• 01269 596480
  • info@sapphirewindows.info
  • 55-57 Wind Street, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 3DT
Get A Free Quote
  • 01269 596480
  • info@sapphirewindows.info
  • 55-57 Wind Street, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 3DT
Get A Free Quote

Top Tips For Buying New Windows & Doors - Choose The Right Style

Most window companies are able to offer a variety of window styles to meet your individual needs and express the uniqueness of your home.

These styles may include casement, vertical sash, flush sash, tilt & turn, bay, bow, and bespoke-shaped windows.

There are also a variety of door styles to consider, such as residential doors, composite doors, French doors, sliding patio doors and bi-folding doors.

It is important to consider room function and location when choosing the style of your windows and doors. You should consider obstacles in your room and the outdoor space they open up into.

Why not visit a showroom and see for yourself which styles are best suited for your home? It’s important that you ask about the following:

  • Window & Door styles
  • Colour options
  • Glazing options
  • Hardware styles
  • Hardware finishes

Window Styles

At Sapphire Windows we offer four different window styles: Traditional Casement Sash, Heritage Flush Casement Sash, Tilt & Turn & Vertical Sliding Sash.

Traditional Casement Sash

Heritage Flush Sash

Tilt & Turn

Vertical Sliding Sash

A Traditional Casement Sash & Heritage Flush Casement Sash window function in the same way. The difference between the two is their appearance. A traditional window sash sits proud of the window frame, whereas, a heritage flush window sash sits flush with the window frame. The window frame for both options are 70mm deep for increased mechanical strength and thermal performance. Both windows achieve an A+ window energy rating.

Tilt and turn windows can be fully opened inwards, allowing for better cleaning of the entire frame and glazing – both on the inside and on the outside. What’s more, they can be tilted inwards for excellent background ventilation, or fully opened from the side for maximum ventilation.

A vertical sliding sash window looks and operates differently. As its name suggests, the top and bottom window sashes open vertically (up and down). Both sliding sashes can also tilt inwards for easy cleaning. The window frame is thicker than a standard window; our vertical sash window frame is 128 mm deep. Vertical Sash Windows achieve an A widow energy rating.

Window Opening Configurations

Considering the opening configuration is an important decision, as it affects the suitability of the window for yours and your homes needs.

Considerations should be given to obstacles in your room and the outdoor space they open up into.

The main function of a window is that it opens, therefore, it’s important that the handle is placed in a suitable location for ease of opening.

Below are some examples of the most popular opening configurations for each window style.

When considering your window design, just remember the maximum sash sizes are as follows:

  • Traditional Sash – 1200mm x 1500mm (Top Hung) & 900mm x 1400mm (Side Hung)
  • Heritage Flush Sash – 1200mm x 1200mm (Top Hung) & 700mm x 1400mm (Side Hung
  • Tilt & Turn – 1500mm x 1500mm
  • Vertical Sash – 1600mm x 3000mm

Traditional Casement Sash & Heritage Flush Casement Sash

Tilt & Turn

Vertical Sliding Sash

These designs aren’t exhaustive. As window fabricators as long as we adhere to the maximum sash sizes, we can create a window design bespoke for your home.

Consider Equal Sighlines

Not only do we want our windows to function efficiently in our homes; we also want them to look good whilst doing so. In order to do this, it’s important to design windows that are symmetrical and have equal sightlines. 

A popular design choice to ensure equal sightlines are achieved, is to incorporate what we call dummy non-opening sashes. They look the same as a top or side hung sashes, however, they don’t have any handles or locking mechanisms in order to function, therefore, they are entirely an aesthetic design decision.  Fig 1. shows two side opening sashes either side of a dummy non-opening sash. Fig 2. shows two side opening sashes either side of a standard fixed light.

We hope this information helps you make an informed decision on which window styles and configurations are the best suited for your and your home. We would also suggest popping into our showroom to see the differences for yourself.

Find a window company that is willing to discuss and show you the options available to create the perfect windows & doors for your home.

You may also want to consider reading the following useful hints & tips: 

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