Start with the house
Windows should look like they belong. A brick ranch, a craftsman bungalow, a farmhouse and a modern infill home each lean toward different window shapes and grid patterns. Walk around the house and notice the roofline, the trim and the proportions of the existing windows.
Replacing windows is a chance to restore a look that earlier changes disturbed. Matching the original pattern often does more for curb appeal than any single feature.
Bring photos of homes you like to the visit.
A quick way to test a style is to look at old photos of the house. Early photographs often show the original windows, and matching them can bring back the look the house had when it was new.
Pick the type room by room
Double-hung windows suit many rooms. Casements and awnings work well over counters and sinks, sliders suit wide openings and picture windows frame views. Bay and bow windows add depth to living areas and kitchens.
Think about reach, cleaning and ventilation as well as looks.
We help match each room with a window type that works in daily life.
Think about how you use each room. A bedroom window you open every night should be easy to operate, and a hallway window that you never touch can be fixed. Matching function to room saves frustration.
Grids and divisions
Grids add character and break up the view. Traditional homes often suit a six-over-one or two-over-two pattern, craftsman homes a grid on the upper sash only and modern homes no grids at all.
Between-the-glass grids are easy to clean, and simulated divided lites with spacer bars look more like true divided windows.
Choose one pattern for the front of the house and keep it consistent.
Look at the grid pattern of the neighbors for clues. Streets often share a look, and fitting in can improve the whole block. You can still choose your own pattern, as long as it suits the house.
Colors and finishes
White and tan are classic. Bronze and black give a modern or farmhouse look and show less dirt in some settings. Interior and exterior colors can differ, and wood interiors can be stained.
Hold samples against your siding, brick and trim in daylight. Colors look different in the shade and in the sun.
Check neighborhood rules before ordering.
Photographs of the house with samples held up beat any chart. Take the pictures at midday and at sunset, because colors shift. Share the photos with us and we will help you narrow the choices.
Frames and proportions
Slim frames let in more light, and wider frames look sturdy and traditional. Vinyl, fiberglass, wood and composite frames each have a look and feel.
Make sure new windows keep the proportions of the old ones, particularly the height of the meeting rail and the width of the stiles.
A simple mockup with tape on the glass can help you see grid lines.
Choose hardware and screens with the style in mind. A dark frame with bright hardware looks off, and a traditional house may want brass or bronze tones inside. Small details add up.
Think about the whole house
Consistency matters. The windows on the front, the sides and the back do not have to be identical, but they should feel related. Special windows, such as a stair window or a bathroom window, can use privacy glass without breaking the look.
Plan trim and exterior color together with the window choice.
A design consultation helps tie it all together.
If you are unsure, start with the front of the house. Once the front looks right, the rest follows. Many owners do the front first and finish the rest in a later phase.
Match the window type and grid pattern to your house, choose colors in real light and keep the look consistent from the street.
