Once homeowners decide that window replacement actually makes sense, the next question usually comes fast:
“Okay… but what type of windows should I choose?”
Casement, double-hung, awning, sliders — window companies often throw these terms around assuming everyone knows what they mean. But these aren’t just style choices.
How a window operates affects:
- Ventilation
- Energy performance
- Cost
- Maintenance
- And how you actually use your space day to day
In this guide (and the video below), we break down the six main window types you’ll see in Toronto homes, when each one makes sense, and when it doesn’t — so you can choose with confidence instead of guessing.
Watch the Video: Window Types Explained (Complete Guide)
Why Window Type Matters More Than Most People Think
Two homes can install brand-new windows… and end up with completely different results.
Why? Because the wrong window type in the wrong place can lead to:
- Poor airflow
- Drafts
- Awkward operation
- Visual mismatch with the home’s architecture
- Spending more money than necessary
The goal isn’t to pick the “best” window overall — it’s to pick the right window for each room.
Let’s walk through the six types you’ll encounter most often.
1. Casement Windows
Casement windows are hinged on the side and swing outward, usually operated with a crank.
Why we often recommend them
- They create one of the tightest seals when closed
- Excellent air-tightness for Toronto winters
- Full window opening = great ventilation
Things to consider
- They swing outward, so exterior clearance matters
- Typically cost slightly more than double-hung windows
Best used in:
Living rooms, bedrooms, anywhere ventilation and comfort matter most.
2. Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows have two movable sashes — the top and bottom both slide up and down.
Why they’re still popular
- Traditional look, especially for older homes
- No outward swing (good for tight exterior spaces)
- Many tilt inward for easier cleaning
The trade-off
- More air leakage than casement windows
- More moving parts over time
From a design perspective, double-hung windows often look right on Victorian, Edwardian, and early 20th-century homes. In those cases, architectural appropriateness matters more than pure performance.
3. Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom.
Why they’re brilliant
- You can leave them open during rain
- Great for ventilation even in bad weather
- Ideal for rooms that need airflow but privacy
They’re usually smaller windows and often paired with fixed windows for light.
Best used in:
Bathrooms, above kitchen sinks, basements near the ceiling.
4. Sliding (Slider) Windows
Sliding windows open horizontally on a track.
When they make sense
- Wide window openings
- Basements with limited height
- Modern designs with strong horizontal lines
The honest truth
Because sliders slide instead of pressing closed, they tend to have higher air leakage. We usually avoid them in main living areas unless the design truly calls for it.
5. Picture / Fixed Windows
Picture (or fixed) windows don’t open at all.
Why homeowners choose them
- Most energy-efficient option (no moving parts)
- Typically less expensive than operable windows
- Perfect for light and views
They’re often used as a large center window with operable windows on each side for ventilation.
Important: Fixed windows should not be the only window in bedrooms or main living spaces — ventilation and egress still matter.
6. Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows project outward from the house.
Why they’re expensive
You’re not just buying windows — you’re changing the structure:
- New framing
- Roof projection
- Structural support underneath
This is why costs are significantly higher than standard replacements.
When they make sense
- You’re already doing major renovations
- The home’s architecture supports it
- You want a functional feature (reading nook, seating, extra light)
They can be beautiful — but they need to be intentional.
How We Recommend Choosing (Room by Room)
For most Toronto homes, this is a solid starting point:
- Main living areas & bedrooms: Casement windows
- Bathrooms: Awning windows
- Heritage homes: Double-hung where historically appropriate
- Large views: Fixed windows, paired with casements for airflow
A simple exercise we recommend:
👉 Walk through your house and notice which windows you actually open — and which ones you never touch. That alone reveals where operable windows matter and where fixed windows could save money.
Also, avoid mixing too many window types. Consistency creates a calmer, more cohesive exterior.
One More Thing to Think About…
If you’re replacing windows, there’s a good chance doors should be part of the conversation too — especially front doors and interior door swing direction.
We cover that in the next guide, because door decisions affect layout, furniture placement, and first impressions more than most people expect.
Need Help Choosing the Right Windows?
Every house is different. Orientation, architecture, usage, and renovation scope all matter.
If you’re planning a renovation and want help choosing the right window types before ordering anything, we’re happy to walk through it with you.
📩 Reach us at info@habitualhomes.ca
We’ll help you think it through — even if replacement isn’t the right answer.
