Can You Mix Window Styles in a Home?

Windows are one of the most dynamic and functional elements in any home design. In addition to adding attractive styles, visual interest and curb appeal to your home, windows can also perform critical, practical services for your home. If your home can access fresh air and natural light, it’s probably thanks to windows. As such, choosing exciting and functional window styles for your home is an important and relatively simple way to refresh your home’s design and increase your home’s value as well.

Because windows are available in many different shapes and materials, the possibilities for window styles are numerous. Mixing window styles in the same home can be an attractive, relatively cost-effective way for any homeowner to add style and value to their property.  

Things to Consider When Choosing Window Styles 

While mixing window styles in a home is undoubtedly doable and can add flair to your home, there are several factors to consider to execute your vision effectively. You will likely want to consider the windows’ visual style(s), functionality and shape(s). Other major considerations include energy efficiency, privacy, finish and the age and architectural style of the home as a whole. 

• Visual style: Windows can contribute to a home’s overall appearance and curb appeal. As such, the visual style(s) that you choose for your home’s windows can even impact the overall value of your home. Real estate studies indicate that good curb appeal can increase your home’s value by 7% on average.  
• Functionality: Windows, while capable of bringing style and design to any home, are, first and foremost, practical home features that have essential functions regarding lighting and air. Windows can open inwards and/or outwards. They can slide up or slide side-to-side. As a homeowner, you must consider how you want your windows to function and how you want your windows to look. 
• Material and finish: The materials and finishes of windows are a component of visual style and are also considerations to keep in mind regarding functionality. The climate and weather conditions of your home will likely influence what materials and finish(es) you will need to select for your windows. For example, Ultrex Fiberglass is generally considered more durable than other popular finishes such as wood or vinyl.  
• Energy efficiency: The material, finish and style of your windows will naturally impact the degree to which they are energy-efficient. Modern materials and design innovations have resulted in marked improvements in energy efficiency throughout the home building process, and windows are no exception. Especially in older homes, replacing old windows can be a great way to protect your home from weather damage, increase energy efficiency and even lower utility bills. 
• Privacy and security: Many homeowners desire large, bright, clean windows that will let in as much light and air as possible into their homes. However, large windows may require homeowners to sacrifice some measure of privacy. Depending on the location and positioning of your home, you may want to carefully consider how your home’s windows may expose you to neighbors and pedestrians. 
• Age and architecture of the home: Old windows are often drafty, energy inefficient, and lack the weather/climate protection offered by new windows. As such, replacing older windows is usually a prudent investment. In addition, the age of your home may influence the overall architectural style of your home. You may even live in a neighborhood and/or regional area with a very in-demand architectural home aesthetic. You should take these considerations seriously when selecting the right window style(s) for your home.   

Purchasing the Best Windows for Your Home

There are numerous different window styles that you can choose from to achieve the functionality and style that you want in your home. Today, a professional can customize nearly every style of window to meet the wants and needs of the homeowner. You can purchase window frames in a variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl and Ultrex Fiberglass. Frames can come in many different colors and finishes as well.

A window’s energy efficiency will vary depending on the type of frame you choose, as will its level of sunlight, ventilation and operational function. Custom-designed windows are another option, especially for homeowners who have specialized design wants and/or needs. The following list encompasses seven of the most popular styles:

• Casement windows: Casement windows are hinged on the side and you must crank them to open them. They can offer a great deal of ventilation. You will often find this style of window in many different rooms and locations throughout a home. They are typically minimal in style. Usually, you will see multiple casement windows installed together in groups.  
• Single- and double-hung windows: When you think of a traditional, standard window, you are probably thinking about a single and/or double-hung window. Single-hung windows typically open one way, while double-hung windows can open two ways, both bottom-up and top-down. Single- and double-hung windows allow for sunlight and venting. They are a low-key style that works great in many different styles of homes.
• Horizontal sliding windows: As their name suggests, you can open by sliding one side to the other, starting on either side. You will often find horizontal sliding windows over a sink, or facing a balcony/patio, as they allow for light and ventilation, with a minimal amount of protrusion. 
• Picture windows: Picture windows are a good option for homeowners who like a minimalist style and prefer light over ventilation, as picture windows do not open. They are great for framing beautiful views. Fixed picture windows have an air-tight seal, making them highly energy-efficient. And, because they don’t open, this window style can offer a measure of safety that other window styles may not.
• Bay windows: Bay windows are a stylish type of window that can make a big statement. Typically, bay windows are created by combining three segments of picture windows configured together to pop out from the wall and thus, expand the space of a room. Bay windows, as a general rule, do not open. 
• Bow windows: Like bay windows, bow windows are a beautiful, stylish type of window. In general, they place more emphasis on aesthetic value than functionality. Unlike bay windows, which are modern and angular, bow windows usually consist of four or more equal-width window panels, forming a gentle curving shape away from the wall. Bow windows fit in well with historic homes, especially from the Victorian and turn-of-the-century eras.  
• Awning windows: Awning windows are functional, hinged on the top, opening outward and upward. This style of window can offer a lot of ventilation and, in some cases, even protection from the rain. Many homeowners like to install long, rectangular awning windows high up on a wall for privacy reasons. You will also often find awning windows paired alongside other window styles to create visual interest in a room.   

Adding Style to Your Windows

Windows are a great way to incorporate visual interest into the design and aesthetic of your home. In some cases, they even increase the overall value of your home. Different options for materials, frame finishes and frame colors can allow you to optimize your windows’ style and value. You can also add value to your windows by selecting different panel styles, grid styles and other customization options.

• Panel styles: Some window styles consist of multiple panels. These include single- and double-hung windows and horizontal sliding windows, which are made up of at least two separate glass panels, bay windows, which are made from triptychs of three different panels, and bow windows, which have at least four individual panels. Other windows styles, like casement, picture and awning, generally consist of only one glass panel.   
• Grid styles: Utilizing different grid styles is a design option that many homeowners choose with windows. There are a few different grid styles that are commonly used in American homes, including, but not limited to:
• Cape Cod and Colonial style: These grid styles occur most often in traditional single and/or double-hung windows. With this style, the window is made of six separate glass panes separated by muntins in a simple square grid pattern. The pattern repeats in both the top and bottom panels of the window.
• Prairie style: Prairie style is an elegant, decorative grid style. Typically, the center glass pane is left open and clear, with a small grid pattern occurring around the window’s perimeter.
• Arts and crafts style: An Arts and Crafts style grid pattern gives your windows a clean look while still adding a bit of visual interest. You’ll often find this style on single- and double-hung windows. The top window will be made of two different glass panes, divided vertically by muntins. The bottom window will be one single glass pane.
• Tudor style: Tudor style grids are an excellent option for historical homes and for any homeowner that prefers an Old-World, European inflection in their home design. Often, Tudor style grids are used in long, rectangular picture windows, bay and bow windows and even French doors. Tudor-style grids are usually made of diagonal muntins or grilles, crisscrossed to create a diamond-style pattern. 
• Customization: Depending on your design style and/or functionality needs, you may find that custom windows are the best option for your home. With modern styles and materials and advancements in privacy innovations, there are numerous benefits to purchasing custom windows. Choosing this option will give you total control over all aspects of window designs and how they function in your home, including energy efficiency, privacy and security, style, longevity and durability.  

Get Your Windows at Homespire

Working with Homespire is an excellent choice for any homeowner and/or property owner looking to install and upgrade their property’s windows. Homespire offers attractive styles, durable materials and a variety of color and customization opportunities.

In addition, Homespire offers energy-efficient window solutions, including layered glass and state-of-the-art insulation techniques. Not only can energy-efficient windows reduce your home’s carbon footprint, but they can also result in significant savings. Homespire windows can reduce your monthly energy bills by up to 35%. 

Homespire offers many window security innovations that will help you feel safe, comfortable, and secure in your home for safety and privacy concerns.

Style and design are also a priority for Homespire. In addition to their custom windows, they offer nearly all popular window styles, including casement, single- and double-hung, sliding, picture, bay and bow windows. 

Above all, Homespire prides itself on providing the highest quality products and service, peerless client support and customer service. All Homespire windows are made in Pennsylvania, and the company is a proven leader in window installation and replacement throughout the area. Contact Homespire today for a free in-home analysis.