Choosing Windows
Window Styles

Choosing a window style:
A solution for every home.

The right replacement windows can seamlessly blend with your home’s existing style, whether you’re aiming to preserve a traditional look, add a touch of modern sophistication, or refresh an outdated façade, giving your home a fresh, welcoming appearance that stands out.

In this guide, we’ll explore different window styles and how they can match the unique character of your home while offering solutions for better energy efficiency and long-term savings.

Tip: When replacing windows, think beyond looks — consider how each style affects your home's comfort and function. Casement windows can swing out and block decks, walkways, or flowerbeds. In windy areas, they may rattle, especially in bedrooms, disrupting sleep. Hung or sliding windows offer a quieter option and are easier to open from bed. For ventilation that keeps rain out, awning or fixed windows are ideal.

Choosing the right style for each room can make your home noticeably more comfortable and practical.

Operable window pros & cons

Traditional, Victorian, & Tudor Revival Homes

Many of Ottawa’s most beloved older homes — especially in neighbourhoods like The Glebe, Sandy Hill, and Rockcliffe Park — showcase architectural styles with deep historical roots. Whether it’s the ornate trim and steep rooflines of a Victorian, the half-timbered charm of a Tudor Revival, or the symmetry of a Colonial home, these residences are rich in character. Windows in these designs often serve as functional features and focal points. Upgrades here should honour tradition while adding comfort and energy efficiency.

Craftsman & Arts-Crafts Homes

In Hintonburg and Old Ottawa South, Craftsman and Arts & Crafts homes showcase timeless character through hand-crafted detail, especially in their windows. Rooted in the same design philosophy, Arts & Crafts refers to the broader movement celebrating simplicity and natural materials, while Craftsman is its North American offshoot, known for more structured architectural features.

Windows in these homes are carefully considered design elements—often arranged in pairs or triples, with divided lights in the upper sash and clean, earthy trim colours. Whether wood or wood-look, they echo the warmth, balance, and purpose-driven design that defines both styles.

Contemporary Urban Infill Homes

Modern infill homes in Westboro and New Edinburgh embrace sharp geometry, minimalist forms, and open-concept interiors. These designs often feature flat or angled roofs, industrial-inspired finishes, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Windows in these homes act as bold architectural statements — expansive, clean-lined, and carefully placed to let natural light flood every room. With full-height glass, corner windows, and sleek tilt-and-turn designs, the emphasis is on transparency, flow, and a contemporary elegance that feels both purposeful and luxurious.

Bungalows, High Ranches & Mid-Century Modern Homes

Homes built between the 1950s and 1970s in neighbourhoods like Alta Vista and Nepean often reflect the influence of mid-century modern design — sleek, low-slung profiles with strong horizontal lines and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow. These homes are perfectly suited to wide, unobstructed windows that enhance natural light and blur the boundaries between interior living and outdoor spaces. Sliding windows, picture windows, and minimalist frames keep the look clean and relaxed, reinforcing the era’s focus on simplicity, function, and connection to the natural world.

Farmhouse & Country-style Homes

In rural and semi-rural communities like Carp and Manotick, farmhouse-inspired homes offer a welcoming blend of heritage and harmony with the landscape. These homes are known for their gabled roofs, covered porches, and symmetrical designs — classic elements that call for equally timeless window styles. Tall double-hung or single-hung windows with traditional grille patterns let in ample natural light while preserving privacy and charm. Framed in soft neutrals or wood-look finishes, the windows reflect the simplicity, warmth, and practicality that define country living.

Townhouses & Duplex Homes

From Barrhaven to Orleans, townhomes and duplexes are designed to make smart use of space — inside and out. With compact footprints and multi-level living, these homes benefit from window designs that maximise light while maintaining privacy. Strategically placed picture, casement, or sliding windows help define living areas and brighten shared spaces. Simple grille patterns and consistent window styles create a sense of harmony across units, while colour-matched frames and clean lines add curb appeal and individuality within the broader architectural flow

Tip: Whether you're choosing for aesthetics or performance, investing in high-quality glass like Low-E or triple-pane glass can significantly improve your home's insulation and reduce heating or cooling costs. It also helps with noise reduction.

Learn about glass options

Considerations for long-term value and unique designs

Some window styles and features can be cost-prohibitive or challenging to replicate due to custom craftsmanship, rare materials, or intricate designs. Here's a breakdown of factors that may impact your decision:

Custom & historic replicas

Replicating heritage or custom windows, like stained glass and bay designs, requires skilled artisans, increasing costs due to specialised labour and materials. Limited availability stems from the expertise and rare materials needed for proper installation.

Speciality glass

Speciality glass, like art, bevelled, and decorative designs, enhances home aesthetics but comes at a premium due to complex production and installation. Limited availability stems from the expertise required for sourcing and handling.

Large & custom-sized windows

Most windows are made to order, ensuring a proper fit for larger or non-standard spaces. Custom sizing may require specialised frames, glass, and structural reinforcement, adding to costs. Bayview Windows offers custom sizes for seamless installation without compromising quality or craftsmanship.

High-end materials

Luxury materials like mahogany, oak, and bronze offer stunning aesthetics but come at a high cost due to specialised handling and ongoing maintenance. Limited availability is due to the expertise and suppliers required for proper installation.

Custom architectural designs

Uniquely shaped windows, like arched or oval designs, require custom fabrication and precise fitting, impacting installation and energy efficiency. Specialised glass cutting adds complexity and cost, and not all window companies offer these designs due to the expertise required.

Tip: Blend brands and materials for the best of both worlds - Mixing window materials and brands can offer smart style and savings. For example, classic wood or premium finishes on the front of your home can enhance curb appeal, while durable, low-maintenance vinyl on the sides and back keeps costs down. This tailored approach lets you match aesthetics where it matters most, without compromising on performance or budget.

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