Hopper Window vs Awning Window Style Comparison

When it comes to boosting airflow and increasing natural light, hopper and awning windows are among the very best. Unlike casement windows, which are attached to their frames with one or more hinges at the side and open outward to the left or right, hopper and awning windows do not open sideways, nor are they hinged on the side. If you are in the midst of building a new home or remodeling an existing home, learning about these two versatile window styles will help you decide on the right kind of windows for your home.

Use the links below to skip ahead:

• Hopper vs Awning Window Styles
• When Should I Choose Hopper Windows?
• When Should I Choose an Awning Window?

Hopper vs Awning Window Styles

What Are Hopper Windows? 

Let’s start with hopper window styles. Hopper windows are connected to their frame by one or more hinges at the bottom, and they have movable sashes that allow them to open inward. They are especially efficient for bathrooms and basements since they can fit in relatively small spaces and are great at ventilating rooms. Hopper windows are also energy efficient since the sashes press snugly against the frame when the windows are closed, forming a tight seal that significantly reduces air leakage. Furthermore, hopper windows provide more than adequate security as they are hard to force open from the outside, and the angle at which they open prevents dirt and debris from falling into the house.

What Are Awning Windows?

On the other hand, awning windows are attached to the top of the frame rather than the bottom, and they open outside and upward. Depending on how accessible an awning window is, it can either be opened by hand or by cranking a simple handle. By opening out and up, awning windows can prevent water from entering the house, meaning you can leave it open while it’s raining. A pretty versatile window style, awning windows can fit in a wide variety of rooms and styles. They can also be installed in bathrooms as they can provide plenty of ventilation and light when installed higher up on the wall. 

How Do Awning and Hopper Windows Compare?

A major difference between the two window styles is how they are attached to the way and how they open up. While hopper windows are hinged at the bottom and open inward with the help of sashes, awning windows (also known as top-hinged windows) are hinged at the top and open outward at the bottom. Awning windows are quite efficient at allowing airflow and keeping out light rain, making them perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and basements. Hopper windows are more commonly installed in bathrooms and basements thanks to their small size and good ventilation. 

When Should I Choose Hopper Windows?

Deciding which type of windows↗ to install in your home can be daunting, especially if this is your first time building or renovating a house. However, once you break it down into different rooms with specific needs, the choice becomes a little easier. If your home has or is going to have a basement, hopper windows would be the best choice as they allow for airflow, are energy efficient, and are pretty hard to break into. For the same reasons, they also work great in bathrooms. To ensure your privacy, you can install them higher on the wall out of the sightline of the shower and tub.

When Should I Choose an Awning Window?

Awning windows can be used to boost a room’s ventilation and increase the amount of natural light it receives. They can be installed in any room that needs lots of fresh air, including the kitchen, living room, and bedroom. Since awning windows are good ventilators and provide tons of light, they can also be installed in bathrooms. Like hopper windows, installing them higher on the wall gives you protects your privacy. Additionally, awning windows can also be used to frame the landscape as they open upwards without blocking the view. If you would like a window that fills the room with light, promotes airflow, and showcases the landscape, an awning window is the way to go. 

Key Takeaway

Both of these window styles have a lot of utility. They will both fill your house with plenty of natural light, and they both promote airflow. As long as they are properly installed, these windows have the potential to benefit you and your home a great deal.