Window opening functions
Find the right way to open your windows
Choosing new windows is not just about how they look. The way a window opens can make a big difference to how your home feels every day — from how much fresh air you can let in, to how easy your windows are to clean, use and maintain.
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Side hung windows
A classic choice for everyday ventilation
Side hung windows are hinged on one side and open outwards, creating a wide opening for fresh air. They can be specified as left or right hinged, making them easy to plan around your room layout, furniture and how you use the space. DOVISTA describes them as a timeless, versatile option that works across a wide range of home styles.
Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, ground floor rooms and traditional window layouts.
Why choose them: familiar style, wide ventilation, easy everyday use and strong design flexibility.
Top hung windows
Controlled airflow, with practical rain protection
Top hung windows are hinged at the top and open outwards from the bottom. This allows fresh air to flow in while helping to protect the room from light rain. They are useful when you want ventilation without opening the window fully, and DOVISTA notes that they suit both modern and traditional homes.
They are especially practical for upper floors, kitchens, bathrooms and rooms facing paths or patios, where a compact outward opening can be helpful.
Best for: bathrooms, kitchens, upper floors and rooms where controlled ventilation matters.
Why choose them: fresh air, compact opening, everyday comfort and practical weather protection.
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Picture windows
Maximum daylight and uninterrupted views
Picture windows, also known as fixed windows, do not open. They are designed to maximise natural light and frame outdoor views with clean, uninterrupted sightlines. Because they have no moving parts, they can also offer excellent insulation and airtightness, helping to keep the home comfortable throughout the year.
They work particularly well for feature glazing, stairwells, tall elevations and spaces where you want to bring in more daylight rather than ventilation. They can also be combined with opening windows to balance light, airflow and design.
Best for: feature windows, stairwells, hallways, large elevations and garden-facing rooms.
Why choose them: more daylight, uninterrupted views, strong insulation and clean architectural lines.
Reversible windows
Easy cleaning from inside the home
Reversible windows are designed to rotate fully, typically through 180 degrees, so the outside glass can be cleaned safely from inside your home. This makes them especially useful for upstairs rooms or places where outside access is difficult. They also provide effective ventilation, combining smart engineering with everyday convenience.
DOVISTA also describes reversible windows as a practical option where ongoing maintenance access is important, while still offering ventilation and a clean, modern appearance.
Best for: upper floors, bedrooms, flats-style elevations, hard-to-reach windows and homes where easy cleaning is a priority.
Why choose them: safer cleaning, practical ventilation and convenient maintenance from inside.
Tilt and turn windows
Two opening functions in one
Tilt and turn windows offer two ways to open. They can tilt inwards at the top for secure background ventilation, or turn fully inwards from the side for maximum airflow and easy cleaning from inside the home. DOVISTA positions them as a flexible option for upper floors, modern homes and spaces where safety, ventilation and practicality are important.
Best for: bedrooms, upper floors, home offices and modern living spaces.
Why choose them: secure ventilation, wide opening, easy cleaning and flexible everyday use.
Inward opening windows
Practical access where outside space is limited
Inward opening windows open into the room, making them easy to operate, clean and maintain from inside. They are particularly practical for upper floors or areas where outside access is limited. They can also be useful near pathways, patios or balconies, where an outward-opening window may not be suitable.
Because the sash opens inward, the window is less exposed to strong winds when open and gives easy access to hardware and glazing from inside the home.
Best for: upper floors, balconies, patios, pathways and places with limited external access.
Why choose them: easy maintenance, controlled ventilation and practical use where outward opening is not ideal.
Design Your Perfect Windows
Tailored to your home, your style
Take control of your project with our interactive configurator. Explore styles, colours, glazing and finishes to create windows that perfectly suit your home — all in just a few clicks.
Designed around the way you live
Every home is different, and the right opening function depends on your room layout, ventilation needs, access, views and the overall look you want to achieve. DOVISTA windows can be tailored through choices such as frame profile, glazing, colours, opening functions and hardware, supporting the wider DOVISTA UK aim to make specification simple and customer-led .
You can also personalise your windows with:
- double or triple glazing
- flush or rebated profiles
- colour and foil finishes
- handle and hardware options
- glazing choices such as obscure, safety, security, solar control or acoustic glass
- single or multi-sash configurations
Our advisors can talk you through each choice, explain the practical differences and help you compare options clearly.
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We Take Care of you in Every Step
With a wide selection of profiles, glazing options, colours, and opening styles, you can tailor your windows to align perfectly with your home’s architecture and your personal style. Every choice is supported by:
- Expert support from consultation to completed installation
- Clear, predictable pricing with no surprises
- Professional installation by certified installers
- Tailor-made windows, colours, glazing, opening configuration, handles and details
...And much more!
Every choice is supported by clear advice, transparent pricing, and professional installation. Together we find the right window and door for your house.
Not sure where to start?
Replacing your windows should feel simple, not overwhelming. Tell us about your home, your rooms and what you want to improve, and we’ll help you choose the right opening styles for comfort, light, ventilation and everyday use.
