Types of Windows

It’s important to understand the basics and advantages of each window type when replacing or purchasing new windows. In your home, you will most likely have various types of windows, but it’s also important to make sure they work together to create a cohesive design. Consider the architectural style of your home when choosing window types. With a wide selection of window types, we want to help make sure you find the right window style for your home’s needs.

Awning windows have a versatile and attractive look. They operate with a turn of an easy-to-reach fold-away crank and are hinged at the top so the frame swings outward to open. Our awning windows are often placed above or below other windows, such as picture windows, to add more light and open up a space. Mixing awning windows with other window types also adds architectural interest and creates an opportunity for increased ventilation — especially in wet climates.

Awning windows are a popular solution for regions that experience a lot of rain throughout the year. Thanks to their design, this type of window can be left open during the rain, which makes them ideal for letting in fresh air even in wet weather. If you don’t live in a wet climate, awning windows are still a good choice for letting a breeze into your house, and they’re stylish, too.

Pella's awning windows are available in a number of product lines across three material types. Many of our awning windows give homeowners the option of upgrading to dual- and triple-pane glass to help save you energy on heating and cooling your home. Customize your awning windows to your design preference with different hardware styles and finishes, grille patterns and integrated blinds and shades.

One of the most popular window designs thanks to ease of use, Pella casement windows provide a clear connection to the outdoors. Casement windows are hinged at the side and swing outward to the left or right with a fold-away crank. This type of window is perfect for letting in daylight and fresh air.

Casement windows are a great option for difficult-to-reach places like over the kitchen sink or in tight corners. With a clean, modern look, casement windows are well suited for any style of home. Available in wood, fiberglass or vinyl, casement windows are offered across a variety of product lines and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Join your casement windows together to add character to your home. When horizontal space is limited, consider a 2-high stacked casement window. The options for mixing and matching casement windows with other styles are virtually endless, so you can create a look personalized for you.

Double-hung windows have been adding character to homes for years. One of the most recognizable designs, Pella double-hung windows can be used in any home, from classic to contemporary. Double-hung windows are made of two movable sashes that open from the top or bottom to allow two options for ventilation.

Double-hung window sashes tilt in for easy cleaning, and open and close with ease. Pella offers a wide variety of sizes and options, including large double-hung windows, double-hung wood windows and many more. With six product lines featuring double-hung windows it’s easy to find the right selection for your home.

Pella’s double-hung windows are available in wood, fiberglass and vinyl and are offered through all product lines. Encompass by Pella®, a vinyl option, is competitively priced to fit most any budget. Double-hung wood windows in Pella’s Lifestyle Series are purposefully built with dual-pane glass, helping keep your house at the temperature you desire.

Pella single-hung windows are raised from the bottom for ventilation, while the top sash remains stationary. Incredibly energy efficient, single-hung windows are ideal for places where a top sash would be difficult to open, such as above a kitchen sink or in patios or walkways. Choosing a single-hung window will also make cleaning easier, as the sashes are easy to access.

Pella offers single-hung windows in wood, fiberglass and vinyl. Single-hung windows can be customized in Pella® Reserve – Traditional, Architect Series – Traditional, Pella Impervia® or through all of our vinyl options — Pella® 250 Series and Encompass by Pella®. Each line can be customized with interior and exterior finishes to boost your home’s curb appeal. For the most authentic look of individual window panes, look to the Pella Reserve – Traditional single-hung windows.

A simple and ever-popular option, sliding windows are beautifully uncomplicated. Two side-by-side horizontal sliding windows operate on a track to open with ease. Sliding windows are an ideal solution for areas where you will frequently need to open and close a window. Pella’s modern sliding windows offer a clean design while providing easy access to fresh air. Sliding windows are also extremely easy to care for, saving you time and energy.

Sliding windows by Pella are available in fiberglass and vinyl options — both durable materials. Pella® Impervia® sliding glass windows are made of incredibly strong fiberglass, designed to last for years to come.

Both bay and bow windows allow you to expand your view, even with limited wall space. The difference between bay and bow windows is simple. A bay window is typically a fixed window in the center joined together with venting windows on each side. A bow window consists of four or more windows joined together to form a graceful curve. Bow window panels can be venting, fixed or a combination of the two depending on your home’s style and needs.

Pella’s bay and bow windows extend outside a wall to open up a room, while creating a comforting interior nook. Bay and bow windows allow more light to enter a room and give you extra space inside of a home. These windows are a great option for bedrooms, a home office, a dining room or library.

Pella’s bay and bow windows are offered in wood, fiberglass and vinyl options, including Encompass by Pella®. When you chose a bay or bow window, you’re able to select from multiple angles and sizes to fit your space. Unique to Pella, our Lifestyle Series bay or bow windows are available with integrated blinds and shades for blocking intense sunshine or creating privacy when you want it.

Large picture windows are perfect for showcasing the outdoors. Picture windows, also known as fixed windows, are inoperable, meaning they do not open, but they allow for light to enter into your home with ease. Large picture windows pair well with operable windows, such as double-hung windows or casement windows, to create a unique look for your home.

Pairing your picture window with operable windows provides the option for ventilation. Picture windows can be an excellent choice if you have a large wall or live in a scenic area which you wish to highlight. Fixed windows are an easy, low-maintenance way to add a unique architectural element to your home.

Pella offers versatile fixed windows in wood, fiberglass and vinyl. Our fixed windows are available in an almost limitless array of shapes. Try a circle, springline or triangle window to add charm to your home.

For a one-of-a-kind approach to your home’s design, Pella offers a variety of custom window options to fit your personal style. Specialty windows are available in unique shapes and functionalities to create beautiful light-filled spaces within your home. Custom windows can be used to enhance curb appeal and add value to your home. If you can dream it, we can build it with Pella® Reserve™ wood windows. Offering virtually endless customizations, we craft unique windows that will complement your aesthetic.

In addition to special shapes, through Pella's advanced engineering, we can customize windows to be extra-tall or extra-wide or design curved or angled windows, which can be a design necessity for certain architectural styles. Pella custom windows also include intricate grille designs and stained or beveled glass.

No matter the type of window you’re looking for, your local team of Pella experts is here to make sure you choose the right window for your home.