The Best Window Styles and Materials for Your  Historical Home

Updated window style on a historical home with Kelly Window & Door.

When your historic home’s windows become damaged, break, have gaps around the frame, or develop peeling paint issues, it can detract from your home’s beauty. Energy bills can skyrocket, and chilly drafts indoors accompany window leaks, making your home uncomfortable. Sometimes windows may even get stuck closed, making them a hazard. Replacement windows are the best solution for all of these common issues. 

So, how do you find the right windows for a home with historic character? Read on and discover the keys to choosing the perfect windows for your historic home. 

Replacement Windows: Modern Convenience Meets Historic Authenticity

The Historic Society’s requirements

Historic towns are serious about historically accurate renovations, which includes replacement windows. Typically, that has to do with the material window frames are made of and their style. Very often, plastic and composite materials are off limits, and the windows need to have the same windowpane patterns from the period-specific original windows. The good news is that replacement windows can stay true to the historic elements in your house, and you can honor historic requirements while having new windows installed. Check with your local municipality for details. 

The beauty of genuine wood 

Most historic homeowners will choose replacement windows made of solid wood such as pine, Douglas fir, or mahogany. However, if your home has historic character, and ordinances allow it, you may want to consider the best of both worlds by installing windows that offer authentic wood on the inside and durable, low maintenance vinyl on the outside. 

Low maintenance divided lites

You can have either true divided lites (grids) or simulated divided lites. True divided lite windows are made of small panes of glass that are separated by muntins (dividers) or grilles. Simulated divided lite windows have just one piece of glass with removable muntins attached to the interior and exterior of the glass. The grilles are removable, so they are super easy to clean. This yields a divided lite look without having divided window panes, lowering your maintenance needs significantly. 

Authentic hardware 

The hardware you choose for your historic home’s new windows should match your house’s existing hardware and have the finish that coordinates perfectly with your home’s interior. 

Energy efficiency 

Historic homeowners can enjoy the genuine look of period-specific windows while gaining the energy-efficient features of today’s windows. Double- or triple-pane glass, Low-E coatings, and argon gas filling between windows all contribute to lowering your energy usage and will translate into lower utilities bills each month, a welcomed sight for a historic homeowner. Windows with Low-E coatings cost up to 15% more than other windows, yet decrease energy loss by 30% or more, making them worthwhile. Look for the ENERGY STAR rating on your new windows, and you’ll be positioned to save regularly on energy usage. 

Custom-sized windows

Make sure the contractor you hire offers custom-sized replacement windows. You’ll need customization to fit into the opening of some of your current windows. 

Window Styles for Historic Homes

Classic window styles such as casement, bay, double-hung, single-hung, and custom windows can work well in historic homes. 

Double-hung windows

The most popular window type, with classic beauty that fits historic homes, double-hung windows deliver outstanding aesthetics. Their timeless look will complement your house perfectly, and their function will delight you. Their top sash can be lowered while their bottom sash is raised, creating the perfect opportunity for air to circulate in and out of your space. Readily available, with multiple finish options to match your interior, these classic windows are a perfect solution for historic homes. 

Single-hung windows

Styled the same as double-hung windows, yet with fewer movable parts, single-hung windows open only from the bottom up. They deliver a simple solution and period-specific features that will fit in seamlessly with your historic home. They are known for their longevity, low maintenance, and minimal need for repairs due to their simple makeup. Single-hung windows come in a variety of finishes to match your historic house’s interior. 

Custom windows

Due to the various sizes and shapes of historic windows, custom window options are a must when it’s time for window replacements. Get uniquely shaped windows to fit your home’s architectural style.  

Casement windows

Timeless and customizable, casement windows are a good choice for historic homes. Their single sash opens with a crank, delivering optimal ventilation to your interior. They open outward, “catch” the breezes, and usher them inside. Their glass is not divided by panels, and they deliver fabulous views of the outdoors. Their airtight seal when they are closed gives you greater energy efficiency than other window styles. They can’t be opened from the outside, so if you keep them locked, they offer excellent security for your historic home, deterring intruders. 

Bay windows

Known for the distinct beauty they add to a room, bay windows deliver expanded views to your kitchen, family room, living room, or master bedroom. Bay windows create a bump-out that adds visual interest to your interior and exterior. Their panoramic glass delivers fabulous views of the outdoors and makes way for the entrance of an abundance of light to be ushered inside. They often consist of a fixed picture window with operable windows on either side to bring in fresh air to your historic home. 

Is your home in need of new replacement windows? Know your options with our “Vinyl Replacement Window Buying Guide.” Read the Guide

Maintain the Historic Beauty of Your Home 

Now that you know some of the basics of choosing windows for your house, don’t miss out on the perfect match for your historic home. At Kelly Window & Door, our caring team of certified professionals are ready to help with the design aspect of your selection to ensure your new windows complement your existing home style and character perfectly.  

Take a moment to learn more about how our windows services can help you get the flawless solutions you’re looking for.