What is a specialty window?

Make your home stand out with a circle, oval, or arch-shaped window, or create a totally unique shape by combining windows. Whatever you choose, a specialty window lets you put your own spin on your space.

An apartment with a large arch-shaped window that takes up a full wall.

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When you want that extra wow factor, this is your window. Flexible in shape and size, the specialty window lets you boost curb appeal in a totally unique way. Whether you select a single standout window or create a showstopping combination, here are the details you need to know.

What is a specialty window?

Specialty windows are the ones you pick when you’re looking for a non-standard shape. Of course, they can be circles, arches, and ovals. But they can also be triangles, trapezoids, and so much more.

Typically, they are fixed windows, which means they don’t open. This enables them to be larger than windows that do open. They’re also often combined with other windows (specialty or not) to make a standout combination.

We offer specialty windows through a variety of product lines, including the E-Series, A-Series, 400 Series, and 100 Series.

A living room with a window wall featuring Andersen® 100 Series windows.

In this two-story living room, the homeowners thought outside the box by adding an arch to a window wall featuring 100 Series Picture and Casement Windows.

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What are the advantages of specialty windows?

Specialty windows can do a lot for your home — no matter if it’s traditional or modern in style. Here are the top reasons to consider this type of window:

To add character: Some classic architectural styles include a circle or arch window as an accent. Other times, a specialty shape is added because it’s unexpected and helps boost curb appeal.
To bring in extra light: A specialty window can mimic your roofline to maximize wall space or, more traditionally, it might be combined with another window like a half-circle transom above a double-hung.
To create a large and extra-special combination: On a staircase, in a double-height living room, or anywhere there’s space to create a large opening, specialty windows can be combined to create a high-impact opening.

A home lit up at dusk with an Andersen® A-Series Specialty Window in the shape of a circle.

The circle window on this home is almost like a wink. It makes you look twice! It’s an A-Series Specialty Window.

Products Shown

A-Series Specialty Window

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A-Series Specialty Window

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Where do specialty windows work best?

There’s no wrong answer here! But if you’re looking for some ideas about where a specialty window will really have an impact, explore the photo gallery below.

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What’s the difference between 400 Series Specialty, 400 Series Flexiframe®, and 400 Series Complementary Windows?

Specialty shapes are available through all three of these 400 Series offerings. Here’s an overview of the differences:

400 Series Specialty Windows

This is a great option when you’re looking for one of the most popular shapes — think a circle or an oval. These windows are made of wood with a durable vinyl coating on the exterior.

We often see this option selected when there’s a desire to add a single unique shape as an accent or create a smaller-scale, traditional window combination, like a half-circle transom above a double-hung window. It’s a good choice on a home featuring 400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung Windows or 400 Series Casement Windows because the sight lines will match.

A classic coastal cottage with white siding and Andersen® 400 Series windows, including an oval shaped specialty window.

A window doesn’t have to be large to catch your eye, as this well-placed oval window demonstrates. This is a 400 Series Specialty Window.

Products Shown

400 Series Specialty Window

Products used in this image

400 Series Specialty Window

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400 Series Flexiframe® Windows

These windows are available in expanded sizes and shapes beyond what you’ll find through the 400 Series Specialty Window offerings. They are wood clad with a fiberglass or aluminum exterior. The latter is used to make curved shapes. We often see this option selected when more specialization is needed — for example, to create a window that mirrors the roofline or when there’s a desire to combine windows to create a one-of-a-kind window combination. This is a good option when you seek to join windows together into a large unit.

A staircase with a large Andersen® 400 Series Specialty Window combination.

The view on this staircase is totally unique and maximizes the wall space thanks to this window combination made with 400 Series Flexiframe® Windows.

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400 Series Complementary Windows

Choose these windows when you need the most specialization of all. They’re made of wood with an aluminum coating on the outside. If you’re looking for a unique shape in a monumental size, this is a great option.

For special shapes in monumental sizes, 400 Series Complementary Windows are a great option to consider.

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What is a Springline™ window?

Springline refers to an arch shape that's round on top and square at the base. The bottom of the window is straight with right angles on both bottom corners. The vertical sides gradually curve together creating a circle on top. It’s a graceful shape that suits lots of different traditional home styles — especially various Spanish-style homes.

Our Springline windows come in different variations, sizes, and materials. Find this option available through the 100 Series, 400 Series, A-Series, and E-series product lines.