Types of windows and complimenting shutters

Each style of home has individual features which defines the structure type. One of these is different types of window. Here is a useful guide to these different kinds of window and how shutters will look great to dress them.

Casement

Casement windows are attached to their frame using one or more hinges at the side and are often held open using a casement stays, this style of window was particularly popular before sash windows were introduced. A casement window may also be referred to as crank windows thanks to their operation style. Casement windows are best suited to areas where the height is greater than the width.

Shutters: As with the majority of windows, full height shutters are recommended for casement windows to get a full covering of the window and gain all the benefits of privacy, light, temperature control. Shutter styles that extend the full height of the window include full height with a hidden break, full height with a divider rail and tier on tier shutters.

Awning

Awning windows are almost identical to casement windows but are instead are hinged at the top allowing the window swing open from the top. Awning windows are most often used for areas where the width is greater than the height.

Shutters: The best shutters for your awning window really depends on how the window opens. If it is an outward opening window then you can have any of our shutter styles that are suitable for that window size. As awning windows are often wider than they are tall, a great style that you choose is our cafe style shutters.

Double Hung Windows

A double hung window is a sash window with dual operation/ opening of the two panes. The bottom can move up over the top, or the top over the bottom or both moved to meet in the middle allowing for air to come through top and bottom gaps.

Shutters: Full height shutters would be the most recommended for double hung windows as most often it is preferable for the shutter to extend up to the top of the window. A fantastic option for this type of window is to opt for a Tier on Tier shutter provided it is large enough to accommodate double framing as this gives the option for the top and bottom panels to operate individually as the top and bottom of your window operates separately.

Single Hung

Single hung windows are a single moving sash, usually operational at the bottom only. The bottom sash is lifted up to, at least partly, obstruct the top to allow air through.

Shutters: The best shutters for single hung windows really depends what you are looking to achieve with your shutters. If the window is located in a room such as a kitchen where full light obstruction may not be required, café style shutters can look great on the window and still offers the benefits of increased privacy. Alternatively, if the window is located in a bedroom or a room where, however infrequently, a full covering of the window may be required, then a full height shutter might be the better option.

Sliding

Sliding windows are horizontal sash windows that slide back and forth to open – these are essentially double hung windows turned on their side.

Shutters: Shutters are a fantastic covering for sliding windows as when fitting to the recess the shutters can fit very close to the window if preferred without obstructing the use of the shutter or window.

Bay/ Bow

A bay window refers to a window that protrudes out of a room making a bay off the room itself. Where a bay window has multiple panels connected to make a curve it may also be called a bow window however this is a more uncommon term than bay which applies to all of these styles of windows.

Shutters: All of our shutter styles work fantastically on bay windows as these large window areas give a huge amount of design possibility. The most popular style is full height shutters as these offer a full covering of the window to get the most out of privacy and light control.

Special Shaped

Special shaped windows can refer to any window that is not made in the traditional square or rectangular shape. Often shaped windows are made in either circular, arched or triangular. Special shaped windows make a statement in rooms and can have beautiful effect on the overall room style.

Shutters: A difficulty that many customers find with their special shaped windows is finding a way to dress them. Luckily, wooden shutters are the perfect solution for this as they can be made to any preferred shape. You can browse our ‘odd shaped’ shutter page to gather inspiration or alternatively contact the team either online or on 02088719222 to get a full quote today.

Tilt and turn windows

A tilt and turn window fundamentally opens on two axis: tilting when light ventilation is needed in a room and turning to open like a door to allow greater amounts of air into the room and also providing a means of escape from a room in case of a fire. Turning the handle 180 degrees locks the window onto the bottom fixings allowing it to tilt into the room at the top whereas turning the handle 90 degrees engages the side hinges allowing the window to swing open like a door.

Shutters: Shutters for these windows can be a little complex as a balance needs to be achieved between the shutters looking fantastic but also ensuring that the window still functions in the way you intend. For these windows, we would always recommend contacting our friendly office team on 02088719333 as we will be able to advise based on pictures or a site survey whether shutters will be possible for the window and if so the best style to opt for.