The main types of windows for Australian homes are sliding, awning, casement, double hung, louvre, bi-fold and fixed windows, with double glazing available across most styles.
The right choice comes down to the room, how much airflow you want, your budget and the weather the window faces.
Custom Screens & Security has been manufacturing in WA for more than 40 years. We custom-make aluminium windows in our Bassendean factory for homes across Perth and country WA. This guide draws on what we see work in real homes.
What are the different types of windows?
Each window type is named for how it opens. Sliding windows move sideways, awning windows hinge at the top, and casements hinge at the side. Double-hung sashes slide up and down, louvres tilt open on glass blades, bi-folds fold to one side, and fixed windows do not open. Here is how the main window types compare.
| Window type | How it opens | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding | Sash slides horizontally | Living areas, bedrooms, wide openings |
| Awning | Hinged at the top, opens outward | Bathrooms, laundries, airflow in light rain |
| Casement | Hinged at the side, opens outward | Bedrooms, living areas, catching side breezes |
| Double hung | Sashes slide vertically | Heritage and character homes, controlled airflow |
| Louvre | Adjustable horizontal blades | Cross-ventilation, coastal and warm climates |
| Bi-fold | Panels fold and stack to one side | Servery windows, indoor-outdoor living |
| Fixed | Does not open | Natural light, framing views |
Sliding windows
Sliding windows use two sashes, with at least one sliding horizontally across the other. They suit most rooms because nothing swings out when they open, and they sit at the affordable end of the range.
Around half the window area opens for airflow, and flyscreens and security screens fit easily. The one thing to watch near the coast is the bottom track, which collects sand and leaves and needs a regular clean. For a simple, reliable window in bedrooms and living areas, start here.
Awning windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom. The open sash sits over the gap like a small roof, so you can leave them open in light rain. That makes them a good fit for bathrooms and laundries, where you want steam and moisture out, whatever the weather.
They also seal tightly when closed, which helps with draughts and noise.
Double hung windows
Double hung windows have two sashes that slide vertically. With both sashes partly open, warm air escapes at the top while cooler air comes in at the bottom. That gives you finer control over airflow than most other styles.
They suit heritage and character homes but work in modern builds too. For an uninterrupted view, our ProVista sashless double hung windows remove the visible frame between the panes.
Louvre windows
Louvre windows use horizontal glass blades that tilt open together, opening almost the entire window area at once. That makes them a common choice for coastal and warm-climate homes.
In Perth, a louvre placed to catch the afternoon sea breeze can cool a room without turning on the air conditioner. We supply Breezway louvres for homes and commercial projects across Perth and country WA.
Bi-fold windows
Bi-fold windows fold and stack to one side, opening up most of the frame. They are a popular choice for kitchen serveries, where you can pass plates straight out to the alfresco area.
Bi-folds cost more than most other styles, and they are usually kept for one feature opening rather than used throughout the house.
Casement windows
Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward like a door. Almost the whole window opens, and an open casement angled toward the afternoon sea breeze directs cooler air into the room.
They suit bedrooms and living areas, and pair well with fixed glass. Avoid them beside paths or decks, where an open sash gets in the way.
Fixed windows
Fixed windows do not open. They are the most cost-effective way to bring in natural light or frame a view, and they also work as a glass splashback behind a kitchen bench.
Fixed panes are commonly paired with opening windows: fixed glass for light, with a sliding, awning or casement sash beside it for air.
What about double glazing?
Double glazing is not a window style but a glass option worth considering on any of the types above. Two panes of glass with a sealed gap between them let less heat and noise through than a single pane. That helps keep rooms cooler through a Perth summer and quieter on a busy road.
How do you choose the right window for each room?
Choose windows room by room rather than for the whole house at once. These four questions narrow down the right type for each room.
- How much airflow does the room need? Louvres and casements open almost fully. Double-hung windows let air in at the bottom and out at the top. Sliding windows open about halfway, and fixed windows do not open at all.
- What weather will the window face? Awning windows can stay open in light rain. In coastal suburbs, choose powder-coated aluminium frames and rinse the frames and hardware with fresh water every few months to clear salt.
- Do you need security? Security screens can be fitted to every window type, with mesh warranties of up to 15 years.
- What is the budget? Sliding, awning and fixed windows are the most economical. Bi-folds and large louvre banks cost the most
Talk to a WA window manufacturer
Every window we sell is custom-made in our Bassendean factory, and our Carinya aluminium windows carry a 7-year structural warranty. If you are choosing windows for a new build or renovation in Perth or country WA, call us on (08) 9279 7444 or request a free quote. We will help you match the right style to each room.