--- title: How to Choose the Right Casement Windows description: How to choose the right casement windows in 2026, from a top hung casement window to side hung and flush styles, with York cost ranges and a quote caveat. --- [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/tag/windows) # How to Choose the Right Casement Windows By [SM Windows & Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors) Oct 21, 2026, 10:30:00 AM 3 Minutes Read Casement windows are the most common style on British homes for good reason: they are simple, they seal well and they suit almost any property. But there is more to the choice than it first looks, from whether you want a top hung casement window or a side hung one to the frame material and finish. Here is how to pick the right setup for your home. We fit casement windows across York and North Yorkshire, so this guide is built around the homes and weather you actually have here. ## What a casement window is A casement window is hinged along one edge and swings open like a door, either outwards or, less commonly, inwards. That simple design is why it seals tightly and keeps draughts out, which matters in a Yorkshire winter. Within that, you have a few ways to hang it. ## Top hung versus side hung The hinge position changes how the window opens and what it suits. - **Top hung casement window:** hinged at the top and opening outwards from the bottom. It gives good ventilation while keeping rain out, and it works well higher up a wall or above a worktop. - **Side hung casement:** hinged at the side and opening like a door. It gives a wide, clear opening, which is handy for cleaning and for fire escape routes. Many homes use a mix, with side hung openers for the main lights and top hung openers above. There is no single right answer, it depends on the room, the height and how you want the air to move. ## Fixed and dummy lights Not every pane needs to open. Fixed lights (panes that do not open) cost less and give bigger areas of glass and more light. A common, sensible layout is one or two opening casements alongside fixed panes, which balances ventilation, cost and view. Think about each window room by room rather than making them all open. ## Choosing the frame material The frame changes the look, the price and the upkeep: - **uPVC:** the value all-rounder, low maintenance and available in white and plenty of colours. Our [uPVC windows range](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) covers the popular finishes. - **Aluminium:** slim, strong and modern, with very thin sightlines and more glass. Worth a look on contemporary homes via our [aluminium windows page](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-windows-york). - **Timber:** natural and characterful for period homes, but it needs regular upkeep. ## Style and finish Beyond the basics, the details make a casement window look right on your house: - **Flush casement** styles sit flat within the frame and echo old timber windows, which suits period terraces. - **Colour** ranges from crisp white to anthracite grey, black and heritage shades. - **Glazing bars** can add a traditional grid pattern where it suits the property. - **Handles and hardware** in a matching finish tie the look together. For a fuller run through the options, our guide to [casement windows in York](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) covers styles that suit different local homes. ## Rough 2026 costs Guide ranges, supplied and fitted, not fixed quotes: - **uPVC casement window:** roughly £400 to £850 each - **Aluminium casement window:** roughly £650 to £1,300 each - **Timber casement window:** often £800 to £1,600+ each Price per unit falls on a full-house order and rises with size, colour and special glass, so [request a free quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) for an accurate figure. ## FAQs ### What is a top hung casement window? It is a casement hinged along the top edge that opens outwards from the bottom. This lets air in while helping to keep rain out, which makes it a good choice higher up a wall or above a kitchen worktop. ### Are casement windows a good choice? Yes, for most homes. They seal tightly, keep draughts out, come in many styles and materials, and suit both period and modern properties. That versatility is why they are the most common window style in the UK. ### What is the difference between top hung and side hung? Top hung windows are hinged at the top and open outwards from the bottom, good for ventilation and higher positions. Side hung windows are hinged at the side and open like a door, giving a wide, clear opening that is easy to clean. ### Which is better, uPVC or aluminium casements? It depends on the look and budget. uPVC is lower cost and low maintenance. Aluminium is stronger with slimmer frames and more glass, which suits modern homes. Both perform well, so it comes down to style and price. Want to see casement styles, colours and finishes in one place? [Download our latest brochure](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads), or [request a free quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) and we will pop out for a look. #### SM Windows & Doors Author ## Phone: 07833387823 Email: [Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk](mailto:Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) Opening times: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00 Sat-Sun: By Prior Appointment [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/SM-Windows-Doors/100093013267883/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smwindowsanddoors/) ![x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a\_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg?width=300&height=106&name=x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg "x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY") ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "SM Windows & Doors", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-21T09:30:00.690Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-21T09:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Choose the Right Casement Windows", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/sm-windows-doors-blog/how-to-choose-the-right-casement-windows", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp" }, "name" : "SM Windows & Doors" } } ```