I use the floating layout just for this. I have hacked dwm in several ways in the past: keys to raise clients*, different stack algorithms (in the lt structure), and what not. At the end, in the case I want to bring front a tiled client the easiest way is to change to floating layout**, no complications are necesary and it makes quite sense to me.
* I think they are named clients because a client can have several windows (reparenting; eg if you have window decorations). Another good reason is the confusing it would result to mix that Window with the Window already present in dwm _code_ (they are called windows in the man page, for example). ** In order to make this task easier, I have defined my keys and mouse in a way that a Mod+Space (or B1 on the symbol) set tile or (if tile is set) floating and Mod+Shift+Space (or B2) set monocle or floating in the same way. So, with a double Mod+Space - or Mod+Shift+Space, or double clicks - I can re-tile tiled clients while in floating layout. (It doesn't sound so great as the feeling is once you get used to it.) hth, -- - yiyus || JGL .