Top 10 Sliding Window Design Trends

India has seen a quick shift from traditional-styled windows to modern designs of sliding windows. Earlier wooden windows were preferably installed in a significant number of households but now sliding window designs are preferred which enhances the look and feel of our homes. Sliding windows are the new definition of home decor because of their aesthetic appeal and various benefits. There has been a hike in the sale of sliding windows for the past few years.

What Are Sliding Windows?

Sliding windows are the type of windows which open by sliding horizontally on the top and bottom trails in the window frame. They are somewhat like the double-hung windows if you bend your head to 90 degrees. These are simple designs for a replacement window that makes them one of the available options. They can be fully opened by pushing any one of the panels to the other side. They come in a variety of types and each has its working process.

Sliding windows are wider than they are taller making them a good option for installation for areas with more width and less height. They provide you with an unobstructed view of the world outside, making you aware of the surroundings. These windows are easy to operate and can be opened with a small push. To operate a sliding window you must first unlock the sash and slide one of the panes to the other side.

Types of Sliding Windows

1. Single Pane Window:

This type of window comprises only one sash or pane that slides horizontally while the other remains fixed. They are easy to operate and have the simplest design. They are suitable for small apartments and less space. They have space-saving functionality. Single-pane windows are cost-effective and easy to install making them the preferred choice for small and medium-sized openings. They provide good ventilation even though only half of the window can be opened. These windows are of lower pricing than the other two sliding windows.

2. Double-Pane Window:

Double-pane windows as the name suggests have two slashes movable. Both of these panes can slide horizontally providing more flexibility than single sliding windows. As both of the panes are movable and open these provide better ventilation and are easy to clean from both inside and outside. These windows require more space and thus are suitable for large openings. These are too cost-effective but generally more expensive than the single sliding window.

3. Triple Pane Window:

Triple sliding windows are a variation of the double sliding window. These windows have one fixed and 2 movable panes. The middle of the three panes is fixed where two of the sides move horizontally. These movable panes can slide to the middle and settle with the immovable pane. Triple pane windows require a lot of space for installation and thus are preferably used in large drawing rooms. They offer expansive outside views and provide very good ventilation.

Top 10 Sliding Window Designs

1. Slide And fold Sliding Window:

These are multi-paned windows that slide along the tracks and channels. The panels fold on each other when we open the window much like that of the accordion. They have varied styles and can be opened either inwards or outwards. They are used for large areas that require large and wide windows. These windows are aesthetically pleasing and offer a wide range of views without obstruction.

2. Corner Sliding Window:

Corner sliding windows consist of two adjoining window panels that meet at a 90-degree angle. These panels slide horizontally along tracks which are integrated into the corner of the building. The view from this window is wide and unobstructed and it allows more light to enter into the building. They are suitable for residential and commercial spaces helping to maximize daylight and visual appeal.

3. Transom Over Slider Sliding Window:

Above any sliding window pane, the transom window is fixed in place. They can be designed of various shapes and sizes like rectangular or arched. It enhances the window’s aesthetic appeal while allowing more light to enter the building. The main benefit of this type of window is that it provides proper ventilation and some extra lighting.

4. Bay Sliding Window:

These are three paned windows that are arranged along a channel. They can be both slid horizontally or lifted up or down vertically. This operated just like the normal pane window wherein the sashes move along the tracks within the bay structure. They enhance the ventilation and spatial aesthetics while providing a modern twist. These windows can be installed in both residential and commercial buildings.

5. Tilt and Slide Sliding Window:

A tilt and slide window performs two functions in one design i.e. tilting inward for ventilation and sliding horizontally for full opening. This dual-action mechanism provides flexibility and convenience, allowing users to control airflow and access easily. This window style was popularized by Germany. They let you control the amount of air inflow and outflow thus regulating temperature accordingly.

6. Shutter Sliding Window:

A shutter sliding window combines the features of both sliding windows and shutters. These windows have panels that slide horizontally along tracks, allowing easy adjustment of natural light and ventilation. The special feature of shutters provides privacy making sure that the inside of the home is not visible from outside. They also provide light control options without the need for additional coverings.

7. Vertical Sliding Window:

Also known as sash windows have two movable panels that slide vertically within the frame. These windows provide flexible ventilation options by opening from either the top or bottom. Modern versions of these windows enhance energy efficiency with double-glazed panes and weather seals. Vertical sliding windows suit both residential and commercial settings.

8. Frameless Sliding Window:

These windows offer a sleek and minimalistic appearance. Unlike traditional windows with visible frames, these frameless sliding windows use structured glass panels that slide horizontally or vertically along the hidden tracks. These offer a maximum view with limited interruptions and distractions. They are often used in luxury homes, modern office and commercial buildings where aesthetic appeal is of paramount importance.

9. Accordion Sliding Window:

These windows consist of multiple panels that fold together like an accordion, allowing for expansive openings when fully extended. These are versatile windows that fold and unfold along a track system which helps maximise space. They allow a large amount of natural light to enter the room. They enhance the ventilation process by allowing the inflow of fresh air. They are made of durable material ensuring longevity and long-lasting performance.

10. Shoji Sliding Window:

These windows are traditional Japanese decor that is famous for their unique design excellent efficiency and space-saving abilities. These windows have the power to change the aesthetic of your home. They are made from wood and glass and also use paper. The panes slide horizontally on the wooden track or grooves smoothly.

Features of Sliding Windows

• Space saving: The sliding window opens horizontally along the track, unlike the traditional windows and swings outwards and inwards. These horizontal openings save interior and exterior space, making them perfect for rooms where there is excess furniture or space constraints, limiting the use of any other kind of window. By eliminating the need for clearance space around the window, sliding windows maximize floor space utilization and allow for more flexible interior layouts.
• Natural light: Designed with large glass panels, sliding windows maximize the entry of natural light into a room. The expansive glass area provides unobstructed views and enhances the brightness of indoor spaces. This in turn helps in reducing the dependence on artificial lighting at least during the daytime. This feature contributes to energy efficiency by reducing overall electricity consumption.
• Aesthetic appeal: Sliding windows offer a sleek and modern aesthetic that complements various architectural styles, from contemporary to minimalist designs. They are extensively used for both commercial and residential buildings. They are available in different materials and finishes which further enhances the versatility.
• Easy maintenance: Compared to other window types, such as double-hung or casement windows, sliding windows are relatively easy to maintain. They have fewer moving parts, typically requiring only periodic cleaning of the glass and lubrication of the tracks for smooth operation. This simple maintenance requires only periodic cleaning of glass and lubrication of tracks for smooth movement.
• Affordability: Sliding windows are often more cost-effective than alternative window styles like casement or double-hung. Their simpler construction and installation process contribute to lower upfront costs without compromising quality or functionality.

Application of Sliding Windows

• Kitchen: Open kitchens are being extensively built nowadays but if you require extra privacy to cover it from the rest of your home you can install a sliding window. You can also use the windows to expel the smoke and vapours from the kitchen.
• Bedroom: The regular windows can be replaced with sliding ones to increase the aesthetic value of your house. They are an excellent choice for your bedroom and closets. They are simple and promote better ventilation
• Balcony: The balconies of the houses are frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions including rain, storms, harsh sunlight and thunderstorms which can affect your windows. You can replace your traditional wooden windows with sliding ones as they are more durable and have structural strength and stability.
• Library: It makes it easier to concentrate when you are around nature. Sliding windows provide you with a panoramic view that enhances your will to learn and concentration making you feel more connected to nature.
• Commercial buildings: Sliding windows are extensively being used in commercial buildings to provide proper ventilation and the view of outside by sitting on your chair. They are stronger durable and affordable making them the preferred choice for commercial buildings.

Material Used For The Sliding Window

• Wooden frame: The most extensively used kind of frame is wooden which not only enhances our visual appeal but also acts as a good insulation. These are aesthetically pleasing giving rich vibes but at the same time are prone to humidity changes. They cannot withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Frame of vinyl: These frames provide us with high insulation levels at a very affordable price. They are easy to maintain and clean but at the same time cannot withstand harsh sunlight and extreme heat
• Fibreglass frame: The fibreglass frame offers good resistance to unpredictable weather conditions ensuring that they are durable. These frames are more expensive than the other presented options but can last for 50 years from purchase.
• uPVC frame: Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride is a highly durable and flexible material which is widely used for framing because of its durability and low maintenance. It is low maintenance, can be cleaned easily and can withstand extreme weather conditions. These window frames can be installed and used in both residential buildings and commercial. There are a variety of uPVC windows available in the market to choose from.
• Aluminum Frames: These are the most famous frames used by households. They are visually appealing and are highly durable. They have great strength to withhold themselves in harsh working conditions and are easy to clean and maintain. Aluminum frames are preferred for houses in living rooms, balconies or kitchens and they can also be installed in offices.

Conclusion

The sliding window designs are the new option for the replacement of traditional windows. These are earlier to operate, have many benefits like providing proper sunlight and ventilation and are easy to maintain. Sliding windows are a great alternative and are a cost-effective option. These windows are efficient and aesthetically pleasing suiting all your home necessities and appealing to your taste.

Read Also: Sliding Windows: Types, Functionality & Benefits