Choosing the right windows can be both exciting and overwhelming, given the wide range of styles, materials, and configurations. At CBP, we are proud to offer not only one of the largest window ranges in Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire, but also from the best European and British brands available today.
We’ve created a simple guide to help you get started with new windows for your home. We cover window types, materials, opening methods and popular styles. You’ll also discover how different materials—like PVCu, aluminium, hybrids, and steel—offer unique benefits, helping you find the perfect match for your home.
Window Types
The type of window you choose can affect the look of your home inside and out, but also how you use your windows for ventilation or cleaning. Here are the most common window types, available in aluminium, uPVC, timber, and hybrid materials.
- Sliding Sash
Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, these windows have sashes that slide vertically over one another. Each sash can be divided by mullions, transoms, or glazing bars. Traditional in styling.
- Casements
The most popular modern choice for their versatility. Casements can be hinged at the side, top, bottom, or middle, usually opening outwards (though inward-opening options exist). These come in classic or contemporary styles.
- Tilt and Turn
A multifunctional window opening inwards for normal ventilation, with the ability to open inwards completely, so you can clean the outside pane of glass from inside the room. These windows are also the biggest opening types available at near door sizes and usually contemporary in styling.
- Bespoke Windows and Doors
Our expertise means we can create completely bespoke windows and doors using a combination of opening types and designs for modern or traditional houses. Contact us for more information.
Your windows will also need to comply with Building Regulations for thermal performance, fire-escape facility where required, safety glazing and giving you the best user experience. This is where we can help you when you visit our showroom.
Popular Styles
The most popular styles of windows, are intended to suit both traditional and modern properties. So you’re sure to find something for your taste and style of home. Of course, it’s perfectly possible to take a house with older style windows and bring it up to date with new!
- Modern/Contemporary
Clean casements with no glazing bars for maximum light and uninterrupted views. These windows have typically larger openings, with fewer or no mullions and transoms.
- Traditional
Cottage-style casements with optional glazing bars dividing the glass into smaller panes. Casement windows and sliding sashes are used most.
- 1920s / Crittall® / Steel Look
Slim, industrial, or ‘heritage’ frames with distinctive grid-style glazing bars or no bars, but always slim, with black being the popular colour.
- Architectural Glazing
Large bespoke glass panels usually in aluminium or hybrid materials. These designs create striking windows or structures. Some include glass corners, box and frameless windows and unique shapes.
Window Frame Styles
Windows today have evolved and offer a great choice of frame styles and we can help you choose the best for your home.
- Chamfered Frame – Sash sits proud of the frame.
- Flush Frame – Openers close flush with the frame, replicating timber windows.
- Ovolo – A more rounded frame edge, still standing proud.
- Timber Look – Engineered to mimic fine wood joinery, with luxury foils and colours.
- Steel Look – steel or aluminium windows designed in the industrial style and always the slimmest types of windows.
- Contemporary – hybrid, steel and aluminium windows, with a flatline appearance with fixed, tilt and turn or outward opening sashes.
Choosing a Material
With modern materials, energy-efficiency, high-performance glass and great product design, there are no bad window materials today. And whatever you choose is safe, secure, and weather resistant. Each material has its own great features price point:
- PVCu
Typically most cost-effective, now available with slim profiles, flush frames, timber-effect foils, and mechanical joints. PVCu windows are rarely slimline, but have trimmed down to be very appealing. Available in classic or modern styles, flush casements, tilt and turn, timber look and sash windows. PVCu is best for its lower price and its foiled finishes giving a grained or softer colour and texture .
- Aluminium
Popular for its sleek, slim lines, reliability, durability and creates larger windows and doors than other materials. Aluminium is always best for patio doors given the demands placed on these. It’s great for traditional or modern homes and where you need more functionality from your new windows and doors. Aluminium is also the best choice for commercial buildings and higher traffic or usage.
- Hybrids (Timber/Aluminium or Timber/PVCu)
The best of all worlds. Wood inside for warmth; aluminium or PVCu outside for weather protection and lower maintenance. Often the most energy-efficient and with a substantial life-span. Not the slimmest, but certainly beautiful.
- Timber Windows
Timber windows and doors today are better-made, last longer and are the natural, sustainable choice. Whilst these are perceived as higher maintenance, paint and coating technology can make timber last as long as other materials, with minimum care.
- Steel
Steel windows and doors are at the upper level, beautifully crafted, mostly handmade. They’ll last a lifetime. The slimmest, strongest and most flexible choice, with complex shapes and curves easy to do. A true luxury choice.
Need more inspiration?
At CBP, we’ve handpicked the finest products and brands from across the UK and Europe, so you don’t have to. After an initial consultation, we’ll advise on the best options for your project.
Visiting our extensive showroom is the best place to experience all the window types mentioned in his article. Arguably the largest and best in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, we’ve virtually every product on display to try out, explore and ask any questions.
Every product we stock meets the latest security, thermal performance, and Building Regulations standards. We can even suggest solutions to help you achieve the Passive House standard.
We look forward to welcoming you and helping you transform your home.