Colonial-Style Windows: Historical Elegance Meets Modern Functionality

Colonial homes offer a timeless elegance deeply rooted in the earliest days of our country’s history. Many of these homes are found in the Northeast, but colonial elements can also blend well in many different types of homes across the country. At the heart of this enduring aesthetic are colonial-style windows.

Known for their symmetrical designs and multi-pane patterns, windows in the colonial style offer beauty, balance, and a glimpse into our nation’s architectural heritage. Best of all, today’s colonial-style windows also incorporate modern adaptations so you can enjoy the refined elegance of the past while also benefiting from enhanced comfort and energy efficiency. If you’re looking for replacement windows in the colonial style, you can get the best of both worlds.

Characteristics of Colonial-Style Windows

The 17th and 18th centuries saw many newcomers arrive to what would become The United States. These individuals brought with them the architectural heritage of their home countries. In particular, the colonial building style is heavily influenced by British and Dutch architecture.

Many colonial homes are rectangular in shape with a symmetrical façade and centered front door. They often have a neutral color palette with contrasting shutters, a steep, side-gabled roof, and a decorative crown over the front door. Colonial-style windows play a big role in completing the colonial look.

They are typically arranged in a symmetrical pattern and feature a multi-pane construction, meaning they’re made with multiple small panes of glass separated by thin strips of wood or metal to create a grid-like pattern. At the time, large sheets of glass were difficult and expensive to produce. Many colonial windows also include functional or decorative shutters on either side of the window.

Benefits of Modern Colonial-Style Windows

While classic windows in the colonial style are certainly beautiful, they aren’t nearly as functional as today’s modern windows. The good news is that if you plan on replacing your windows, you can get the colonial look with modern adaptations. Today’s modern colonial-style windows offer improved materials, energy efficiency, functionality, and more.

• Modern Materials: Instead of wood, modern colonial-style windows are made from vinyl or fiberglass, which can be painted to look like wood. These materials offer better insulation and resist moisture and decay.
• Energy Efficiency: Instead of single-pane glass, today’s colonial windows use double- or triple-pane glass to provide excellent insulation.
• Improved Functionality: Modern colonial-style windows can feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning, or between-the-glass shades that are low maintenance.

Common Window Types for a Colonial Look

Traditionally, most colonial-style windows were double-hung, meaning they have two sashes (a top and bottom) that can slide vertically. Of course, your “colonial-inspired” windows don’t have to exactly fit the original style. Several different types of windows can still give your home that colonial chic while matching your personal preferences.

1. Double-hung Windows

If you are a colonial architecture purist, then there’s only one type of window to install in your colonial home. Double-hung windows are a hallmark of the colonial building style. They were popular in colonial times for their practicality and their ability to accommodate period glass-making limitations.

Today, double-hung windows still offer traditional charm and versatility, though modern versions usually incorporate contemporary features like tilt-in sashes, energy-efficient glazing, and improved hardware for smoother operation.

2. Casement Windows

While less common than double-hung windows, casement windows were still used in early American homes, particularly in houses built in the Cape Cod style. These windows are hinged on one side and open outward like a door. In colonial times, casement windows were often used in upper stories or smaller spaces to take advantage of maximum airflow.

Modern casement windows provide a much better seal than their historical counterparts when closed, offering good energy efficiency. Many also come with hand cranks or motorized systems to make opening and closing them easier.

3. Specialty or Picture Windows

While not common in historical colonial architecture, specialty shape windows and picture windows can offer a contemporary twist on a traditional design. These fixed, non-opening windows provide unobstructed views and abundant natural sunlight. They can also serve as a focal point in living areas or showcase scenic vistas. To preserve the colonial aesthetic, these windows can incorporate grille patterns and mimic multi-pane designs.

Additional Design Considerations for Colonial Flair

Several additional design elements can enhance the overall look and feel of your colonial-style windows. These details not only contribute to the authenticity of your home’s colonial style but also add depth and character to your windows.

• Grille Patterns: These decorative dividers separate glass into smaller panes. To achieve an authentic colonial look, we recommend a 6-over-6 or 9-over-9 pattern (meaning six or nine panes on each sash).
• Colors: The colonial style calls for muted colors. Classic white is popular and offers a timeless look, but you can also experiment with muted earth tones like sage green, deep red, or warm gray.
• Shutters: For true authenticity, commission operable wooden shutters sized to match your window openings. Of course, non-operable shutters also look great and still give you the colonial style.
• Trim and Molding: Opt for wide, flat casings around the windows with crown molding above for an added touch of elegance. If you want a more formal colonial style, include decorative header pediments as ornamental structures above each window.
• Hardware: Brass or wrought iron hardware will lend period authenticity to your windows, as will thumb latches and locksets in traditional designs.

Schedule a Free Design Consultation

Colonial-style windows are truly timeless and can give your house loads of historical charm. Of course, you’ll still want modern functionality from your windows. When you work with West Shore Home, you’ll get it all: beauty, historical styling, and modern window technology. We’d love to install gorgeous modern colonial-style windows in your home.

Request a free design consultation today to get started.

Colonial Style Window FAQs

What are the most common window types for colonial-style homes?

The most common types of windows in the colonial style are double-hung windows, casement windows, and bay windows.

What window colors are true to colonial style?

The most popular colors for colonial-style windows are white, off-white, black, and muted earth tones, like soft grays and browns.

What grille patterns can be used for colonial-style windows?

The most common grille patterns for windows in the colonial style are 6-over-6 (six panes in each sash), 9-over-9 (nine panes in each sash), and 12-over-12 (twelve panes in each sash for larger windows).

How can trim and shutters enhance colonial-style windows?

The choices you make for your trim and shutters can reinforce the colonial styling of your windows and your home. We recommend choosing a wide, flat trim with crown molding above the windows and flat shutters on each side of the windows.

How can I choose the right colonial-style windows for my home?

First, consider the architecture of your home and decide if windows in the colonial style will complement your home’s look. Next, make sure your window proportions match your home’s façade. You’ll also want to select grille patterns, trim, and colors that match the colonial look. Finally, consider which modern characteristics you want your windows to include.

If you’re having trouble choosing modern colonial-style windows for your home, consult with a window specialist who has experience with colonial designs.