Sliding or casement windows: which suits each room
Sliding windows save space; casement windows open fully. The better choice depends on what is in front of the window, how much air you want, and how you will clean it.
Sliding
Sashes move sideways on tracks. Nothing swings into the room or out over a balcony. A two-track slider opens to about half its width.
Casement
Sashes are hinged at the side and open fully, outward or inward. When closed they press against their seals.
Compared
| Aspect | Sliding | Casement |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | None in front or behind | Room for the sash to swing |
| Opening | Part of the width at a time | The whole sash |
| Mesh | Separate mesh track or pleated mesh | Fixed or pleated mesh on the inside |
| Cleaning | Tracks need regular cleaning | Outward sashes can be harder to reach outside |
Room by room
- Balcony and terrace openings: sliding, because nothing swings into the walkway.
- Bedrooms: either; casement if you want the whole window open for air.
- Kitchens: casement over a counter can be awkward to reach; sliding is often easier.
- Bathrooms and small openings: a small casement or a fixed pane with an opening section.
- Upper floors facing a road: consider how you will clean the outside before choosing outward-opening sashes.
See uPVC sliding windows and uPVC casement windows for more detail.