What Shapes Of Window Glass Can You Have?

Windows are available in a range of different shapes, sizes and designs, beyond the most common shapes that you’d expect to see. 

When you work with a professional glazier like Stevenage Glass, you can choose from a huge variety of shapes of window glass, with options to suit every property. 

The shape of window glass can impact both the functionality of the glass, and the aesthetic that you achieve. So, to give you a better sense of the options that are available to you, in this article we’ve outlined the different shapes of window glass, ranging from the most common to rarer varieties.

The most common window shapes

The most common window shapes are: 

• Rectangular / square windows – The most common shape of window, by far. These feature in all building types, both traditional and modern alike.
• Bay windows – Bay windows extend from the wall into the outdoors, bringing extra space and maximum light to the room. Usually, bay windows are made up of three panels, positioned side-by-side. 

Less common window shapes

Less common (but still widely used) window shapes include: 

• Circular windows – Also commonly known as ‘porthole’ or ‘bullseye’ windows. Although less common than square windows, circular windows are a great way to create a distinctive aesthetic. They are typically seen in nautical-themed architecture, or attics.
• Arched / semi-circular windows – Featuring a curved top. These windows are commonly located above doors (as decorative dormer windows), or in historic buildings. 
• Oval / elliptical windows – These are windows that take the shape of an elongated circle. They are often decorative, and commonly found on gables, above doors or in stairwells. They provide a softer shape (compared to rectangular windows), and are a great way to bring character to a room. 

Unusual window shapes

Rarer, more unusual window shapes that feature in properties include: 

• Triangular windows – Sometimes used in loft conversions, attic rooms or at roof apexes. They can also feature in modern architectural designs, slotting neatly into sharp angles.
• Gothic / lancet windows – These are tall, narrow windows, with pointed arches at the top. They are most commonly found in historic, Victorian or ecclesiastical architecture.
• Diamond / rhombus windows – Most commonly seen in cottages, historic houses and Tudor-style architecture, as a small, decorative window.
• Octagonal / hexagonal windows – These are particularly rare, but occasionally feature as a decorative window (particularly in Victorian, Georgian or contemporary homes). They are a great way to achieve a striking effect. 
• Trapezoidal windows – Usually designed for modern and contemporary homes. Their slanted sides also make them a great fit for attics or pitched roofs, easily fitting within the slopes of the rooflines. 

As you can see, windows are available in a much broader range of shapes and sizes than the most common two varieties. 

So, if you’re looking to make an impact within a room, or have an unusually-shaped space where a window could be added, you have more options available to you than you may have initially thought. 

To find out more about different varieties of windows, or to get specialist guidance on what window styles could be a good fit for your property, Stevenage Glass’s expert team is on hand to help.