There are a huge number of window shapes and sizes on the market today, and because they are frequently made to order, windows can be manufactured in just about any look, color or style you can imagine.

While the design possibilities are nearly endless, the reality is that most people can’t afford to order windows in unusual or non-standard shapes and sizes. However, there are a vast range of options available for most homeowners, and the affiliate companies on Glass.com can help you decide what works best for your residence and budget.

Types of Windows

First, let’s review the various types of windows that people usually put on their homes.

• Double Hung window: This window has two sashes (that’s the part that holds the glass) that slide up and down within the frame.

• Single hung window: On this window, only the bottom sash operates while the top part remains in place.

• Casement window: These windows operate with a crank and have a hinge that opens to the outdoors.

• Tilt and turn window: This is the most popular style in Europe, and its appeal is growing in the U.S. Specialized hardware allows the window to swing it in like a door or tilt at the top for ventilation. A single handle controls both operations.

• Hopper window: These windows resemble casement windows because they have a hinge, but the hinge is on the bottom instead of the side. They got their name because the opening resembles the hoppers used to store grain.

• Transom window: A transom is a small window over a door or above another window. These can either open or be fixed. They’re often used for decorative purposes.

• Jalousie window: This is a window that’s made of parallel louvers in a frame. The louvers are attached on a track in such a way that they can be  tilted open  in unison to control airflow. They’re usually controlled by a cranking device.

• Picture window: A picture window is a big, non-operable window that’s designed to let in the maximum amount of sunlight while providing great views of the outdoors.

• Slider window: These windows perform just like their name indicates. One or both sashes slide horizontally in the window frame.

• Bay or bow window: The distinct shape of the bay or bow window is easy to spot. The collection of windows curves outward from the exterior wall for a dramatic presentation that can provide great views and lots of sunlight.

• Skylight window: These are sometimes called roof windows, especially in Europe. They can be operable to allow fresh air in or non-operable. Either way, they let light into a home from above.

For more about windows, check out this glossary of window terms, or our own dictionary of glass-related terms.

It Takes All Window Shapes

Now that you’re up to speed on the types of windows, let’s learn what window shapes are available.

The short answer is “just about any kind you can imagine.” The long answer is “any kind you can imagine within reason.”

The most popular window shapes are squares or rectangles. These tend to fit well with the vast majority of structures and styles, from modern to traditional.

Breaking Down Window Shapes

Eyebrow windows earned their name because they have a raised ridge at the top that resembles arched eyebrows.

Triangle windows are just like their name sounds. They can be a great way to add a unique architectural feature to your house. However, most triangle windows aren’t operable.

Gothic windows come up to a sharp point at the top. They resemble the stained glass windows in the great gothic cathedrals of Europe in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Circular shapes are also popular for windows. They generally come in full circle, half circle or quarter circle configurations. Much like triangle windows, most generally aren’t operable. Additionally, oval windows are another circular option.

Trapezoid windows, like their name, are highly irregular in shape. These might be the most rare window shape, and they frequently carry a higher price tag because they’re such a specialty item.

How Window Shapes are Made

Many window companies use special bending machines to turn the frames into various window shapes. The devices bend the window’s  profile, or outer shell, by exerting pressure and sometimes heat. Profile-bending equipment can be used on vinyl or metal windows.

Advanced computer programs ensure that the bending process meets the exact measurements submitted by the customer.

Additionally, some window profiles don’t need to be bent by special machinery. Typical manufacturing equipment can produce windows in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Window Glass Sizes Matters

Speaking of sizes, today’s windows can be fabricated to just about any dimensions that a customer would want. That can bring many benefits to homeowners.

Larger windows obviously let in more light and, depending on the way their configured, more air. They also provide better views of the outside world. Additionally, big windows serve as the focal point for a room.

Things to Consider

If you’re considering replacing a smaller window with a larger one, keep in mind that it could be costly. In addition to a more expensive window, you’ll need to factor in the cost of expanding the opening in the wall by several inches or feet. There’s also the weight of the bigger window, which can affect the installation costs.

Older homes, which were often built with smaller windows, are great candidates for a big-window upgrade.

You’ll also want to consider where you’d like to put your new, larger window. Many people choose the front of the house to make a statement. However, other good locations include the kitchen, in dark hallways or entryways, or in rooms that are used as offices.

Ready to Buy New Windows?

If you’re looking for experts who know about windows in any shape or size, be sure to start your search on Glass.com. That’s especially true if you’re looking to replace your windows or doors. They can steer you through the selection process and help you select the right products for your home, lifestyle and budget. And if you’d like to know more about doors, windows, glass or hardware, visit our info center for more articles like this one.

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Glass.com attempts to provide accurate information but cannot be held liable for any information provided or omitted.  You should always work with a licensed, insured and reputable glass shop that can assess your specific needs and local building codes and offer professional services. Never attempt to cut, install, or otherwise work with glass yourself. All content is provided on an informational basis only.

By Trey Barrineau

Trey Barrineau is the editor of Door and Window Market magazine (DWM). He edits and writes a wide range of content, from breaking-news items and first-person blog posts for the Web to 4,000-word, deeply researched features for print. He also manages DWM's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. He came to DWM in December 2014 from USA Today. During his time at Key, Trey’s work has received national and regional recognition from the publishing industry. His 2016 coverage of Venezuela’s takeover of a U.S. glass factory was a 2017 finalist for the Jesse H. Neal Awards in the Best News Coverage category. In 2016, he won a silver medal from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Awards of Excellence for the Mid-Atlantic Region for a 2015 feature article on the lack of skilled labor in the door and window industry. Prior to joining DWM, Trey was a multiplatform editor and writer in USA Today's Life section from September 2000 to December 2014. While there, he won more than a dozen awards for outstanding headlines. Before that, he worked for more than 10 years covering news and sports at daily newspapers in North Carolina.

Trey is a 1988 graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. In 2016, he earned the Fenestration Associate professional certification from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). He lives with his wife Jacqui and their occasional office-dog Siri in Northern Virginia.