Window Design Ideas for Boise Homes

The most versatile and popular window style in Boise. Both the upper and lower sashes slide vertically for ventilation. The classic proportions work with virtually every architectural style — from North End craftsman bungalows to East Boise colonials to Meridian subdivision ranches. Modern double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning from inside, a significant improvement over older units where exterior cleaning required a ladder.

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways. Works in virtually any home style. The go-to default when unsure which style to choose.

Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward with a crank handle. When closed, the sash compresses against the frame from the inside, creating the tightest air seal of any operable window type. This makes casement windows the best choice for energy efficiency in Boise's cold winters. The fully open sash can catch side breezes for excellent ventilation — a plus during Boise's pleasant spring and fall evenings.

Best for: Kitchens (above sinks where reaching a double-hung is difficult), bathrooms, and any location where maximum ventilation and the tightest seal are priorities.

Large, non-operable windows designed to frame views and flood rooms with natural light. Picture windows have the best thermal performance because there are no moving parts and no air leakage points. In Boise, picture windows are frequently used in living rooms and great rooms to capture Boise Foothills, Bogus Basin, and Owyhee mountain views. They are often paired with smaller operable windows on either side for ventilation.

Best for: Living rooms, great rooms, stairway landings, and any room where capturing a view is the priority. Pairs beautifully with flanking casement or double-hung units.

Bay windows project outward from the wall at angles (typically 30 or 45 degrees), creating additional interior space and a dramatic exterior focal point. Bow windows use a series of windows arranged in a gentle curve. Both types are statement features that transform a room from the inside and dramatically improve curb appeal from the outside. They are particularly striking in dining rooms and master bedrooms.

Best for: Dining rooms, breakfast nooks, master bedrooms. Creates a window seat or display area inside and a prominent architectural feature outside. Especially effective on front-facing elevations for maximum curb appeal impact.

One or both sashes slide horizontally along tracks. Sliding windows work well in wide openings where a vertical window would be too tall or impractical. They are the horizontal equivalent of a double-hung window. Modern sliders have improved weatherstripping and smoother operation compared to older models. They require no exterior clearance for opening, making them suitable for windows facing walkways or patios.

Best for: Basements (where ceiling height limits window height), bedrooms with wide openings, areas above countertops, and any location where exterior clearance for casement windows is limited.

Hinged at the top and opening outward from the bottom, awning windows provide ventilation even during light rain because the open sash acts as a canopy over the opening. They create a tight seal when closed, similar to casement windows. Awning windows are often used in combination with other window types — placed above or below a large picture window to add ventilation to a fixed-glass configuration.

Best for: Basements (set high on the wall), above kitchen sinks, bathrooms for ventilation during rain, and as accent windows paired with larger fixed units.