Whether you’re building a new home with the help of an architect, remodeling with a remodeler, or just updating your home on your own, choosing the right window style can be a difficult task. You want your windows to complement your home and create visual interest and you want them to improve your home’s curb appeal. So how do you choose the right window style for your home’s architecture? We have some tips that should help.
Step 1 – Understand Your Home’s Style
Unfortunately, with the building boom we’ve seen in Indianapolis over the past 25 years, there are many neighborhoods with what are often referred to as cookie cutter homes. However, just because your home looks so similar to the homes of your neighbors, that doesn’t mean your home can’t have its own style or even stand out.
Let’s start by talking about home styles. In the greater Indianapolis area, we have five primary categories of home styles, some of which have a sub-category or two.
- Historic Homes – Often found in Meridian, Old Northside, Woodruff Place, and Irvington, historic homes come both Colonial and Victorian styles. Often these homes are brick or have lap style wood-look siding.
- Cottage Homes – Some of these homes are found in historic neighborhoods as well, especially Fletcher Place. These are usually smaller homes with a rustic or cozy appearance. They’re also usually smaller and often single story.
- Farmhouse Style – This was a building trend for several years in the early 2000s so many neighborhoods have farmhouse style homes. Farmhouse style home can be modern or traditional in appearance. Often, modern farmhouse homes have vertical siding.
- Craftsman Homes – This style home often includes ranch homes. Both have simple exteriors with horizontal lap style siding or are brick.
- Modern Homes – Sometimes called contemporary style, these homes are found throughout Indianapolis but Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville, and Fishers are three cities with a large concentration of modern homes. Some rehabilitated areas of downtown also have modern or contemporary homes.
Step 2 – Choose a Few Window Styles that Complement Your Home’s Style
Although there is no rule for or against using a specific window style in any home style, some just work better with some home styles than others. Of course, any home can have a picture window or two, most homes also have at least one other window style as well. Here are the most common window styles and the home styles that they best complement.
- Single or Double Hung Windows – These windows are great for historic homes, but also work well in cottage, farmhouse, and craftsman or ranch style homes.
- Casement Windows – Casement windows are a favorite in many modern homes They also work well in some craftsman style homes as well.
- Sliding Windows – We love sliding windows in modern homes, but they also work well in many modern farmhouse style homes.
Step 3 – Look Inside Your Home Before Making a Final Choice
When you’re wanting to open a window do you ever struggle to push up a window because it is above a sink, bookshelf, or other immovable feature? In cases like these, a casement or sliding window may be a better option. Along the same thought process, do you have bathroom or other area of the home where it always feels stuffy? You may want to switch out a picture window for another window style.
Step 4 – Consider How a Window Grid Can Change the Appearance of Any Window
Window grids (or grilles or mullions or muntins) can change the appearance of any style window. If you really want casement windows but still like the traditional look of a 6 over 6 window, ask your window company if they have a window line with that sort of option. On the other hand, if you’re looking to bring your older looking home into a more modern era, consider skipping the window grids or choosing a minimalistic option. This not only can create a more modern look and feel to a home even when replacing single hung windows with new single hung windows, but also increase the amount of light that comes into a room.
Let Your Local Independent Window Company Help
Whether you already know the window style you want or need help, let your local independent window company help. Blair Windows & Doors has been working with custom builders, remodelers, and homeowners since 1955. Our team can jump in at any point in the process with expert guidance and advice. Because we’re an independent and locally owned and operated window company, we sell and install windows from many manufacturers ensuring that we have the right window style for your needs and budget. Call (317) 356-4666 to schedule your no obligation appointment or fill out our contact form today.
