Double
Hung Window
Most common of all window types, has two sashes, one or both of which slide up and down. Unless it is too long and narrow or in the wrong location, this type of window is usually one of the easiest to decorate.
In-Swinging Casement
Opens into the room. If it is not decorated properly, curtains and draperies may tangle with the window as it is opened and close
Out-Swinging Casement
Opens outward. Both in-swinging and out- swinging casements may be operated by a crank, or simply moved by hand. Out-swinging casements are easily decorated.
Ranch or Strip Windows
Most often a wide window set high off the floor. Usually has sliding sashes and is common to most ranch type houses. It requires special consideration.
Awning Window
Has wide, horizontal sashes that open outward to any angle; can usually be left open when it’s raining. Unless it is awkwardly placed or shaped, it’s an easy one to decorate.
Jalousie Window
Identified by narrow, horizontal strips of glass that open by means of a crank to any desired angle. Decorating problems result only when the shape or location is unusual.
Picture Window
One designed to frame an outside view. It may consist of one large, fixed pane of glass, in which case the window cannot be opened. Or it may have movable sections on one or both sides of a fixed pane -or above and below -which can be opened for ventilation. Sometimes there are decorating problems, but in general, a picture window is your big opportunity.
Dormer Window
Usually a small window projecting from the house in an alcove-like extension of the room. It requires a treatment all its own.
Bay Windows
Three or more windows set at an angle to each other in a recessed area. You can use lots of imagination with bay windows.
Bow Window
A curved window. Sometimes called a circular bay
Slanting Window
Often called “cathedral” window, usually an entire wall of the room. Its main characteristic is the angle at the top where the window follows the line of a slanting roof. This top slanting line often causes decorating concern, but the problem can be solved very effectively.
Double Windows
Side by side windows. (If there are more than one they are often called multiple windows.) Most often treated as a single unit, always think of them together, as one decorating element.
Corner Windows
Any window that comes together at the corner of a room.
French Doors
Sometimes called French windows. They come in pairs and often open onto a porch or patio. Usually they need special decorating to look their best.
Sliding Glass Doors
Today’s functional version of French doors. They are often set into a regular wall, but are sometimes part of a modern “glass wall.” Either way, they need special decor that allows them to serve as doors yet provide nighttime privacy.
Clerestory Window
A shallow window set near the ceiling. Usually should be decorated inconspicuously. (In modern architecture, it is sometimes placed in the slope of a beamed ceiling, in which case it should rarely be decorated at all.)
Palladian Window
An arched top window with straight panes below the arch.
Glass Wall
Usually a group of basic window units made to fit together, forming a veritable “wall” of windows. Curtains and draperies often require special planning.