Nobody wants plain, boring windows in their business—unless, of course, they are running an antique shop. A window in your store should look like it belongs to the place, be inviting to your customers, make you feel secure, and be easy to maintain within your hectic schedule.
In this article, let’s walk through ten types of commercial windows and figure out which one suits your business best.
Contents
What Are the Characteristics That Make a Good Commercial Window?
With commercial windows, you want to be extra careful about the looks—not too relaxed to seem low-end and not too upscale to be hard to maintain, but you also need them to be highly durable for public use. Take note of the following points when selecting commercial windows:
- Modern, sleek glass for corporate offices or decorative frames for boutiques? Your choice should match your building’s architecture and create an inviting look.
- Consider how easy the windows are to open, clean, and maintain. Some styles require more upkeep, while others, like fixed windows, need very little attention.
- Make sure the material (frame and glass) is able to withstand weather conditions, wear and tear, and potential break-ins.
- If your business is in a noisy area, also consider the noise cancelling effect.
- Check fire safety, hurricane resistance, or accessibility regulations in your area.
Important Components for Different Types of Commercial Windows
The next section will cover the top window styles for commercial use, but here’s a short guide for you on key materials and technologies that are used in these windows to make them suitable for commercial use.
Commercial Window Frame Materials
- Aluminum Frames—Aluminum is extremely low maintenance and highly durable, suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial windows. It’s also rust-resistant and gives modern aesthetics.
- Vinyl Frames – An economical alternative, with excellent insulation and durability, but it may not be as strong as aluminum. However, it’s still a great choice if you’re not looking for too large a size.
Commercial Window Glass Types
- Glazed Glass – Plain glass in several layers (glazes) that offer transparency and natural light. The more layers you have, the better it insulates.
- Tinted Glass – It has a tinted film on the glass that reduces glare, controls heat, and also gives privacy.
- Insulated Glass – Two or more panes with air or gas trapped between them for better insulation and heat control.
- Low-E (Emissivity) Glass – Coated with a special substance that reflects UV rays and heat.
- Bulletproof Glass – Made up of multiple layers of laminated glass or polycarbonate for higher security.
- Smart Glass – Also known as electrochromic glass, it changes from clear to opaque, controlled by a remote.
10 Types of Commercial Windows for Businesses
Below are the most popular and sought-after types of commercial windows suitable for all sorts of business infrastructure.
1. Fixed Windows
Fixed windows don’t open and are solely designed for natural light and—in the case of commercial setups—for unobstructed display of the interior to people walking by. It’s easy to design fixed windows in geometric shapes since there are no mechanical parts involved, allowing for a personalized touch for branding. You can use a variety of materials, but vinyl and aluminum are the most common since most people prefer simple designs for fixed windows.
Because there is no opening, these windows provide a very good seal and have zero draft exchange, though some heat will dissipate through the glass area.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Offices, retail stores, atriums, conference rooms, museums, or modern showrooms where aesthetics and unobstructed views matter most.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low maintenance | No ventilation |
| Minimal air leaks (High Energy-efficient) | Can’t be opened |
| Provides maximum light | Not suitable for emergency exits |
2. Awning Windows
Awning windows are top-hinged and open outward from the bottom, operated by a crank, creating a protective canopy outside. The design allows the windows to provide beautiful views and ventilation even during rain. They’re usually placed higher on the wall, which means they provide good privacy. However, people usually like to pair them with regular sliding windows in commercial buildings.
However, the design generally cannot be very large, and it may be difficult to clean from the outside because of the opening mechanism.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Restaurants (above counters), hospitals, bathrooms, basements, or coastal buildings needing ventilation during rain.
| Pros | Cons |
| Weather-resistant | Limited size options |
| Allows ventilation even in bad weather | Not ideal for large openings |
| Energy-efficient | Can obstruct walkways if low to the ground |
3. Casement Windows
Casement windows are side-hinged and swing outward (or sometimes inward), operated by a crank or push-out mechanism. When opened, the entire glass area opens, giving maximum ventilation. There are also special French casement windows that give an even wider opening without a central stile. When closed, they provide a tight seal, and the undivided glass fitted in the sash (if plain) gives an unobstructed display.
Plus, you can easily incorporate a multi-point locking system, which improves their security measures, making casement windows ideal for commercial use. However, you have to account for the space required to swing them open.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Hotels, offices, or storefronts needing security and fresh air without compromising style.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent ventilation | Requires space to open |
| Secure (hard to pry open) | Not ideal for windy areas |
| Modern aesthetic | Hardware can wear out over time |
4. Sliding Windows
Sliding windows have sashes that glide horizontally along a track. They’re ideal for places with not enough clearance for swinging windows. However, they must have at least two sashes for operation, and then you can add more to make your window as big as you want. But keep in mind that with each sash, you also have to add another track for it to move on. You can also configure the window to have all the sashes move or only specific ones to open that space.
Although these windows are easy to clean and maintain otherwise, the track can trap dust and debris and require sporadic deep cleaning.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Restaurants with patio views, retail spaces, or warehouses needing easy operation.
| Pros | Cons |
| Space-saving design | Tracks can collect dirt/debris |
| Easy operation | Limited ventilation |
| Modern aesthetic | Risk of drafts if seals degrade |
5. Single or Double-Hung Windows
These traditional windows have one (single-hung) or two (double-hung) movable sashes within one frame that slide vertically, allowing opening from the top or bottom. However, one thing to remember is that because of the operation method, you cannot make hung windows too big, otherwise, they’ll be difficult to lift.
This sort of operation also makes them more prone to leaks and breakdown of hardware like springs or balances. Plus, the middle part where both windows meet has framing that can obstruct the view.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Traditional office buildings, hotels, boutique shops, or cafés aiming for timeless charm with functional ventilation.
| Pros | Cons |
| Adjustable ventilation | Can be difficult to clean |
| Fits most architectural styles | The meeting rail can slightly obstruct the view. |
| Space-saving design | Limited maximum size options |
6. Pivoted Windows
Pivoted windows rotate around a central point, allowing the sash to swing horizontally or vertically (more common). They’re usually used indoors in commercial buildings unless there is some specific purpose. Larger units are even used as doors.
Because they pivot rather than slide or swing, they offer excellent airflow and a distinct, contemporary look. However, their specialized design means you can only rely on sturdy framing that can support the freely moving heavy weight. They may also be harder to seal against drafts.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Art galleries, lobbies, dining rooms, or creative studios wanting dramatic ventilation and architectural flair.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique, modern design | Not ideal for small spaces |
| Provides good airflow | Requires sturdy framing |
| Easy to operate and clean | Less common, so replacement parts may be costly |
7. Louvered Windows (Jalousie Windows)
Louvered windows consist of several horizontal slats (louvers) that are mounted inside the window frame on a pivot. You can swing them all together to control airflow and light. Depending on your preference, the slats can be glass, wood, metal, or fiberglass.
Louvered windows can provide almost 100% ventilation, even in the rain, with slats set to angle downwards. They aren’t, however, energy-efficient since the slats don’t close properly and seal. Security can also be an issue if fitted on external walls.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Tropical climates, warehouses, pool houses, or retro-themed diners needing maximum breeze and privacy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent airflow control | Poor insulation (not for cold climates) |
| Inexpensive | Fragile slats (risk of breakage) |
| Privacy while open | High maintenance (dust traps) |
8. Corner Windows
Corner windows are designed to wrap around a building’s corner, providing panoramic views and creating the perception of a larger interior space. You can have them as fixed or as operable ones (sliding or casements) or even frameless, one of the contemporary designs.
However, corner windows can be costly and may require some structural modifications for optimal support.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Hotels, upscale offices, showrooms, or waterfront restaurants where maximizing natural light and views is a priority.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning aesthetics | Expensive to install |
| Maximizes natural light | May need extra insulation |
| Expands views | Requires structural support |
9. Bay Windows
Bay windows protude outward from the wall, forming a recessed space within. They typically consist of a fixed center window with angled operable windows on either side. However, you can opt for different orientations such as box bay, bow bay (curved), and oriel bay (bracket-supported).
Bay windows increase interior space and possess a regal aesthetic appeal from outside. However, they need additional support and a higher investment because of their intricate design and installation.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Cafés, boutiques, or reception areas wanting extra display space or seating.
| Pros | Cons |
| Creates additional space | Higher cost to install and glaze |
| Enhances aesthetics | May require extra support |
| Multidirectional natural light | Not the most energy-efficient option |
10. Gable Windows
Gable windows are installed in the gable—the triangular wall between a sloping roof. Following the shape, these windows are also often triangular or arched but can be custom-designed to suit the architecture. Since they are placed high up near the roofline, they let ample natural light pour into interior areas.
However, you can only install them if your commercial building has a pitched roof and it’s high. You may also need some additional framework for support in older buildings.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal For: Showrooms, hotels, co-working spaces, industrial spaces with high pitched roofs needing natural light.
| Pros | Cons |
| Adds architectural character | Can be expensive to install |
| Provides natural light to high-ceiling spaces | May require custom glass, increasing costs |
| Can improve ventilation when designed to open | Harder to clean and maintain due to placement |
Conclusion
All the types of commercial windows discussed in this article have distinct advantages and disadvantages. As you choose one to incorporate in your office, make sure that you factor in the important characteristics we talked about. Even better, consult experts to choose a window that fits the kind of customer and business operation you have in mind for your commercial building.
Ready to level up? Get expert advice from Mannlee for commercial and residential projects. Our master craftsmen will assist you in selecting and designing windows that are right for your business and make it brighter and safer.
