The best windows for every room
What makes a window ideal for a certain room? For starters, the window needs to suit the function of the space. It also needs to fit the aesthetics of your home. The best windows will unite form and function in a way that suits you — the way you want to live.
Windows by room
Looking for some quick answers to which windows are best in a kitchen, bedroom, and more? Let’s take it room by room.
Kitchen windows
Tall casement windows fit nicely and function well in a kitchen. Their shape makes them an easy fit amongst the cabinetry, their cranks make them seamless to open when you’re reaching over a sink or counter, and their top-to-bottom opening helps vent out cooking smells, heat, and humidity. All of this is why casement windows are such a winner in the kitchen. We’ll explain more about how to fit windows around appliances and built-ins that come with a kitchen, plus other creative solutions to help with your kitchen window selections.
Bathroom windows
We love an awning window in a bathroom because it can let in light and air while preserving privacy. Its horizontal shape is ideal for limiting how much of a room is on view, and it's often placed higher on the wall for exactly this reason. As for products, the 100 Series product line is a particularly good option because it’s made with Fibrex® composite material which resists rot and decay.* So don’t think that just because privacy is paramount in the bathroom, you can’t have windows too. We’ve got more bathroom windows selection tips.
Basement windows
Top picks for a basement include horizontally oriented awning and gliding windows. Both fit well where there’s not a lot of above-ground space. Casements are another option where there’s a large window well or in a walk-out basement. Our 100 Series product line is a great fit here too, since it’s made of Fibrex material, which resists rot and decay* — a helpful characteristic to have near the damp ground. We’ve got more tips for picking out basement windows that help alleviate concerns related to security, durability, and egress.
Bedroom windows
In a bedroom, you want windows that will help you get a better night’s sleep. Certain window features, like triple-pane glass, STC upgrades, and laminated glass can help muffle outside noise. And there are also safety and security features that can help you sleep in a figurative sense by giving you peace of mind. Also consider that natural light intake has been shown to improve sleep,* so having more windows to soak up more daytime lighting could help as well. Find out more about how windows can improve your sleeping environment.
Living room windows
A big window combination can really make a living room — a bay window, a picture window flanked by double-hung windows, or maybe a whole wall of windows. Whatever the right combination for your home, bigger is better in the living room. Besides making the space more attractive, by welcoming in natural light and views, window combinations can also help increase curb appeal. Often this room is at the front of the home, so windows there can create a pleasing composition. Get all our tips for picking out perfect living room windows.
Dining room windows
Here’s the perfect place for big, showy windows that create an environment for enjoying company and lingering over a great meal — think: an oversized picture window or perhaps a row of floor-to-ceiling windows. Similar to a living room, a dining room is a gathering place in the home, so windows that let light pour in and showcase the view will help create a pleasant atmosphere. Whatever the style of your home, its layout, or the mood you’re trying to evoke, we’ve got the tips to help you land on the best windows for your dining room.
Home office windows
The best windows for a home office will maximize mood-boosting natural light without any negative consequences. Because this room is one of the least standard across homes — it might be a standalone room designed for the purpose of working, or it might be carved out of a hallway, attic, or other space — there’s not a single window type or style that stands out. Still, we’ve got tips that’ll help you pick out windows to brighten up your space without making it an uncomfortable temperature and without creating a glare on your computer.
Sunroom windows
We love joined casement windows in a sunroom or porch. They make the most of the opportunity to bring fresh air and natural light into this typically window-heavy room. Casements allow top-to-bottom ventilation while joining connects windows in a way that results in more glass and less framing overall. And since casements are one of our most energy-efficient types of windows, they’re a particularly good choice in a space that’s usually more glass than wall. We’ll explain more about how to make good window selections for your sunroom.
What to consider when picking out windows for various rooms?
Whether you’re picking out windows for a new construction home, chipping away at replacing your windows a few at a time, or replacing windows in the context of a remodel, here are some questions to consider:
- What’s the function of the room? How does that impact your needs for privacy, security, sound reduction, and more?
- Does the cardinal direction the windows face offer a particular opportunity?
And, of course, individual rooms are a part of the whole home, so think about:
- What’s your home’s style? Are you sticking to that style or are you striving for something new? Perhaps something more contemporary, traditional, or maybe transitional (a blend of both)?
- How does your home’s location affect your needs? Do you need UV protection? Coastal protection? Or, do you need to meet energy efficiency standards?
When you consider these questions, you can make window choices that improve the way you use your space and the way you feel when you’re in that space.
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Window Selection Guide
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Design tool
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*Visit andersenwindows.com/warranty for details
**The effects of exposure to natural light in the workplace on the health and productivity of office workers: a systematic review protocol. Accessed January 30, 2025.