Awning Windows: Pros and Cons for Australian Homes
An awning window is a top-hinged, outward-opening window that allows ventilation even during rain—making it one of the most functional window types available for Australian homes. Often placed higher on the wall, awning windows are especially popular in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and anywhere airflow, privacy, and weather protection are equally important.
In Perth, we see awning windows used widely across new builds and renovations, thanks to their sleek appearance, strong seal, and ability to let in fresh air without compromising weather resistance. Their design makes them ideal for wet conditions and homes exposed to the elements, while their modern aesthetic complements most architectural styles.
Today, we’ll break down awning window advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your home. Whether you’re comparing window types for a renovation or trying to maximise natural ventilation in a new build, we’ll cover everything from functionality and design to energy efficiency and maintenance.
What Are Awning Windows?
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, creating an angled canopy when open—hence the name “awning.” This design allows fresh air to flow into your home while helping to keep rain out, making them especially practical for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries, or any room that needs regular ventilation.
These windows are common in new homes and renovations across Australia, including Perth. Their clean, modern look suits a range of architectural styles—from minimalist homes to more traditional designs—and they’re often positioned higher on the wall to maximise light and airflow while maintaining privacy.
Most awning windows are made from aluminium, a material known for being strong, corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance—ideal for Australia’s harsh climate. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock aluminium awning windows in the popular Silver Lustre finish, with other colours like Pearl White, Charcoal Lustre, Night Sky, and Storm Front available by special order to match your exterior palette.
If you’re unsure whether awning windows are right for your layout or lifestyle, look at our guide on How to Choose the Right Windows to explore how different window types work in each room of your home.
Advantages of Awning Windows
When it comes to ventilation, functionality, and modern design, awning windows are one of the most practical window choices for Australian homes. Their unique top-hinged design makes them ideal for everyday living and more challenging conditions like rain or high humidity.
Below are the key awning window advantages that make them a standout choice for everything from bathrooms to bedrooms.
Superior Ventilation
One of the biggest awning window benefits is their ability to provide ventilation in almost any weather. Because they open outward from the bottom, the sash acts like a canopy, allowing you to keep the window open during light rain without letting water into the room. This makes them particularly useful in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens, where constant airflow helps manage steam and humidity.
When placed higher on the wall—above eye level—they also allow you to maintain natural ventilation and airflow while preserving privacy. This makes them ideal for rooms that need fresh air and discretion, like ensuites and street-facing bathrooms.
Excellent Weather Protection
Awning windows are well-suited to Australia’s unpredictable weather. Their design allows them to remain slightly open even during rainfall, which is perfect if you’re away from home or want to air out your bathroom after a shower. The angled sash shields against rain, preventing water from entering and protecting interior finishes.
This built-in rain-safe ventilation is a big reason Perth homeowners choose awning windows for their bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas—especially in winter, when airflow is needed but rainfall is frequent.
Energy Efficiency
When closed, awning windows form a tight, compression seal that reduces air leakage and stabilises indoor temperatures. This is especially effective when paired with double glazing or energy-efficient glass, helping homeowners reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Because most modern aluminium awning windows—like the ones we supply—are designed with energy conservation in mind, they suit homes aiming for thermal efficiency without compromising aesthetics or airflow.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
Thanks to their top-hinged mechanism, awning windows are harder to force open from the outside than other window styles. This makes them a great choice for ground-floor rooms, including bathrooms and secondary bedrooms, where security is a concern.
They’re also commonly installed higher up on walls, which not only supports airflow and light but helps maintain privacy—there is no need for bulky window coverings during the day. If you’re designing for a street-facing space, awning windows let in natural light without compromising your sense of privacy.
Aesthetic Versatility
With their sleek lines and minimalist form, aluminium awning windows suit a wide range of home styles—from clean, modern builds to more traditional exteriors. Their flexibility means they can be used alone, in rows, or combined with fixed panels for custom window designs.
At Ross’s, we offer them in various frame colours to match your home’s palette. As mentioned, we stock Silver Lustre windows, while other colours such as Pearl White, Charcoal Lustre, and Night Sky are available by special order.
If you’re trying to match your windows to the rest of your exterior, see our guide on How to Choose the Right Colour for Your Windows and Doors.
TL;DR – Advantages of Awning Windows: Awning windows offer excellent ventilation—even in the rain—thanks to their top-hinged, outward-opening design. They seal tightly when closed for better energy efficiency, are hard to force open (enhancing security), and suit a wide range of modern and traditional home styles. They’re especially ideal for wet areas like bathrooms, where airflow and privacy matter.
These benefits make awning windows one of the most flexible and practical window styles on the market—especially in Perth’s variable climate. But like any product, they’re not without trade-offs, which we’ll explore next.
Disadvantages of Awning Windows
While awning windows offer plenty of benefits, they’re not without a few limitations. Some drawbacks relate to their operation, while others come down to practical design considerations. Here’s a closer look at the main disadvantages of awning windows—so you can weigh the full picture before making your final decision.
Not Ideal for Emergency Egress
One of the most significant limitations of awning windows is that they generally don’t meet egress requirements in bedrooms. Because the sash is hinged at the top and opens outward, the opening is often too narrow to allow a person to climb through—especially in the event of a fire or emergency.
Australian building regulations require bedroom windows to meet certain emergency exit rules, including minimum opening sizes and clearance from the ground. In many cases, awning windows don’t comply with these standards unless they’re specifically designed for it. If you’re considering them for a bedroom, always check your window compliance obligations first.
Obstruction Risks
Because awning windows swing outward when opened, they can become a hazard if installed in the wrong place. This is particularly important in areas near patios, walkways, or narrow outdoor zones where people are likely to pass by.
If left open, the projecting sash could be a tripping or collision hazard, especially for children or in dim lighting. It’s also worth noting that protruding windows may interfere with flyscreens or plantation shutters when opened externally. When planning your window layout, consider whether there’s enough traffic clearance and space to avoid accidental bumps or damage.
Cleaning Challenges
Unlike sliding or double-hung windows, awning windows can be tricky to clean—particularly on upper-storey installations. Since the sash opens outward and often sits higher on the wall, accessing the exterior surface from inside the home is nearly impossible.
For two-storey homes or apartments, you may need special tools (like a telescopic cleaner) or even external access equipment to clean the windows safely. If easy maintenance is a priority, especially for multi-level homes, you might want to factor this into your decision when choosing between different window cleaning access types.
Moving Parts and Wear
Awning windows operate using a combination of hinges, friction stays, or in some cases, crank handles—all of which can wear out over time with regular use. The more often a window is opened and closed, the more likely it is that parts will eventually require servicing or replacement.
Exposure to coastal air, dust, or moisture can also contribute to mechanical wear, especially if windows aren’t cleaned or lubricated regularly. If you live in a high-use home or in areas with salt exposure (like near the coast), it’s worth considering the long-term window care required and investing in quality awning window hardware to extend the lifespan of your units.
TL;DR – Disadvantages of Awning Windows: While practical, awning windows aren’t ideal for bedrooms requiring emergency egress. They can obstruct outdoor pathways when open, are harder to clean from inside (especially on upper levels), and have moving parts like hinges and stays that can wear over time if not properly maintained.
These potential downsides aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth understanding upfront. In the next section, we’ll compare awning windows vs sliding windows to see how they stack up against one of the most common alternatives.
Awning Windows vs Sliding Windows
Both awning and sliding windows are popular in Australian homes, but they serve different functions and suit various spaces. If deciding between the two, here’s how they compare across key factors like airflow, usability, and aesthetics.
Ventilation
Awning windows excel in wet weather. Their top-hinged design creates a natural canopy, allowing fresh air to enter while keeping rain out. This makes them ideal for bathrooms, laundries, and even kitchens, especially in Perth’s unpredictable weather.
Sliding windows, on the other hand, can’t be left open during rain without risking water ingress. However, they provide wide, unobstructed openings for airflow on dry days and are well-suited to rooms where full-width ventilation is preferred.
Space Use
If you’re working with limited outdoor clearance, like walkways, decks, or narrow side access, sliding windows are often a better choice. They don’t protrude outward when open, making them safer in tight spots.
Awning windows swing outward and require extra clearance. While this isn’t an issue in all applications, it’s something to consider near patios or footpaths.
Ease of Use
For some users, sliding windows are easier to operate. They don’t rely on hinges or stays—just a smooth track. This can be helpful for elderly users or areas with frequent use.
Awning windows may require more effort to open and close, particularly if installed high on the wall or operated via crank or latch hardware.
Maintenance
Sliding windows have fewer moving parts and are generally easier to clean and maintain, especially when located on ground floors.
With their external hinges and opening mechanism, awning windows may require more maintenance over time, particularly in coastal or high-exposure environments.
Aesthetics
Awning windows tend to suit contemporary homes, thanks to their clean lines and minimal frame. They pair well with modern facades and can be grouped or stacked for custom looks.
Sliding windows are often used in more traditional designs or where cost-effectiveness is key. They’re practical, familiar, and work well across various home styles.
For another helpful comparison, see how awning windows stack up against another popular style in our Awning Windows vs. Double Hung Windows comparison.
Choosing between these two window types depends on your layout, how you use the space, and what matters most—ventilation, ease of use, or visual impact.
Standard Sizes and Customisation Options
When choosing awning windows, getting the right size is just as important as selecting the right style. Whether you’re replacing an old window or planning a new build, understanding size options and frame finishes can save you time and frustration down the track.
Most suppliers—including Jason Windows—offer a detailed awning window size chart, listing standard heights and widths to suit common wall openings. These standard sizes streamline installation and ensure compatibility with common frame styles and wall layouts. At Ross’s, we stock over 20 of these standard sizes in-store, ready to go, so you can get your windows without waiting weeks for a custom order.
If your project calls for something less conventional, we also offer custom sizing to fit architectural plans or unusual openings. This is especially helpful in renovations or designs with large, stacked, or fixed panel combinations.
In terms of finish, we keep Silver Lustre frames in stock—one of the most popular choices for its versatility and neutral tone. Other colours such as White Lustre, Charcoal Lustre, Pearl White, Storm Front, Night Sky, and Anotec Dark Grey are available by special order to help you match or contrast with your home’s existing colour palette.
If you’re not sure what size you need or how to measure correctly, take a look at our guide on How to Measure Doors & Windows. Getting this step right is essential to a smooth installation.
Conclusion
If you’re after a window that offers strong performance in both form and function, awning windows are hard to beat. Their ability to provide all-weather ventilation, combined with great energy efficiency and a clean, modern aesthetic, makes them a go-to choice for many Australian homes—particularly in wet-prone areas like bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.
That said, like any product, they’re not without limitations. Consider factors like egress requirements, cleaning access (especially upstairs), and whether the outward-opening sash could interfere with your outdoor layout. But for most homes, these are minor trade-offs for the many benefits of awning windows.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re proud to be the exclusive WA stockist of Jason Windows—a trusted name in aluminium windows and doors. We carry a wide selection of awning windows in Perth, with popular finishes like Silver Lustre in stock, and other colours available by special order. Drop into our Guildford door to explore our windows and door display, check out sizes, or get help from our expert team to visualise the right fit for your home.
Whether you’re comparing options or just need honest advice on awning window pros and cons, we’re here to help you get it right.
