A Beautiful, New SpaceA Beautiful, New Space

When remodeling a house or room, it gives you a great opportunity to replace old drafty windows or those that are simply eyesores. It is also a great opportunity to add new windows to bring in more healthy, natural sunlight. While there are numerous window styles on the market, and all have their pros and cons, awning windows are great options in many rooms, especially small ones. Read on to learn more about the unique advantages of awning windows and which rooms they are perfect for. 

The Unique Advantages of Awning Windows

Awning windows are typically rectangular or square and built with a hinge on the top of the window frame. Most open with a crank located on the interior of the window frame, and with a turn of the crank, the window opens outward from the bottom. Due to their unique style, they fit very well into even the smallest rooms where double-hung windows simple aren't an option. While small in size, they let a lot of light in, because there are no rails that obstruct the entry of light into the windows. 

Since the crank of the window is located at the bottom of it, that means that they can be placed high on a wall (even where the wall meets the ceiling), and as long as the bottom crank is within arm's reach, still be opened with ease. 

Awning windows are known for sealing very tightly, which makes them very energy efficient. While their tight seal also helps keep out the elements, one of the biggest advantages of awning windows is that, due to their unique style, they can be opened when it is raining to let the cool outdoor air in while not letting any of the rain inside. 

3 Rooms Where Awning Windows Shine

Awning windows work well in any room of a home, and adding one or two of them strategically to a room needs that needs more sunlight and fresh air than its existing windows allow in is easy and affordable. However, due to their unique design and qualities, they work especially well in the following three rooms: 

1. Kitchens

While small awning windows that fit into the tightest spaces are available, large awning windows are perfect for the kitchen. One awning window placed directly in front of the kitchen sink is great to a homeowner when cooking or simply washing dinner dishes; when it is cool outside and the kitchen heats up, the awning window can be opened to let fresh, cool air inside and hot air out, even when it is raining or snowing. 

In addition, the kitchen is a room that needs to be highly illuminated, and a large awning window cannot be beat in its ability to light up a room with natural sunshine. 

2. Closets

If a large, walk-in closet is located against an exterior wall, then adding a small window to it is a great idea. However, a window that is too large can let in too much sunlight that could potentially fade clothes with harsh UV rays. A small awning window placed high in the closet can let in a little natural light and fresh air when opened without sacrificing privacy or leading to fading of fabrics. 

3. Bathrooms

While a good exhaust fan is important to have in every bathroom, hot, steamy showers or baths can create so much steam that even the best exhaust fan cannot suck up as quickly as it is made. Just like in the kitchen, an awning window can be opened in the bathroom to let out extra heat and steam even on rainy days. 

If the bathroom you are remodeling already has a window in it, an additional small awning window or two can add extra natural light to the bathroom and give the homeowner a chance to let fresh air into the bathroom on rainy days. In addition, using the awning windows to let steam out of the bathroom when it is raining outside can help keep mold and mildew from growing on that fresh bathroom tile and shower door. 

Awning windows are unique, and they are a great addition to any room that could use a little extra sunlight and fresh air, even on rainy days. They pose additional advantages in small rooms and those that get hot and/or steamy.