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Home / Blog / Upgrade with Modern Windows Without Losing Your Home’s Historic Charm

Upgrade with Modern Windows Without Losing Your Home’s Historic Charm

October 27, 2025
Justin Porter

Upgrade with Modern Windows Without Losing Your Home’s Historic Charm

You can enjoy the comfort, energy efficiency, and durability of today’s window technology while still preserving the unique architectural character and charm of your historic home. 

Let’s explore window design options and materials that blend seamlessly with traditional styles so that you don’t have to compromise authenticity for modern performance. 

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Design Options 
  • Window Materials
  • Warranty Information
  • Experience the Long-Term Value of Proven Workmanship and Windows That Last 

Design Options 

While you delight in the charm your historic home offers, it’s natural to want the delightful comforts today’s windows deliver. The great news is you can bring your home into the present without losing the magic that made you fall in love with it in the first place. The first step? Choose finishes and hardware that feel fresh while honoring your home’s era. 

As you select your window design, be sure to keep one of our favorite remodeling secrets in mind: The most successful renovations complement your home’s style, create thoughtful design, and stand the test of time. 

Enhance Your Home’s Character with Beautiful Window Finishes 

Industry-leading Andersen windows offer stainable wood interiors for wood windows and customizable exterior colors to match historic palettes.

Enjoy Timeless Design with the Perfect Window Hardware

Add character to your new windows with timeless hardware. Hardware finishes like Distressed Bronze or Antique Brass provide authentic accents. 

  • Distressed Bronze – You’re sure to love this dark, antique finish with chocolate undertones, copper hints, and a noticeable brushed grain for a worn, historic look. 
  • Antique Brass – This deep gold finish with a visible brushed texture creates a classic, aged appearance. 
  • Oil Rubbed Bronze – This super dark finish develops a dark copper undertone over time, adding to its antique character. 

Distressed Bronze and Oil Rubbed Bronze are “living” finishes that change with time and use, adding even greater authenticity to your home’s aesthetics. If you would like more options, choose hardware with a perfect finish such as Black, Bright Brass, Stone, White, or Satin Nickel.

Incorporate Thoughtful Design with Art Glass 

As you plan your window replacement, add a touch of elegance with art glass in select windows throughout your historic home. 

Four different styles are available in Andersen’s Classic Series Panels, which represent major architectural design themes from the late 1800’s through the 1930’s. Their symmetric patterns are available in distinct color schemes as well as colorless glass or antique patina. 

Order art glass in standard color palettes or create custom combinations to match your home perfectly. From amber and cobalt to teal and topaz, accent your historic house’s unique features with this tasteful touch. 

Customize the Look of Your Windows with Beautiful Grilles 

Incorporate architecturally authentic grille types and patterns to enhance your home’s beauty. Choose from a variety of grille patterns, widths, and styles to achieve the ideal look. Consider options such as: 

  • Removable interior grilles, which are located on the room-side glass surface and come off the glass for easy cleaning. 
  • Finelight grilles, which lie between the panes and make windows super easy to clean. With their two-sided color scheme, they match both the interior and exterior of your windows. 
  • Full divided light grilles, which deliver an authentic look because they are permanently applied to the interior and exterior of your window with a spacer bar between the glass. Full divided light grilles can replicate historic designs for architectural accuracy.

Window Materials

You can prioritize your home’s comfort and function while preserving the timeless feel of your space with new windows. So, if you’re looking for greater energy efficiency, you got it! Tired of those drafty spots in various places around your house? No problem. Today’s windows infuse your home with indescribable comfort. 

Imagine a consistent temperature in every room of your historic house! You can have it all with replacement windows. So put your worries about sacrificing authenticity for modern technologies behind you and indulge in the luxury of new windows. 

Beautiful Andersen Windows come in wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials. Durable Pella windows come in wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. 

Here are two exceptional options to consider: 

Authentic Wood Interior, Low Maintenance Fibrex® Exterior 

Your historic home deserves extraordinary materials and meticulous craftsmanship. That’s why we love Andersen® 400 Series Woodwright Insert Windows, which pair historic authenticity with modern window technology. After all, if your home’s trim is wood, your windows should be too. 

These brilliant windows feature a natural wood interior and an exterior made of Fibrex® composite material to protect against the elements. Choose from oak, maple, or pine for a beautiful interior finish. Enjoy an exterior that resists water and delivers a weathertight seal. 

The timeless, classic look this window design offers is ideal for historic renovations and homes with traditional character. Choose from nearly a dozen styles, including popular casement, double-hung, and picture windows. 

By upgrading with these outstanding windows, you’ll boost your curb appeal and home value, making them a smart selection. 

Durable, Low-Maintenance Vinyl Windows

If affordability is at the top of your priority list, energy-efficient vinyl windows may be the perfect solution. With four brands and multiple styles to choose from, ProVia® vinyl windows accommodate your budget and design needs. Select from popular casement, double-hung, bay and bow windows and get premium custom sizing for your home’s unique needs. 

Warranty Information

At Porter Family Exteriors, we have a two-year workmanship warranty for window installation that is backed by Andersen, so you can rest at ease your investment is well covered.

Is it time to replace the windows on your Philadelphia area home? Our “Complete Guide to Window Replacement” can help you decide. Read the Guide

Experience the Long-Term Value of Proven Workmanship and Windows That Last 

If it feels overwhelming to choose replacement windows for your historic home, you’re not alone. You can modernize your house’s windows without losing its charm. And we’re here to help every step of the way. 

At Porter Family Exteriors, we’re your trusted partner in home exterior transformations since 1976. We listen to your dreams and guide you in your options as you upgrade your exterior in a way that honors your home’s unique architecture. For additional information on replacement windows, see our Window Replacement Guide.

Get a Free Quote

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