Do you need help with what window style to choose? Every home has its own unique character and needs when it comes to replacement windows. This applies to flats, terraced houses, and new builds.
We asked Sophie Grealis, one of CR Smith’s design experts, to describe four popular window styles. She also discussed their individual features. If you would like to see further detail, on how each window operates, head over to our Advice centre.
You can read Sophie’s explanation of the four double glazed window styles or check out the video below.
New windows transform your home. But getting a great look depends on how old your property is, the size of your windows, house type, and of course, personal taste including colour and interior finishes.
There are four common window styles, each with different qualities.
The casement window style
The casement window is closely based on the slim and shapely design of an original timber window and the Lorimer casement is our most popular and versatile style.
Its sheer flexibility means the casement can feature almost any combination of fixed and opening windows and can be designed to complement most types of houses.
There are a host of finishes that can be included. From equal sight-lines, to give a symmetrical appearance both inside and out. To plant-on astragals, for a more traditional look.
The tilt & turn window style
The Lorimer tilt and turn window is extremely practical in terms of functionality but it also has a flexible, strong design which means it can be manufactured at very large sizes.
Its simple lines mean it will look great in any home and can be styled with plant-on astragals or transom bars to complement both modern and traditional homes.
The Lorimer tilt and turn window works particularly well upstairs and in flats, and combines beautifully with other styles such as our Lorimer casement window. It’s also a popular alternative to traditional sash and case windows.
The tilt and turn window opens in, like a door, for easy cleaning and fire escape, and it tilts safely at the top to provide ventilation.
The reversible window style
The Lorimer reversible window gets its name from its ability to swing outward through 180 degrees with a clever, lightweight mechanism that makes opening the window really easy.
It has a contemporary, chamfered shape externally and opens outwards without disturbing your curtains, blinds or anything on the windowsill. It’s also perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where taps might get in the way of opening inwards.
When it’s open, the window can move into different positions for better ventilation or easy cleaning. What’s more, these windows have ingenious built-in restrictors and anti-slam hinges, so they can be held open in different places for ventilation and cleaning, and won’t blow shut if the wind catches them.
The sliding sash window style
The fourth window style is the Lorimer sliding sash window, which is designed to look as beautiful and well-proportioned as its timber predecessor – in fact with many of the same features, including a deep bottom rail and traditional ironmongery, it’s hard to tell the difference just by looking.
It’s the only window that will perfectly match the traditional architecture where timber sash and case windows would have been used originally.
Lorimer sliding sash windows need no painting and maintenance is minimal, they won’t rot or warp and deliver excellent thermal performance. Using torso balances rather than cumbersome sash weights and cords, both sashes can tilt inwards for safe cleaning and the double wool pile weather strip and interlocking sash provides excellent draught-proofing.
Other features can also be specified, from plant-on astragals and stained glass to decorative sash horns and travel restrictors.
Choosing new windows
With new windows, it’s usually a good idea to match the style of the original window that would have been there. But the colour, finishing and details, both inside and out, can all make a big difference, and bring in your own personal taste.
Choose the right colour outside to match the brickwork, or the surrounding houses, whether you’re going for grey, oak, white or rosewood. And inside, think about how white could bring light, or natural woods can add warmth to your rooms.
Take a look at our ‘Top Before & After window transformations’.
Our expert advice
During a home design visit, our sales designers will take measurements and discuss the different windows styles, colours and internal finishes with you. We have the perfect window style and finish for any home. Whether it is modern or traditional, period property.
When choosing the right colour for the outside of your house, it’s important to consider the brickwork and surrounding houses. The colours available include anthracite grey, American light oak, white and rosewood.
Our experts will provide guidance on the four popular window styles discussed above and demonstrate how different internal finishings can completely transform a room.
They will help to advise on all the current Scottish building regulations regarding ventilation, fire escapes and safe cleaning.
Visit our customer homes’ case studies to get some further inspiration on choosing new double glazing and check out our video series with Senior Designer Mark Orwin for a rundown of the ‘Top Questions To Ask When Replacing Your Windows’
