Popular Laneway House Window Types

For your laneway house to become the most comfortable and practical dwelling place, just a random window set that looks gorgeous might not always be the best fit. Besides aesthetics, there are a couple more technical details you need to consider before making your final decision.

What Is a Laneway House?

They might be small in size, but they’re big on personality – offering privacy, versatility, and a fresh way to rethink your living conditions without needing a new address.

They’re perfect to house extended family, provide some rental income, or create a personal space tucked away from the main residence. These are designed to fit into narrow, often unusual spaces where layout, privacy, and access to light can be far more challenging than in a conventional home.

Do Laneway House Windows Need a Special Approach?

Yes, and there are several good reasons for it. Ultimately it comes down to one thing though – making this space not merely livable, but actually nice to stay in.

Letting the sun and air in

Laneway houses are often built in narrow small spaces, since they’re located in the backyards and act secondary to the main house. Squeezed between the main house, garages, fences, driveways, and neighbouring yards, they aren’t exposed to much air and natural light. You need windows that let as much of all that good stuff in as possible. 

Privacy matters

Your laneway house windows might look directly into someone else’s backyard, a bedroom window, a balcony, or have others looking into your living room or bathroom. You need a bit of creative window placement along with the right window types and materials to protect privacy without making the space feel boxed in.

Top 3 Perfect Laneway House Window Types

As luck would have it, some windows actually can do the job. These 3 options are extremely popular among laneway house owners, and it’s completely understandable.

Casement Windows

Great ventilation and a vast unobstructed glass area make these a reliable option for laneway home. Hinged on the side and opening outward, they catch side breezes, directing airflow into the house. When closed, they don’t allow air inside – given that the window installation has been done correctly. 

Their design is simple but classic – its simplicity makes the cleaning process much easier and less time consuming. Put into perspective, taking care of the main house is enough of an ordeal, so with laneway house windows, many opt for this simpler option. Simple doesn’t mean boring – even though its structure is pretty straightforward, you can play around with the design to make it more visually interesting. 

Awning Windows

They open outward too, but, compared to casement windows, these are hinged at the top. This design allows for ventilation even during rain, as the glass pane shields the opening. They are often placed higher on walls, providing more privacy.

You can choose out of different color options to fit your laneways house’s design with awning windows that come in:

• Black
• Dark bronze
• Pre-finished white

The overall design is on the simpler side like the casement window, but besides picking a color, you can add a personal touch by choosing out of different hardware and finish options. 

Bay or Bow Windows

This option is more attention-grabbing and will be a focus point of your facade. Luckily, aesthetics are not its only strong suit.

Bay and bow windows extend outward from the main walls, creating the much needed additional space. Bay windows typically consist of three panels facing different directions, while bow windows have four or more. This design allows more light to enter from multiple angles, while also making the small rooms feel larger.

Common Laneway House Window Mistakes

Small mistakes lead to big problems. One little detail may seem insignificant now, but it surely can have unwanted consequences in the future. These are the issues that show up all too often, and why they’re worth planning around.

Looks over function

Though not limited to laneway houses, this mistake is especially noticeable in smaller spaces. You don’t have to sacrifice the looks though. Consulting a professional window installation contractor or another expert will help you see all the suitable options and find something that matches your aesthetic vision. 

Improper installation

Even the highest-quality, energy-efficient window won’t perform well if it’s improperly fitted. Carefully choose which window installation contractor you want to trust, reading reviews and asking for photos of previous projects. 

Skipping weather sealing

Without weather sealing you can expect water infiltration, air leaks, and condensation to follow. Sealing prevents rot, mold, and even surrounding wall damage, and is especially important in tight spaces. This job is best left to professionals too, since it can really lower your utility bills and prolong your window’s lifespan.

Wrong size for non-standard walls

Many laneway houses have non-standard wall depths, unconventional framing, or space-saving layouts. That makes choosing windows a bit trickier – not taking these details into account can not only lead to visual imbalance, but also compromised insulation.