A top-hung window is a window that is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom. You push the bottom of the window outward, creating an opening at the bottom for ventilation. It’s the most common type of opening window in Dutch homes.
How does a top-hung window work?
The window rotates on hinges (or window stays) at the top of the frame. A window stay or friction hinge lets you lock the window in different positions:
First position — Tilt (small opening for background ventilation)
Second/third position — Further open for airing out
Fully open — Maximum ventilation, also useful for cleaning the outside
Comparing window types
Type
Opening direction
Advantages
Disadvantages
Top-hung
Bottom swings out
Good ventilation, rain rarely gets in
Hard to clean outside
Side-hung (casement)
Side swings inward
Easy to clean
Takes up space inside
Bottom-hung (hopper)
Top swings inward
Ventilation, safe at height
Limited opening
Tilt-and-turn
Tilt + side swing
Versatile
More expensive hardware
Sliding window
Horizontal/vertical slide
No projection
Maximum half opening
Fixed window
None
Cheapest, maximum glass
No ventilation
Replacing or maintaining a top-hung windo The four steps for fitting new window stays on a top-hung window.
w
Replacing window stays/hinges
1. Open the window and support it
2. Unscrew the old window stays
3. Fit new stays in the same holes (or pre-drill)
4. Check the window opens and closes smoothly
Replacing draught strips
Remove old strip
Clean the rebate
Press or stick new EPDM draught strip in place
Common mistakes
Leaving the window open in a storm — Window stays can bend or break
