When it’s time to replace the windows in a Colonial home, it’s important to strike a balance between enjoying practical function and staying true to this beautiful architectural style. The right choice in new windows will complement your Colonial’s symmetrical design and timeless charm, all while also delivering high performance that gives you confidence for decades.
Here’s how to approach choosing your replacement windows so that you’re bringing out the best in your Colonial house’s classic beauty.
Match the Traditional Style of Your Colonial Home
Colonials have a soothing, welcoming vibe that is easy to emphasize, even when you’re investing in new windows. And there is nothing wrong with sticking to the traditional look that first attracted you to your home in the first place. Choosing the types of windows that have commonly been found on these houses over the centuries is a smart way to keep your property looking timelessly lovely.
To pair well with this definitive architectural style, lean into these types of windows:
Double-Hung Windows Are Ideal
Colonial houses are well-known for their sense of symmetry. They have the same number and design of windows on either side of the front door and around all the exterior walls. Double-hung windows easily recreate a sense of balance, and they’re simple to operate and maintain. Their tall panes with moving sashes invite soothing breezes into your home.
Casement Windows Match Well Too
Similar to double-hung windows in width and height, casements have side hinges so they swing outward (instead of having sashes that are pushed up and down). Their wider opening pulls in ample fresh air. Remember to place casements on both sides of your exterior doors to keep a symmetrical feel.
Picture Windows Offer Beautiful Views
Many Colonials feature large picture windows—which have no moving parts yet bring in loads of refreshing sunlight throughout the day. If you’re installing a new picture window in this historic style house, look for frames and window grids that match your double-hung or casement windows for a tied-together feel.
Create a Modern Look That Still Honors Colonial Architecture
There are ways to bring modern design into your Colonial home without losing its historic look. The key is to stay consistent with its balanced, symmetrical architecture. A window installation team with a strong sense of design (like ours!) can walk you through several options to pair your personal preferences with your Colonial’s classic look.
Enhance Indoor-Outdoor Living with Expansive Patio Doors
Many Colonial houses feature a small set of patio doors with windows to both sides. Why not update that by installing a three- or four-panel sliding door system? You can enjoy lots of ventilation and natural lighting, as well as a convenient and contemporary way to make the most out of your outdoor deck or patio.
Achieve Elegance with Bay and Bow Windows
Another appealing way to update a Colonial is with the installation of bay and bow windows in select parts of your house. These window systems feature three to five windows next to each other, pushing outward from the exterior to create a “bay” for seating or a “bowed” look. They invite lots of light in too. Install bays and bows on both sides of your front door for balance.
Add Verve with Specialty Windows
If you’d like to give your home added visual appeal or would like to bring in more light, consider installing specialty windows above your double-hung or casement windows. Small, rectangular, fixed transom windows or arched, round-top windows look nice above larger windows and doors.
Don’t Forget the Details!
As with most home fixtures that contribute to curb appeal, your windows should show off all the little elements that deliver a cohesive Colonial look. So, take time to think about these features and how you’d like to use them:
Choose Grids to Break Up Glass Panes
Because Colonial homes date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, their windows often feature old-fashioned technology—such as the use of muntins (grids) that were needed to join small sheets of glass together to create a large windowpane. Though muntins are no longer necessary when manufacturing glass windows, they can be added optionally to the outside of your windows (or even between double panes) to reproduce the original look of your historic home. These grids come in many styles and widths for a bit of customization that still blends well with your house’s traditional design.
Update Window Materials to Enjoy Modern Performance
Centuries ago, windows were built with wood, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose wood today. There are many materials that will look appealing on a Colonial house. Fiberglass and vinyl windows can mimic the look of wood without the high maintenance. Of course, there are also genuine wood and wood-clad frames available for homeowners who like natural materials, want unique wood grains, and don’t mind regularly painting the frames.
Get Contemporary—or Classic—with Color Schemes
For Colonials, traditional color schemes tend to be simple and classic. Neutrals such as whites and creams are common for Colonial window frames. For a more modern feel that still honors your home’s sense of grounded simplicity, consider soft grays, gentle browns, or black. You can also choose to bring in color through window shutters, which can be used to create a pop of vibrancy against a white or cream exterior.
Update Your Colonial Home with Gorgeous, High-Performing Windows from Chicago’s Experts
Lovely new windows look beautiful—and they also add decades of protection and usefulness to make your home lifestyle a delight. At Siding & Windows Group, we appreciate how important it is to match your Colonial house’s architecture with the right windows for historic beauty and durable performance, all at once. Discover the many attractive, long-lasting window styles available to update your home—with the help of our experienced local team.
