Imagine your bar or restaurant on a sunny afternoon — the air feels fresh, the space looks open, and customers linger longer simply because it feels good to be there. That atmosphere isn’t just luck; it’s smart design. The right window choice can completely transform how guests experience your space, influencing light, airflow, and even how connected they feel to the outdoors.
Too many owners overlook this detail and end up with windows that block views, trap heat, or make serving customers a hassle. The truth is, your window design affects more than looks — it impacts energy costs, service flow, and your brand’s vibe. Choosing between gas strut windows and awning windows isn’t just about style; it’s about creating the perfect balance between function, comfort, and visual appeal that keeps guests coming back.
Gas Strut Windows
A gas strut window is a top-mounted design that opens upward and outward using compressed gas-filled cylinders known as struts. These struts create a smooth, effortless lifting motion, allowing the window to glide into a nearly horizontal position and stay securely open on its own.
Top Reasons to Choose Gas Strut Windows for Your Bar or Restaurant
Space-Saving Design
Gas strut windows typically hinge at the top and open upward. This design saves space and efficiently uses counter or bar space. This feature is particularly beneficial in small areas where every inch counts.
Natural Ventilation
The windows can be opened partially or entirely, providing excellent ventilation and airflow. This feature is significant in bars and restaurants where air quality is essential for the comfort of customers and staff.
Customizable size
Gas strut windows can be tailored to fit a variety of opening sizes, making them suitable for small and large spaces.
Contemporary Aesthetics
Gas strut windows are available in a range of contemporary designs that add a touch of style to any bar or restaurant. They are sleek and modern and can be customized to match the decor of the space. This makes them a popular choice among business owners who want to create a welcoming and stylish environment for their customers.
How do gas strut windows work?
The gas strut window is similar to a traditional servery window but with a hinge that can be pushed out at the top for a 90-degree view. The gas struts open the window with a slight push. It closes with a simple pull.
Gas strut windows operate using a sealed cylinder filled with compressed nitrogen gas, which acts like a spring to lift and hold the window sash effortlessly. This mechanism delivers smooth, controlled movement similar to the struts that support a car’s hatchback.
Key Components of a Gas Strut Window System
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Cylinder and Piston:
The main body of the gas strut is a sealed cylinder containing pressurized nitrogen gas. A piston connected to a rod moves within this cylinder, converting gas pressure into mechanical force. -
Sealing System:
A durable, airtight seal prevents gas from escaping and maintains the pressure needed for smooth operation and long-term reliability. -
Mounting Points:
The gas strut connects to both the window frame and sash through fittings such as ball joints or brackets, ensuring stable and secure movement.
Step-by-Step: How Gas Strut Windows Open and Close
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Opening the Window:
When unlatched and lightly pushed, the gas strut compresses, and the pressurized nitrogen assists in lifting the sash upward with minimal effort. -
Holding the Window Open:
Once fully opened, the gas inside the cylinder locks in position, keeping the window securely open without additional support or latches. -
Closing the Window:
To close, gently pull the sash down. The gas pressure provides a controlled damping motion that prevents the window from slamming shut.
Awning Windows
An awning window is a window that is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, creating an “awning” effect that allows for ventilation even while it is raining. These windows are typically wider than they are tall and are popular for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements due to their ability to provide fresh air while maintaining privacy and protection from the elements.
Top Reasons to Choose Awning Windows for Your Bar or Restaurant
Weather Resistance
The windows can be partially opened to allow controlled ventilation without compromising safety.
Energy Efficiency
Due to their advanced multi-point locking mechanism and availability of LowE glass options, awning windows provide superior energy efficiency and insulation, thus significantly cutting heating and cooling expenses.
Versatile Style
Awning windows come in an assortment of styles and materials to complement the atmosphere of any bar or restaurant. When selecting an ideal material for your bar or restaurant, choose between uPVC or aluminum frames. When opting for aluminum frames, you have additional customization options with a thermal break or non-thermal break options that ensure they meet specific heat insulation needs.
How do you choose between Gas Strut Windows or Awning Windows?
When choosing between gas struts and awning windows, the most important factors to consider are your opening size, ease of operation, and budget. While both window types are hinged at the top and open outward, their mechanisms create very different user experiences.
Gas strut windows deliver a bold, wide-open effectperfect for creating seamless indoor-outdoor connectionswhile awning windows provide a classic, versatile solution that prioritizes weather protection and energy efficiency.
Feature Comparison: Gas Strut vs Awning Windows
|
Feature |
Gas Strut Windows |
Awning Windows |
|
Opening Mechanism |
Operated by gas struts that lift a single pane up to a 90° angle, holding it firmly in place. The motion is smooth, effortless, and visually striking. |
Opened using a hand crank, which pushes the sash outward from the bottom. The opening angle is smaller and offers more controlled ventilation. |
|
Opening Size |
Creates a large, full-width, unobstructed opening with no lower track ideal for serving areas or connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. |
Offers a smaller opening but still allows excellent airflow. Typically best for smaller rooms or higher wall placements. |
|
Ideal Use |
Perfect for kitchen serveries, bars, cafés, and entertainment areas. When open, the sash forms a canopy that shields against rain while maintaining airflow. |
Ideal for bathrooms, basements, and areas where privacy or limited space is a concern. Excellent for controlled ventilation. |
|
Materials & Cost |
Usually custom-made from premium aluminum, offering durability and a modern aesthetic. These are a higher-end investment. |
Available in wood, vinyl, or aluminum, offering more affordable options typically ranging from $300–$900 per window. |
|
Energy Efficiency |
Modern designs can include thermal breaks and insulated glass, delivering strong energy performance. |
Naturally energy-efficient, with tight seals that prevent drafts and heat loss. |
|
Screening Options |
Compatible with retractable flyscreens that remain hidden when not in use, preserving the clean design. |
Screens are mounted inside the frame, which may interfere with the crank mechanism. |
|
Aesthetic Appeal |
Offers a sleek, contemporary looka favorite for modern commercial spaces and architectural designs. |
Boasts a versatile design that fits a wide range of home or business styles, from modern to traditional. |
Choosing the Right Window for Your Space
If your goal is to create an open, contemporary, and visually stunning environment, gas strut windows are the superior choice. They’re perfect for hospitality spaces that blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
If you’re after cost efficiency, versatility, and weather protection, awning windows are ideal. They provide excellent energy performance and are suited to smaller or more enclosed areas.
In short:
- Choose Gas Strut Windows for a luxurious, open-concept experience.
- Choose Awning Windows for practicality, comfort, and affordability.
Installation and Customization Options
Choosing the right installation and design features ensures your gas strut or awning windows look great, perform well, and fit your restaurant or bar’s unique layout. Here’s what to consider:
Frame Materials
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Aluminum: Durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for modern commercial designs. Available in thermal-break and non-thermal options for improved insulation.
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uPVC: Cost-effective and energy-efficient, perfect for smaller hospitality spaces.
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Wood: Offers a warm, classic aesthetic but requires more upkeep in humid or coastal areas.
Glass Options
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Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass: Reflects heat while allowing natural light—great for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
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Double or Triple Glazing: Enhances insulation and reduces outside noise—ideal for busy street-facing venues.
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Tinted or Frosted Glass: Improves privacy and helps manage glare during daytime service hours.
Color and Finish Customization
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Choose from powder-coated finishes in matte, gloss, or metallic tones.
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Match your brand colors or décor theme for a seamless design.
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Coastal locations? Opt for marine-grade coatings to prevent corrosion.
Hardware and Operation
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Gas Strut Windows: Installed with precision-balanced struts for smooth lifting and soft-close motion.
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Awning Windows: Feature sturdy crank handles or chain winders for controlled, easy opening.
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Add lockable latches or restrictors for added safety and compliance.
Installation Timeline
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Most window installations take 1–2 weeks, depending on size, customization, and frame material.
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Professional installation ensures proper alignment, weather sealing, and smooth operation.
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Regular maintenance checks keep the hardware performing like new.
Quick Tip:
For outdoor bars or café serveries, consider custom gas strut windows with wide openings and integrated weather seals, they provide maximum ventilation and create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor service areas.
Where to buy the gas strut windows?
Are you looking for high-quality gas-strut windows for your business or projects? You’ve come to the right place! Oridow is a leading supplier of gas strut window solutions in China. Our range includes innovative and reliable windows for residential and commercial purposes.
Why choose us for your gas strut window needs?
Quality Assurance: Gas strut windows from ORIDOW are made precisely using high-quality materials and modern manufacturing techniques. This ensures durability, smooth operation, and long-lasting performance.
Customization: Every project is different. We offer many customization options to customize your gas strut window’s size, design, and functionality to suit your needs.
Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing without compromising quality. We offer competitive pricing for bulk orders or single gas strut windows.
Prompt delivery: We guarantee that your gas strut window will be fabricated in 2 weeks and arrive on time and in perfect condition. Our production and logistics processes are streamlined to ensure reliable and efficient deliveries.
Expert Support: Our team of professionals is here to help you at every stage. We can answer your questions, provide design suggestions, and offer technical support.
How to order?
Are you ready to add gas strut windows to your project? It’s easy to place an order. Contact our sales team, and they will guide you through the ordering process. We’re happy to assist you, whether you need help with your design or advice on the most suitable solutions for your project.
