Hopper vs Awning Windows: What's the Difference & Which Is Right for You?

You're in the hunt for a window for a small space but you aren't sure which is right for you: an awning window or a hopper window. Do you know the real difference between these two types of windows?

At a Glance: Hopper vs Awning

Both hopper and awning windows are compact, single-pane windows designed for small spaces—but they open in opposite directions.

An awning window is hinged at the top and opens outward, swinging up and away from the home. It typically uses a crank or mechanism to hold it in place.

A hopper window is hinged at the bottom and tilts inward to open—essentially a reverse awning window. Hopper windows sizes typically range from small to medium, making them a perfect fit for tight wall openings.

They may look the same when closed shut, but their differences in operation give each style a distinct set of advantages. Both are commonly installed in basements, bathrooms, and other compact areas where ventilation, natural light, and security are equally important.

What's an Awning Window?

You have likely seen an awning window plenty of times before as this style of the window made its debut before air conditioning came to the rescue in our modern age.

An awning window was originally designed to introduce more airflow into a home because, without air conditioning units, a home's interior quickly became stuffy and far too hot for the liking of its occupants.

The original design of awning windows was much more simplistic than the modernized versions you see today. Hundreds of years ago, the composition of an awning window was simply held in its opened position with a stick.

Their functionality and aesthetics are derived from a fabric awning, which has a long history of use dating back to the ancient world. The ancient Egyptians were the first to utilize these fabric awnings, shading their market stalls and homes from the hot sun and adverse weather.

As you can see from their similarity in looks, the awning window takes its operation and style directly from the ancient origins of a fabric awning. Some ideas begin with greatness and in cases like the awning window, it's our new technology that improves upon them.

Advantages of an Awning Window

The reason why awning windows have held their popularity for so long is because of their versatile function and ventilation advantages. What could be better than having a window that's small enough to prevent unwelcomed critters and security threats sneaking through but still allow a cool breeze to pass through the house?

The shape of an awning window allows homeowners to open it outward even during a light drizzle, without moisture seeping into the home and wreaking havoc on structural integrity—just like the days of the Egyptians setting up awnings above market stalls to shade away from the sun or drops of rain on a dreary day. This is also why some homeowners opt for basement awning windows to keep moisture out of below-grade spaces.

What's a Hopper Window?

A hopper window is essentially the opposite of an awning window, and when you flip the design, you get a whole new set of perks. Sure, you've probably seen plenty of hopper style windows in your day, but a hundred years ago, hopper windows were new on the market—an invention for the "modern" era.

The 19^th century was host to a slew of inventions that would change the course of human history, and while a hopper window was invented during this time, we aren't saying that it matched the significance of the automobile or anything, but its purpose was because of automobiles hitting the streets.

You see, hopper windows shielded homes from the dust kicked up by these brand new automobiles breezing by on dirt roads (paved roads were still a luxury for most towns), and the horses and carriages behind them didn't help, either.

The hopper window was an early iteration of people adapting to this fast change in society. Ventilation was needed in homes because central air wasn't quite an idea yet, but the dust needed to be kept out.

The anatomy of a hopper window has the hinge at the bottom to allow the window to tilt inward—the antithesis of its counterpart, the awning window. These windows are great for small spaces that require ventilation but need the extra security, and where an awning window will tilt outward, the hopper tilts inward, making it ideal for any safety concerns.

Advantages of a Hopper Window

Because they were originally invented to prevent debris and dirt from finding their way into homes, hopper windows are excellent at acting as a barrier against unwanted contaminants while still letting air vent through the home.

This is thanks to its bottom hinge, allowing the window to be secured, tilting inward for just enough of an opening but not large enough for debris to pass through.

Similar to awning windows, hopper windows are excellent space-savers. Many homeowners choose to install them in bathrooms and basements, areas that can't fit full windows but still require ventilation and light. A hopper window for basement use is one of the most popular choices because of the limited wall space available below grade.

Basement hopper windows function best when installed higher up on the wall, which is why you'll see this style of window in basements so frequently.

Hopper windows are installed in areas where privacy and security are most valued. Bathrooms, again, are great homes to hopper windows because the style is small enough to allow privacy and a feeling of enclosure, but let in natural light through a small opening to ensure a nice draft and deliver a sense of security.

Hopper vs Awning Windows: The Run Down

When comparing a hopper vs awning window, both styles excel in areas that are tightly spaced but still require natural light and the ability to allow an occasional breeze. Whether you're weighing an awning vs hopper window for your project, both are a nice compromise for these small areas in a home that want more light but cannot afford to sacrifice the wall space for a regular sized window.

Key Differences

What They Have in Common

• Both styles are extremely energy efficient. You only have one pane to worry about and when they are not in use, they have a lock that allows for an airtight seal.
• Because of their security features, many modern hopper and awning windows are manufactured with thicker glass, making them more difficult to break, and subsequently providing efficient and energy conscious window glass.
• Both are excellent space-savers, fitting into wall openings where regular sized windows simply won't work.
• There aren't too many disadvantages to awning and hopper windows because of their inoffensive size and palatable features of slight openings. If anything, these types of windows tend to collect more dirt and debris than regular paned windows because of their bottom or top hinge. The angle of their opening is a bit like a trap for dirt, but alternatively, they keep everything out of the interior of your home.

Both windows are a smart choice for any small room or basement in your home. With their energy efficiency and ability to ventilate, you can't go wrong with a hopper or awning window style.

Hopper Window Installation and Replacement

Whether you're considering a new installation or a replacement, professional fitting is essential. Poorly installed windows lose energy efficiency and will cost you more to heat and cool your home. Feldco has been replacing windows in residential homes across the Midwest for decades, earning the trust of homeowners with quality products and expert installation. Speak to a representative and get a free quote online today.