Eyes Of the Home - Clarifying Window Types and Styles

In the living face, eyes are a window into the soul. Similarly, windows are the eyes of the home. There are myriad styles of windows - some architecturally structured while others are just details within the windows themselves. Below are some of our most common types and styles that we see homeowners designing with and around.

Clerestory

A portion of a roof that extends vertically above adjacent rooftops that has windows admitting daylight to the interior.

Clerestory: 

Dormer

A roofed structure containing one or more windows. There are a few different types of dormers: gabled is the most popular in farmhouse styles, as below. A shed dormer can have a few more windows, we add two or three 2' windows to most shed dormers. An eyebrow dormer can have a rounded or a triangular shape as well. 

Gabled Dormers: 

Shed Dormers:

Eyebrow Dormers: 

Cupola

A small enclosed structure with windows or openings that sits above the adjacent roofline. Used as a lookout, lantern tower, or adjoined to a balcony or widow's walk as seen below, a cupola adds vertical architectural interest and function to a home.

Cupola with Widow's Walk:

Bay, Bow, or Boxed Windows

A window, or set of windows, that is projected outward from an exterior wall is referred to as either a boxed, bay, or bow window. While the bay window is typically one window unit that has individual windows connected (or mulled) together, you can also separate the windows to save costs. The bowed window (not shown) is the same as a bay window, but rounded instead of angular.

Bay Window with Non-Mulled Windows: 

Boxed Window:

Window Styles: 

Below are frequent style designs for custom homes. Whether it is adjoining two or more windows together, adding light or interest with various shapes, the windows can be as reflective of taste and design as the homeowner chooses!

Mulled Windows (middle window): 

Butt-Joint Windows: 

Transom Windows: 

Custom Designed: 

Now the question is, what would you do??

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