White
Smooth
Choosing the right window style
The best style depends on how the room is used, the look of your property and how you want the window to open. Compare the main options below, then use the interactive guide to narrow choices by room.
Image placeholder
Image placeholder
Interactive window guide
Pick your situation and what matters most, then tick up to three styles to compare opening behaviour, best uses and practical considerations.
Jump to suggestions and comparison
Suggested styles
Side-by-side comparison
Glass and energy efficiency
Modern sealed units reduce heat loss and draughts. We’ll talk through double or triple glazing, low-E glass and warm-edge spacers so the specification suits your home and budget.
Double glazing is our usual starting point for comfort and value. Triple glazing can suit some projects where the frame and budget allow. At survey we explain U-values, ventilation and any acoustic or safety glass needs room by room.
If existing units have failed, misting between the panes usually means the sealed unit has broken down — we can advise on replacement glass where the frames are still sound. See misted unit replacement.
Image placeholder
Image placeholder
Double glazing
Two panes with a sealed gap — the standard balance of warmth, noise reduction and cost.
Image placeholder
Triple glazing
Three panes where extra thermal performance suits the property and frame depth.
Security and hardware
Locks, handles, restrictors and hinge choices are confirmed before you order — not left as afterthoughts. We specify multi-point locking and key-locking handles where suitable, plus safety glass and egress hardware where building regulations apply.
- Window handles and key-locking options
- Locking espagnolette strips and shoot bolts on larger openings
- Restrictor hinges and trickle vents where ventilation rules apply
- Fire escape and easy-clean hinges on tilt & turn where relevant
Image placeholder
The survey process
Quotes are subject to survey because every opening is different. We measure widths, heights and reveals, check cills and drainage, and discuss opening direction, glass, colour and any bay or bow details on site.
That visit is when handle positions, trickle vents, safety glass and internal clearance for tilt & turn windows are checked properly — so your written quote reflects the real job.
Image placeholder
Installation day
Our installers work neatly: old frames removed, new units positioned, foamed and sealed, then trims and silicone finished. Most standard replacements are completed in a day; larger jobs are scheduled with a clear timeframe.
We protect floors and furniture where practical and leave the work area tidy. Wear branded clothing on site where possible so you know who is fitting your windows.
Image placeholder
Before and after
Same-angle before and after photos are one of the clearest ways to judge a replacement. We’ll share relevant project examples at survey; the panels below show the type of transformation customers look for.
Image placeholder
Image placeholder
Common mistakes to avoid
A few practical checks help you spot poor workmanship — and know what good fitting should look like. This is guidance, not scaremongering.
Image placeholder
Poor sealing
Gaps or uneven silicone around the frame can let in water and draughts.
Image placeholder
Visible gaps
Frames should sit square with consistent clearance and secure fixing.
Image placeholder
Misted units
Moisture between the panes means the seal has failed — plan for replacement glass.
Image placeholder
Wrong sizing
Made-to-measure surveying avoids forcing a standard size into an uneven opening.
Image placeholder
Untidy finish
Neat trims and consistent sealant lines are part of a professional installation.
Reference: opening options by window type
The right opening style depends on the room, outside access, ventilation needs, safety requirements and how the window should look from the street.
Casement openings
Casements are the most flexible option. Side-hung sashes give a wide opening, top-hung sashes give sheltered ventilation, and fixed panes keep larger areas of glass simple and cost-effective.
Flush casement openings
Flush casements can use similar side-hung, top-hung and fixed layouts, but the sash sits flatter in the frame for a cleaner timber-style look. They are useful where the outside appearance matters.
Vertical slider openings
Vertical sliders suit taller openings and period homes. They are chosen for the traditional vertical look, and can be paired with decorative bars, sash horns and bay-window layouts where appropriate.
Tilt & turn openings
Tilt and turn windows tilt inwards at the top for secure ventilation, or turn inwards for a wider opening and easier cleaning from inside. They need enough internal clearance to operate properly.
Printable comparison tables
| Style | Best for | Opening options | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casement windows | Most homes, flexible layouts and everyday ventilation. | Side-hung, top-hung, fixed panes, paired casements, bays and bows. | Choose side-hung, top-hung or fixed panes to suit each room. |
| Flush casement windows | Character homes and cleaner timber-style appearance. | Side-hung, top-hung, fixed panes, paired openings and cottage-style layouts. | Good where kerb appeal and a flatter external finish matter. |
| Vertical sliders | Traditional-looking homes and period-style openings. | Vertical slider layouts, fixed panes and bay arrangements. | Compare with casements at survey to check practicality and budget. |
| Tilt & turn windows | Controlled ventilation, inward opening and easier cleaning. | Tilt-only ventilation, full inward turn, fixed-and-opening combinations. | Suitability depends on the opening and room layout. |
| Room or need | Good options | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrooms | Side-hung casement, top-hung casement, tilt & turn. | Side-hung gives strong airflow, top-hung gives lighter ventilation, and tilt & turn can help with easy cleaning upstairs. |
| Bathrooms and privacy rooms | Top-hung casement, tilt & turn, obscure glass. | Useful where you want ventilation and privacy. Obscure or patterned glass can be added to the specification. |
| Kitchens | Side-hung casement, top-hung casement, fixed-and-opening combinations. | Casements work well over sinks and worktops, but handle position and reach should be checked at survey. |
| Period or character frontage | Flush casement, vertical slider windows, decorative bars. | These options keep the front of the property more traditional while still using modern glazing and hardware. |
| Upper floors and hard-to-clean windows | Tilt & turn, suitable casement restrictors. | Tilt & turn can make cleaning easier from inside. We check whether the room has enough clearance for inward opening. |
| Large windows, bays and bow windows | Casement layouts, flush casement layouts, fixed panes with opening sashes. | Combining fixed glass with opening sections can balance appearance, ventilation, cost and practicality. |
What else to compare
Glazing
Double glazing is standard. Triple glazing, acoustic glass, obscure glass and safety glass can be quoted where suitable.
Security
We confirm locks, handles, restrictors, hinge choices and any safety glass requirements before you order.
Finish
Choose frame colours, cills, handles, decorative bars and privacy glass details during the survey and quote stage.