There are various styles of windows to choose from, however they weren’t all developed all at once. The same as different house styles, they came to exist during the period of many years. So, specific window styles are historically more prevalent in particular house styles since their appearance and functionality harmonize with one another. Having said that, there aren’t any real right or wrong windows to pick for your home. The following are just examples of the most prevalent pairings of windows and home styles.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival homes draw on centuries of architectural tradition to impart a stately aesthetic, so it’s only fitting that they feature windows that are equally traditional. Double-hung windows, with their timeless style, are an excellent choice for Colonial Revivals as these homes have symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows. What’s more, because these homes often have a fancier flavor, dressing the double-hung windows up with grilles and ornate hardware can add a nice flair.
Victorian
Victorian homes were designed to be the embodiment of opulence. They are often larger than other home styles and incorporate dramatic angles and ornate details such as scrollwork, dentil trim, porticos, and turrets. As such, they beg for windows that are equally showy. Bay and bow windows are always a great option for Victorian homes, as they convey the grandiosity and indulgence of English Renaissance architecture. Why settle for one window when you can put many windows together? Of course, these styles aren’t entirely for show; there is a practicality to them as well. Early Victorian homes were built before the advent of electricity, and so larger, more expansive windows were helpful for allowing more natural light in.
Ranch Style
While this style dates back to the 1920s, it wasn’t until after WWII that ranch-style homes really started popping up all over the U.S. They weren’t overly fancy like Victorian homes, but instead focused on utility and economy while still offering charming coziness. One of the most notable features of ranch-style houses is that they are typically only one story, so the windows they feature tend to be wider than they are tall in order to maximize wall space. Options such as slider windows, picture windows, and casement windows are all good choices for this style of home as they provide ample functionality while remaining modest in appearance.
Mid-Century Modern
If you don’t know what mid-century modern style is, just think of the show Madmen-homes with open floor plans, clean and simple lines, very streamlined, somewhat minimalistic. While the colors may have been loud (orange shag rugs, lime green paisley wallpaper) the architecture was much more understated. The simplicity of mid-century modern design was actually a direct response to the overly ornate styles of Victorian architecture. And whereas large, multi-dimensional windows were common in Victorian homes, the mantra of mid-century modern style was simple, simple, simple. As such, picture windows, casement windows, and sliding windows featured heavily in mid-century modern homes because of their sleek, low-profile frames and their expansive glass viewing area, which was unobstructed by sash rails, muntins, and other decorative elements.