Key Takeaways
- Period home windows tell the story of the architectural style of their time.
- From sash windows to dormer windows, each type has its own unique design and function.
- Always choose windows that match the architectural style of your home to preserve its historic value.
- Steel windows and doors provide a modern, low-maintenance option that fits well with period home designs.
- Updating your windows with energy-efficient materials helps keep your home comfortable while retaining its charm.
Windows are one of the most important features of any home, and this is especially true for period homes. The style and design of the windows in these homes tell a story about the history and architecture of the time they were built.
Choosing the right windows for a period home is essential for preserving its charm and historic value.
Period homes have unique window designs that make them stand out. These homes were built in different eras, each with its own distinct architectural style. From large, sash windows to small, cottage-style casement windows, the design of period home windows reflects the style and craftsmanship of the time.
When updating or restoring a period home, it’s important to choose windows that match the original style while offering modern benefits like energy efficiency.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of windows found in period homes. We’ll also discuss how to select windows that maintain the home’s historic look while providing modern comfort.
Types of Period Home Windows
There are several types of windows commonly found in period homes, each reflecting the design trends of the time. Here’s a look at some of the most popular types:
Sash Windows
Sash windows are one of the most iconic window styles for period homes, especially in Georgian and Victorian houses. These windows consist of one or more movable panels, or “sashes,” that slide up and down.
Sash windows often feature multiple panes of glass separated by thin glazing bars. They provide a classic look and are often found in taller windows with elegant proportions.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are another common style in period homes, particularly in cottages and Tudor-style houses. These windows open outward like a door, usually with the help of a crank or a simple latch.
Casement windows are known for their practicality and often feature small, leaded glass panes arranged in a grid pattern. They provide great ventilation and are still popular in many homes today.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are large, outward-projecting windows that create a small “bay” inside the home. They are often found in Victorian and Edwardian homes.
Bay windows not only let in lots of natural light, but they also add extra space inside the room. These windows are often made up of multiple panels, including sash or casement windows, and are a stunning architectural feature.
Cottage Windows
Cottage windows are usually smaller than sash or bay windows and often have a charming, rustic look.
These windows are common in rural homes, such as country cottages, and usually consist of two casements that open outward. They often feature simple wood frames and may have small, diamond-shaped panes of glass.
Dormer Windows
Dormer windows are smaller windows that are set into the roof of a home, usually in the attic or upper floors. These windows are common in period homes with steep, pitched roofs.
Dormer windows add light to the upper rooms and can be a beautiful design feature, especially when framed with decorative woodwork.
Choosing the Right Windows for Your Period Home
When selecting windows for a period home, it’s important to choose designs that match the original style of the house.
However, modern homeowners also need to consider factors like energy efficiency, security, and ease of maintenance. Here’s how you can choose the right windows for your period home:
Match the Architectural Style
The first and most important rule is to choose windows that match the style of your home. If you have a Georgian home, look for sash windows with thin glazing bars and elegant proportions.
For a cottage-style home, casement windows with leaded glass may be the best option. Matching the style ensures that your home retains its historical charm.
Consider Modern Materials
While traditional period home windows were usually made of wood, modern homeowners have more options.
Steel windows and doors, for example, offer a sleek, modern look while still fitting in with the period style. Steel windows are durable, low-maintenance, and can be designed to look just like traditional wooden windows, making them an excellent choice for modern updates.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
One of the challenges with period home windows is that they were not built with energy efficiency in mind.
Old windows can be drafty, which makes it harder to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Look for double-glazed windows that provide better insulation while still matching the original style of your home.
Use Specialty Doors for a Unique Touch
In addition to windows, doors play a key role in a period home’s design. Specialty doors, such as pivot doors, can add a modern touch to a period home while still fitting in with the overall style. Pivot doors, in particular, offer a unique way to open up spaces while keeping the look classic and elegant.
Don’t Forget About Security
Old windows can sometimes be less secure than modern ones, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for safety.
Modern steel windows and doors can offer the strength and security you need without losing the historical charm of your home.
Euroline Steel Windows & Doors: Helping Homeowners
At Euroline Steel Windows & Doors, we specialize in creating windows and doors that fit perfectly with the design of period homes.
Our steel windows and doors are custom-made to match the style of your home while offering the durability and energy efficiency of modern materials.
We also offer specialty doors, including pivot doors, which add a unique, modern touch to your home while preserving its historic charm.
With Euroline, you can maintain the beauty of your period home while enjoying the benefits of modern construction.
