WHICH WINDOWS WILL WORK FOR YOU?
Doors and windows have a HUGE impact on the interior of your home but they’re often an afterthought for many renovators who get distracted by more glamorous decisions involving their kitchens, flooring and furniture. But long after those items have fallen out of fashion, your windows and doors will endure. They’ll still be there. So, think of them like a Chanel ‘Little Black Dress’. They’re a major investment that will last a lifetime.
We guarantee if you don’t invest time in this area you’ll end up kicking yourself later when you realise your doors aren’t right and the breeze you’re supposed to be feeling inside can’t make it into your house thanks to your poorly chosen window placement. So, which window should you use where?
START BY ASKING YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:
+ What’s the purpose of this window? #light #airflow #view
+ How often am I going to use this window?
+ Who is going to use it? #onlyme #kids
+ Will it be left open a lot of the time? #yesorno
+ What style of window do you want? #gasstrutgal
+ What can I afford?
Once you’ve nailed the answers to all those questions, here are the main window types for you to consider:
FIXED
Fixed windows are an economical choice when you don’t need airflow but are after natural light and perhaps a view. We love boxing them out and creating a picture window with built-in bench seating.
AWNING
Awning windows are very common – you’ve probably got some in your home. They look like a fixed pane of glass but are hinged at the top and crank open at the bottom. As their name suggests they create an awning when open so they can still provide great ventilation even in wet weather. They’re also a great option for windows located higher up in a house as they can be smaller in size. Awning windows close airtight so are a good choice when noise control and energy efficiency are important.
SLIDING
Sliding windows have been around for donkey’s years and we often find them in the houses we renovate. They’re easy to use and allow good airflow into a room.
CASEMENT
Casement windows are the ‘sideways sister’ of awning windows. They’re hinged at the side and open out sideways. They allow for greater airflow as they are open from top to bottom.
DOUBLE HUNG
Double hung windows are one of the most popular styles of windows around and are found in lots of original and new homes. These guys can be opened at the top and bottom allowing cool air to enter through the gap at the bottom and warmer air to escape through the gap at the top.
SASHLESS
Sashless windows are the naked version of double hung windows. There’s no frame to obstruct the view but be prepared to pay a premium for that.
LOUVRE
Louvre windows are perfect when you want to control airflow with ease. The window consists of individual glass slats, which open a bit like plantation shutters to let in lots of air. And, unlike casement or awning windows, it doesn’t matter which way the wind is blowing – you’ll always get a breeze into your home with louvres.
BI-FOLDS
Bi-fold windows aren’t cheap but they are a popular choice when opening up a wide space and they are great if you want to connect that space with an alfresco area.
GAS STRUTS
We’ve saved the best for last… gas struts are the bee’s knees! We used them in the kitchen of our very first house renovation and we’ve never looked back. In case you haven’t already worked it out from the picture, here’s why a gas strut window is so great:
1. It offers an unobstructed view when closed versus bi-folds, which have a framework around each little window.
2. The ease of opening and closing. You literally nudge the window and it opens up like it’s motorised. But watch out because if you make the window too tall, you might need a stool (or a tall friend) to help you close it.
3. It’s such a space saver compared to bi-folds, which stack up to one side and take up valuable servery and seating space
4. When open, it acts as an awning and provides cover from rain.
5. Umm, it just looks hot!
TOP TIP
Windows and doors can cost a bomb so don’t go OTT crazy on buying new ones if you’ve got existing ones that are still in reasonable nick. Lana re-used several windows and bi-fold doors in her reno, saving her tens of thousands of dollars.
