Casement windows are one of the most classic types of windows. Often seen in kitchens, they are attached to the window frame by one or more hinges at the side. You can open these windows either outwards or inwards but the preference seems most commonly to be inwards as there are shutters on the outside of the house normally.
One of the downsides to casements is the lever, crank, or cam handle that is needed in order to open the window, which is also used as a lock. You will find casement windows with one pane of glass, but more typically there is two.
One of the very first windows to be used in American houses were casement windows. It is believed that casement windows date as far back as the 1500s. It even became popular in Europe towards the 1800s but its popularity seemed to decline after the introduction of the sash window. They are now starting to make a comeback in a big way.
It is usual to find the frames of these windows to be made from wood or metal. Ones with hinges at the top are called awning windows. They have their name as they open in a similar way to awnings. Hooper windows are another style of casement windows that are popular. They are the opposite of an awning window, with hinges on the bottom. They look much like drawbridges when opened, and also typically open outwards, rather than into the house.
During the 16th and 17th centuries there was not an abundance of material which meant that these windows had to be quite small. However, things changed as time moved forward and the windows market changed after the invention of cylinder glass. Due to this invention, windows became thinner and much larger. Cylinder glass, combined with a hunger for more modern looking windows, allowed for the creation and popularity of the sash window.
In 21st century America sash windows shot to popularity. However, sash windows are much more high maintenance and prone to problems due to the sliding mechanism that these windows depend on. This could explain why casement windows are making such a comeback in Europe. It is due to this that casement windows are the most popular style all over Europe and even in the UK.