Casement windows
What they are
These are the windows you see on most homes in the UK. They’re usually hinged at the side or top and open outwards. The main materials they come in are uPVC, wood or aluminium and they can be double or triple glazed, depending on the material and manufacturer.
Our casement windows come in durable uPVC, made right here in our UK factory. They come with a 10-year guarantee and carry plenty of industry accreditations. This includes a Police-backed Secured by Design accreditation for windows built with strong, reliable security features.
Where they work best
Casement windows can be customised for a wide range of property types, from modern homes to period properties. You find them on most new build homes and their adaptability and affordability makes them popular as replacement windows in older properties.
Combine top hinged casements with glazing bars to imitate older Victorian, Georgian or Edwardian designs. In bathrooms, the most common design is the top third of the window being the opening part, with the sash hinged at the top. Create a real feature window for a room that's got great views with french windows, a casement where both windows open and no central bar to block the view.
Key benefits
- Excellent ventilation
- Strong thermal performance
- Low maintenance
- Great for energy efficiency
- Enhanced security
Sash windows
What they are
A classic window style featuring vertically sliding panels, they were a staple of Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian buildings. Most of them have two moving panels called sashes, sometimes one, that move up and down within the window frame. They tend to be double glazed in uPVC and timber, replacing draughty single glazed examples in period homes. We offer them in uPVC.
Where they work best
They were popular on townhouses because they open vertically, so you don't have to worry about them taking up space inside or out when they open. Modern sash windows are a great way to replace existing single glazed sash windows on period homes. Sometimes these homes are in a conservation area, so you may have to replace in timber, but in most cases modern sash windows are a great fit in any room of the home.
Replicate older sash windows with glazing bars or decorative glass with options to imitate period window designs.
Key benefits
- Preserve traditional appearance
- Smooth sliding mechanism
- Controlled ventilation
- Improved insulation
Tilt and turn windows
What they are
A modern, versatile window style, tilt and turn windows can be opened in two different ways. As the name suggests, you can open them by tilting them inward from bottom hinges, or turn them open inwards from hinges at the side. They usually come in uPVC but it depends on the manufacturer.
Where they work best
Tilt and turn windows are commonly found in modern developments, apartments, and extensions, where their contemporary design matches the aesthetic. They are also often taller than other window types, so they aren't an easy straight replacement for traditional windows.
If you have the home that suits them, tilt and turn windows are a practical and stylish option. They’re an excellent choice for conservatories and extensions, where large windows or full height windows are needed to let in natural light while maintaining security and ease of operation.
Key benefits
- Easy cleaning from inside
- Great ventilation control
- Excellent security features
- Strong thermal insulation
French windows
What they are
Offering plenty of light and a touch of luxury, French windows are a great choice for upgrading your home. These windows have two moving sashes that open outward, but unlike other casement windows they don't have a central pillar. This means that when both sashes are open, you get an uninterrupted view from the window.
Where they work best
French windows are a great choice for a variety of properties, particularly period homes and cottages. Overall though, due to their versatility and timeless design, they are well suited to a wide range of properties from any era.
French windows are ideal for rooms with a view that you want to enjoy. They can be a great addition to a living room, dining room or kitchen that looks onto a garden, or even a bathroom too.
Key benefits
- Elegant design
- Excellent ventilation
- Strong thermal performance
- Security features
- Great for natural light
Bay windows
What they are
A classic design feature seen in houses across the UK, Bay windows extend out from your property bringing in plenty of natural light. Traditionally they have three windows, one main facing forward and two side windows. Some designs are in a full curve, known as bow window and others have the classic three-panel design known as a Splay bay. Some bay windows, known as single-end bay windows, only have two panels.
Where they work best
Bay windows have been used for hundreds of years and can be found at the front, side and rear of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s houses. More often than not though, you'll find at the front of a house on living rooms and sometimes extending up to the first floor bedroom in a double bay. Designed to add space and natural light to a living area, they work very well on any kind of living room.
You can add a bay window to a home, opting for a traditional or modern feel, they are perfect for rooms that need a bit more natural light. Bay windows also work well at the rear of a property with a bigger garden, so you can make the most of the sunlight and the view.
Key benefits
- Increase natural light
- Make rooms feel larger
- Improve kerb appeal
- Energy efficiency
Choosing the right type of window for your home
So now you know the types of window we offer, but what should you be thinking about when choosing your perfect windows?
Consider your home’s age and style
The age and architectural style of your home are key to selecting the right windows. For period houses like a Victorian terrace or 1930s semi, traditional window styles like sash or casement are often the best fit for their versatility and heat retention.
If you have a more modern home or are adding windows to an extension, casement or tilt & turn are great options. They have a wider range of customisations and can be triple glazed for enhanced energy efficiency.
Think about where the windows are
If you have a north facing wall or a wall that doesn't get much natural light, go with a window that can be triple glazed to improve heat retention. If your windows are up high then choose a window that's easy to open, like a top hung casement window with the handle at the bottom. You might If the window is adjacent to a door then you'll need laminated glass to comply with PAS24.
When you get new windows through Safestyle, our helpful design experts and Surveyors will always help you make the choice that's not only right for you, but practical for your home too.
Prioritise energy efficiency and insulation
Energy efficient windows are crucial for maintaining comfort in your home and keeping your heating costs down. Double or triple glazing can significantly improve insulation, keeping warmth in during the colder months and preventing excess heat from entering in the summer. Opting for modern glazing technologies like low-emissivity glass can further boost energy performance and reduce energy bills.
Check planning restrictions (if applicable)
If your home is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, planning restrictions may apply to your window choices. In these cases, you have to choose windows in accordance with the rules of your local authority. In a lot of cases this means replacing like for like - i.e. timber for timber.
It is always worth checking with your local authority before you set your heart on a window style or material. If you do live in a listed building or conservation area and it isn't practical or affordable to replace your windows, we offer secondary glazing that sits behind existing windows and offers insulation and even helps reduce outside noise.
Once you've considered all these factors, you’ll be ready to choose the right window for your home. If you need help, Safestyle is here to guide you through your options and provide a free, no-obligation quote to help you make the best choice for your property.
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