Which Casement Window Style Is Right For Your Home?

Casement windows are hinged windows that open outward from the side, top or bottom of the frame. They are the most widely used window style in British homes, and the reason is straightforward: no other window type offers the same combination of ventilation, natural light, design flexibility and ease of use across such a wide range of property types.

But casement windows are not a single style. There are several distinct types, each suited to different rooms, properties and practical needs. Knowing the difference will help you make a decision you will not regret once the windows are in.

What Is A Casement Window?

A casement window is any window that is attached to its frame by hinges and opens outward. Unlike sash windows, which slide vertically within the frame, casement windows swing open on a hinge, which means the entire panel clears the frame when open. That gives you unobstructed airflow and an uninterrupted view when closed.

They are available in timber, uPVC and aluminium, and can be configured in almost any combination of panels, sizes and opening directions to suit the architecture of the building and the practical needs of each room.

The Different Types Of Casement Windows

Side Hung Casement Windows

Side hung casement windows are the most common type found in British homes. The sash is hinged at the side and swings outward, either to the left or right depending on the configuration. They work in almost any room and suit both traditional and contemporary properties equally well.

Because the entire panel opens, side hung casements offer excellent ventilation and are straightforward to clean and maintain. They close to a tight seal, which benefits both energy efficiency and security. They are also highly versatile in terms of sizing, making them a practical choice for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways alike.

At Turner & Co, our bespoke side hung casement windows are handcrafted from premium, sustainably sourced timber and made to measure for your property. Every window is designed from consultation through to installation and spray finishing, ensuring a result that fits both the opening and the property it belongs to.

Top Hung Casement Windows (Awning Windows)

Top hung casement windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom. This configuration is particularly well suited to the British climate because the angled opening sheds rainwater away from the frame, meaning you can leave the window open during light rain without water getting in.

They are a natural choice for bathrooms and kitchens where ventilation is needed throughout the day regardless of the weather. They can also be positioned higher on a wall than other window types, which is useful in rooms where privacy matters or wall space is limited lower down.

Bottom Hung Casement Windows (Hopper Windows)

Bottom hung casement windows, often called hopper windows, are hinged at the bottom and open inward from the top. This is the preferred configuration for upper floor rooms and apartments where an outward opening window at height would present a safety concern.

The inward tilt provides controlled ventilation without the risks associated with a fully opening panel at height, and the design makes the glass straightforward to clean from inside the property.

French Casement Windows (Double Casement)

French casement windows feature two panels that open outward from the centre with no central mullion dividing the view. When fully open they create a wide, unobstructed aperture that floods the room with light and connects the interior directly to the outside.

They are particularly popular in rooms that overlook a garden or patio, where the view and the connection to the outdoor space are as important as the ventilation. The absence of a central bar also makes them a strong visual feature in their own right, adding character to both the interior and the exterior of the property.

Flush Casement Windows

Flush casement windows are designed so that the opening sash sits level with the outer face of the frame when closed, creating a completely flat, clean exterior profile. This style has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, particularly in contemporary new builds and in renovation projects where a sleek, uniform appearance is a priority.

The flush design also contributes to improved weather sealing, since the sash sits tightly against the frame without any protruding sections that could catch wind or water.

Fixed Casement Windows (Picture Windows)

Fixed casement windows do not open at all. They are designed purely to maximise the glass area, bringing in as much natural light as possible and framing views without any hardware or ventilation mechanism interrupting the sight lines.

They are most commonly used as a central panel flanked by opening side hung or top hung casements, giving the overall configuration the visual impact of a large glass area while still providing practical ventilation on either side.

Bay windows frequently use this arrangement.

Tilt And Turn Windows

Tilt and turn windows offer two distinct opening positions from a single sash. In the tilt position the sash opens inward from the top, providing secure background ventilation similar to a hopper. In the turn position the entire sash swings inward from the side like a door, giving full access to the glass for cleaning and maximum airflow.

At Turner & Co, we offer tilt and turn windows as part of our bespoke casement range. They are particularly well suited to upper floor rooms and properties where external access for cleaning is difficult, as both opening positions can be operated entirely from inside.

Heritage Casement Windows

Heritage casement windows are designed to faithfully reproduce the appearance of period windows using traditional joinery techniques. For listed buildings, conservation areas and older properties, standard modern windows rarely do justice to the architecture and may not meet planning requirements.

Turner & Co specialises in heritage casement windows that replicate historical detailing including period ironmongery, slim sightlines, authentic mouldings and traditional joinery methods. These windows are built to improve energy efficiency and draught resistance considerably compared to the original single glazed frames they typically replace, while keeping the external appearance faithful to the building.

Casement Window Materials

Casement windows are available in three main materials, and understanding the options will help you make the right choice for your property, your priorities around maintenance and your budget.

Timber is the traditional choice and remains the most visually appropriate material for period and character properties. It offers natural warmth that uPVC and aluminium cannot replicate, and when properly maintained it will outlast most alternatives. Turner & Co works exclusively in timber, crafting every window from premium, sustainably sourced wood selected for the specific demands of each project.

uPVC is the most widely installed material in the UK due to its low cost and minimal maintenance requirements. It performs well for energy efficiency and is available in a range of colours and finishes, though it lacks the depth and character of timber and is generally less suitable for older or listed properties.

Aluminium offers slim sightlines and a contemporary aesthetic that suits modern architecture well. Its strength allows for larger panels with thinner frames, and powder coating provides a durable, long lasting finish in a wide range of colours. For now, our work at Turner & Co is rooted in timber, and that singular focus is what allows us to deliver the standard of craftsmanship we do.

Casement Windows Versus Sash Windows

The comparison homeowners most often make is between casement and sash windows, particularly for period properties where both styles are historically appropriate.

Sash windows slide vertically within the frame and are closely associated with Georgian and Victorian architecture. They provide elegant proportions and a strong period aesthetic but offer less ventilation than casement windows since only half the frame can be open at any time.

Casement windows open fully on a hinge, providing better airflow and are generally easier to clean and maintain. For properties where planning restrictions do not require a specific window type, the choice often comes down to the architectural style of the building and personal preference.

Which Casement Window Style Is Right For You?

The right casement style depends on three things: the type of property you have, the room the window is going into and how you want the window to perform day to day.

Side hung casements suit most rooms in most properties and are a reliable starting point for any project. If your property is a period home, listed building or sits within a conservation area, heritage casement windows are likely the most appropriate choice and may be required by your local planning authority.

Bathrooms and kitchens benefit from top hung windows, where the angled opening keeps air moving even when the weather turns. Tilt and turn or hopper windows are the sensible choice where a fully opening sash would not be safe or practical. If you want to make the most of a garden view or flood a living space with light, French casements or a fixed panel flanked by opening sashes will deliver the best result.

If you are unsure, the most practical approach is to discuss the project with a joiner who understands both the technical requirements and the character of the building. The right window is not always the most obvious one on paper.

Bespoke Timber Casement Windows From Turner & Co

At Turner & Co Bespoke Joinery Ltd, we design and craft bespoke timber casement windows from our workshop in Ipswich. Every window is made to measure, designed around your property and built using premium, sustainably sourced timber selected for each individual project. If you are also considering timber doors, we craft those to the same standard as part of our wider bespoke joinery offering.

Our casement window range covers side hung, tilt and turn, and heritage designs, with every window managed from initial consultation and technical drawings through to manufacture, installation and spray finishing. We have particular experience working with period and listed properties across Suffolk, where older homes in towns like Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury frequently require heritage casement work that meets both planning requirements and the expectations of the building.

We also work with homeowners across Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and London.

If you would like to discuss bespoke timber casement windows for your home, call the Turner & Co team today on 07952 907 946.

Frequently Asked Questions