they are actually two different styles of windows.

• Bay Windows: Bay windows typically have a large central window that doesn’t open, but then has two windows you can vent on either side. You can find this style of window with a flat sill or with a benched sill. A bay window is a great way to bring natural light into a room. This style of window works well in a living room space. It can sometimes be referred to as a box window as well.
• Bow Windows: Bow windows are generally arched out in a semi-circle which can offer a window bench seat or an area that allows for a shelf. Usually, each window is a duplicate of the other and opens. While a bow window is a great option for bringing light into a room, much like a bay window, the difference is the bow window offers better use of airflow, since usually each window is an opening window, perfect for a spring day.

Single Hung Windows vs Double Hung Windows

They may look similar at first glance, but they operate differently. Let’s look at what makes a window single hung or double hung.

• Single Hung Windows: Your general single hung window is the window most people think of when you have a window in a bedroom, your office, or maybe the kitchen. It’s attached top and bottom, and usually slides upward to open. A single hung window opens in one direction. They are an efficient and easy to find window and offers classic styling. Because they are traditional, easy to find windows, they tend to offer you an affordable option, as opposed to custom windows.
• Double Hung Windows: If you’re looking for a traditional look, but want a little more flexibility, you might look into double hung windows. Where the single hung window opens from bottom to top, the double hung offers two options, hence the term double. These are windows that can open like the single hung window, from bottom to top, but they also add the variety of being able to open them at the top, with the ability to push the top down. This offers you better control of air flow in your room.

What other types of windows are there?

When considering windows, there are a wide range of custom windows to choose from, but a few other traditional styled windows are awning windows, casement windows, and sliding windows.

• Sliding windows: Siding windows are just what they sound like, they slide, rather than lift. These work horizontally, so left to right or vice versa, in place of going up or down. If you have a narrow space, these can be a great option. You’ll often find these in hotel rooms or in an area such as an office building. These can also be a good choice for those who have difficulty lifting but can still slide something sideways.
• Awning windows: Awning windows open outward, rather than a simple flat style window like a single hung window or a sliding window. These are hinged windows, and you’ll often see them alone or doubled with larger windows that might not open. This allows ventilation. You’ll sometimes see these placed above things like doorways to allow air flow in an area that might not have optional space for larger windows. Sometimes, you’ll see these in sunrooms. Awning windows offer you a way to create a customized look, by pairing it with other windows.
• Casing windows: Casing windows also open outward, but usually are the full length of a window in a more traditional size. Think of how you sometimes see shutters beside windows. These are reminiscent of a shutter look. They usually hang vertically and are “cranked” open with a handle. You control how much you want to open the window, whether it’s a crevice or fully. Just like the awning window was hinged, so is the casing window. Only on a casing window, they are side hinges.