The Most Common Window Styles Explained

• 13 Apr 2026|
• News|
• Posted by littlewindow-admin

If you’re considering new windows for your home, you’ve probably already discovered just how many choices are involved. From materials and colours to glazing options and hardware, the decisions can feel overwhelming before you’ve even thought about the style of window you actually want.

To help you feel confident before you start, this guide breaks down the most common window styles found in UK homes, explaining how each one works and which settings each one suits best.

We’ll also highlight some of the beautiful window styles available from The Little Window Company, part of The Little Conservatory Company, so you can see how these options translate into real products for your home.

The main types of window styles

Casement windows & flush casement windows

Casement windows are perhaps the most popular choice for UK homeowners. Hinged at the side and opening outward, they create a tight seal when closed for excellent thermal performance and weather resistance, while the full opening sash provides excellent ventilation and plenty of fresh air.

Flush casement windows are a variation worth knowing about. Rather than the sash protruding slightly from the frame, flush windows sit perfectly level with the outer frame, creating clean lines that suit a modern look beautifully. Clever design details can also replicate the look of traditional steel windows for heritage properties.

At The Little Window Company, our aluminium flush casement windows are increasingly popular. Crafted using premium systems from SMART and AluK, our aluminium windows achieve U-values as low as 1.4 W/mK with double glazing.

Our uPVC casement windows are available in over 23 colours, including wood grain effects, with multi-chambered profiles and optional triple glazing for exceptional thermal performance.

Sash windows

Sash windows feature moveable panels that slide vertically within the frame rather than opening outward, making them ideal for properties where space is limited. They are a classic choice for period homes, Victorian terraces, and Georgian townhouses, and in conservation areas across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, they are often the only window style accepted by planning authorities.

Our timber sliding sash windows combine authentic period details, including deep bottom rails, proper corner joints, and traditional sash horns, with modern weathersealing and high-performance glazing for impressive energy efficiency. We offer three types: traditional box sash windows, spring balance sash windows with a slimmer profile, and slide and tilt sash windows that tilt inward for easy cleaning, ideal for upper floors and loft conversions.

Tilt and turn windows

Tilt and turn windows are a clever design that offers two modes of operation in a single window. Turning the handle one way allows the window to tilt inward from the top, providing gentle ventilation while keeping out light rain. Turning the handle the other way allows the window to swing fully open inward like a door, providing full access and excellent ventilation.

This dual functionality makes our tilt and turn windows a popular choice for modern homes, apartment buildings, and loft conversions where ease of use and easy operation for cleaning are important. The smooth operation of these windows and their tight seal when closed also makes them a strong performer for weather resistance and thermal performance.

Bay and bow windows

A bay window projects outward from the main wall of a house, typically made up of a central window with two angled windows on either side. A bow window follows a gentle curve rather than sharp angles, creating a softer, rounded projection.

Both styles add architectural interest to a property and create a sense of additional internal space. They also bring in significantly more natural light than a flat window arrangement, and the projecting design offers expansive views of the outside. Our bay and bow windows are a beautiful addition to both period homes and modern homes, and are a great way to create a real focal point in a living room or bedroom.

Window materials: which is right for your home?

Choosing the right window style is only part of the picture. The material your window frames are made from has a significant impact on everything from thermal performance and maintenance requirements to the overall look and feel of your home.

At The Little Window Company, we offer windows in three premium materials, each with its own distinct advantages.

Timber

Timber has a natural warmth and beauty that no other material quite replicates. Our windows are crafted from premium wood species including Oak, Sapele, and Idigbo, finished in painted colours or translucent stains to suit your home. For period properties, listed buildings, and conservation areas across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, timber is often the only material that will satisfy planning requirements, and modern treatments and high-performance glazing ensure today’s timber windows deliver impressive thermal performance too.

Timber is an ideal choice for: period homes, listed buildings, conservation areas, and homeowners who value natural materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Aluminium

Aluminium frames are exceptionally strong, which means they can be made with very slim sightlines, maximising glass area and natural light. Our aluminium windows are manufactured using premium systems from SMART and AluK, incorporating advanced thermal break technology that achieves U-values as low as 1.4 W/m²K with double glazing. They are also 100% recyclable, virtually maintenance-free, and available in a wide range of powder-coated finishes.

Aluminium is an ideal choice for: modern and contemporary homes, new builds, and homeowners looking for a low maintenance, long-lasting frame with clean lines and a sophisticated appearance.

uPVC

uPVC windows offer an outstanding combination of thermal performance, weather resistance, low maintenance, and value. Multi-chambered profiles create effective barriers against heat loss, and with options for double glazing or triple glazing, our uPVC windows can achieve impressive energy ratings. Available in over 23 colours and finishes, including realistic wood grain effects, they can be tailored to complement almost any property style.

uPVC is an ideal choice for: homeowners looking for excellent value, low maintenance, and strong thermal performance across a wide range of property types.

FAQs about window styles

What is the best window style for a period property?

Timber sliding sash windows are generally the best window style for period properties. They replicate traditional designs with authentic details and are often required in conservation areas. Modern performance features, including high-performance glazing and weathersealing, mean they deliver energy efficiency too.

Are uPVC windows suitable for older homes?

Yes. Modern uPVC windows are available with wood grain effects and glazing bars that replicate timber frames convincingly. They offer excellent thermal performance and low maintenance, making them a practical option for many period homes outside strictly controlled conservation areas.

Can I have flush windows on a traditional property?

Absolutely. Flush windows can be customised with period-appropriate detailing to complement traditional and heritage properties, recreating the look of original steel windows while offering the performance and low maintenance of modern aluminium frames.

What are aluminium frames like for maintenance?

Aluminium frames are virtually maintenance-free. They do not rot, warp, or require repainting, and their powder-coated finishes are exceptionally durable. This makes them an excellent long-term investment, with a lifespan of 30 years or more.

Find the perfect windows for your home with The Little Window Company

Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of timber sliding sash windows, the sleek contemporary appeal of aluminium flush casement windows, or the outstanding value of uPVC windows, The Little Window Company has a range of beautiful, high-performance windows to suit your home.

As part of The Little Conservatory Company, we bring the same passion for quality and craftsmanship to every window installation we undertake. Our experienced team works with homeowners across Gloucester, Worcestershire, Hertfordshire, the Cotswolds, and beyond, helping you find the right window style for your property, your lifestyle, and your budget.

We’d love to help you explore your options. To get a free quote or to discuss your home improvement plans with our friendly team, you can:

• Fill in our online contact form on our website.
• Call us on 01242 681207
• Email us at info@littlecc.com

We look forward to hearing from you.