Living in a historic Main Line home means you’re surrounded by charm, character, and timeless design. But when it’s time to update your windows, it’s natural to wonder: How do I keep the look I love while adding modern comfort and energy efficiency?
The good news? You don’t have to choose between preserving your home’s beauty and making practical upgrades. There are window styles that can enhance your home’s original charm and offer the performance today’s homes need.
Curious which windows will look (and work) best in your home? Let’s explore the perfect pairings for your architectural style—so you can make upgrades that feel right at home.
Tailored Window Style Recommendations for Your Home’s Architectural Design
Colonial
Colonial homes come in a variety of styles from Spanish to New England architecture. They are typically two or three stories tall and often made of red brick with multiple chimneys. Two windows are featured on each side of the front door. Next, three evenly spaced windows are located on the second level, with one located above the door. Dormer windows are centered above the second level.
Window styles: Double-hung or single hung-windows are ideal in a historic Colonial home. They offer a traditional look with excellent ventilation. And if you choose double-hung windows, you get the tilt-in feature for easy cleaning.
Tudor Revival
A Tudor’s defining features include stucco paired with brick or stone siding, arched doorways and tall, narrow windows. Exposed wood is also a feature commonly seen in these homes.
Window styles: Long, narrow casement windows are used throughout these houses. Picture windows are common and often framed by two casement windows.
Dutch Colonial
This home style is defined by its distinctive gambrel roof with two sloping sides and long overhanging eaves (which provides extra headroom in the attic). It has a symmetrical facade, a centered front door, evenly spaced windows, and wooden shutters.
Window styles: Andersen Window’s 400 Series and Architectural Collection double-hung windows work ideally in these timeless designs. Grilles, hardware, and a vast range of customization options ensure these new windows seamlessly fit into the charming aesthetics of the Dutch Colonial style.
Victorian
Victorian houses include elaborate details, a multitude of trim, and a bold color palette. Known for their wraparound porch, decorative railings and columns, this home style is distinct.
Window styles: Bay and bow windows are a must for historic Victorian homes. They pair well with this ornate architectural style and create an expansive view of the outdoors. They allow natural light to teem into your home. Double-hung windows are also a perfect fit for Victorian homes. Place an arched half-round window on top of them to create the illusion of greater height. Valance grids, transom windows, and sidelites will enhance the look of your Victorian home’s windows by adding a touch of elegance you’re sure to love.
Craftsman
In the early twentieth century, Craftsman style homes were built throughout America. Their generous front porch, squared tapered columns, and open floor plan made them the ideal fit for many Americans.
Window styles: Double-hung or single-hung windows are a perfect match for Craftsman style homes and are typically used on both the first and second stories of these artsy houses. These practical windows deliver ample breezes and offer easy upkeep and reliable function to your home. Awning windows may also be used, although sparingly, on a Craftsman home. These windows are hinged at the top and open outward (like an awning), so they can be opened even during a gentle rain! Their simple design makes them easy to maintain and long lasting. They’re usually wider than they are tall and are used in areas where ventilation is needed—like basements, bathrooms, or above the kitchen sink.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean architecture is influenced by its place of origin. Historic Mediterranean homes offer small windows and large doors topped by arched windows. Their stucco siding, terracotta roof, and archways define them with distinction.
Window styles: Casement windows are an ideal style choice for Mediterranean homes. They are tall, narrow, and open outward with an easy-to-use crank. They may stand alone or come in pairs. Arched windows are also common in these houses as they complement the curved lines in this architectural style. Ventilating sidelites add more natural light and visual interest to window designs found in Mediterranean homes.
Window Details That Ensure a Seamless Blend of Your Home’s Aesthetic Appeal and Long-Term Performance
Window Styles
- Single- or Double-Hung – These popular windows slide up and down.
- Casement Windows – These windows crank open from your interior and provide delightful breezes.
- Bay and Bow – Made of at least three windows, these groups of windows enhance natural light.
- Picture – These expansive windows offer refreshing views.
- Round and Half Round –These non-traditional windows are inoperable and used as a design feature.
Window Finishes
- Andersen’s 400 Series includes Woodwright, which features traditional wood interiors with Fibrex® exteriors, making these windows perfect for historic renovations.
- Andersen’s art glass designs like those in the Victorian style are also available and add a touch of elegance to your historic home.
Color Suggestions
Research your historic home’s era because different eras had their preferred color palettes.
- Interior window sashes and trim include oak and stain colors like honey and russet to give your historic home a classic look.
- Exterior window sashes and trim colors should be in sync with your home’s original look. Black or dark green were popular in the nineteenth century. Earth tones provide a natural or rustic look.
Enhance Your Historic Home’s Beauty with Gorgeous New Windows
Don’t risk the costly damage worn-out windows can create. Get beautiful replacement windows that stay true to your Main Line, Pennsylvania historic house’s authentic aesthetic while also safeguarding it from the elements.
At Porter Family Exteriors, we have over 100 years of combined experience perfecting our skills and techniques. That means we know what works in our area and what doesn’t. You get the most knowledgeable people for your upgrade, providing quality workmanship you can count on.
We are an Andersen Windows Certified Contractor, so your windows will be installed properly the first time. We offer a two-year workmanship warranty for your window installation that is backed by Andersen Windows. Learn more about how our window replacement services can add beauty and energy efficiency to your historic home.
