Which Way Do European Windows Open?

Here’s something you might not notice until you start traveling—or moving between countries: windows don’t all open the same way. In fact, the direction a window opens—whether it swings inward, outward, or slides—changes depending on where you are in Europe.

In places like Germany, France, and much of Central and Eastern Europe, windows often open inward. This makes them easier to clean from inside, especially if you live in an apartment several floors up. It’s a simple, practical solution that fits well in densely built areas.

But take a trip north to Sweden or Norway, and you’ll notice a switch. There, windows tend to open outward. That’s partly to handle the strong coastal winds and tough winters—outward-opening designs seal better against bad weather and stay firmly shut during storms. They also save space indoors, which helps in smaller rooms or when furniture is placed right up against the wall.

In the UK and Ireland, outward-opening windows are the norm as well, but it’s not because of the weather. Instead, it’s tied to architectural tradition. Styles like casement and sash windows have been around for centuries, and over time, regulations helped maintain that approach. It’s more about how British and Irish homes have always been built than any one practical reason.

Down south in Spain and Portugal, you’ll often find inward-opening windows, but sliding windows are also popular—especially in warmer regions. These let in plenty of air without swinging in or out, making them ideal for homes with balconies or limited space around the window.

Greece is more of a patchwork. Some windows open in, others out. There’s no single rule—it often comes down to the local climate, building style, or simply the builder’s habit. You might even see both types in the same neighborhood.

It might seem like a minor thing, but these differences reveal a lot about the places we live. A window’s design isn’t just about how it looks—it’s shaped by the weather, how homes are built, and how people go about their daily lives. Zoom out and look across the continent, and suddenly, something as ordinary as a window becomes a quiet expression of local culture and practical thinking.