How to Choose the Right Window Style for Your Home’s Architecture

Choosing the perfect window style isn’t just about letting light in—it’s about enhancing your home's character, energy efficiency, and functionality. Whether you're remodeling, building new, or replacing outdated windows, aligning the window style with your home’s architectural design is key to a cohesive and timeless look.

At Arcadia Sash & Door, we work with Southern California homeowners, builders, and architects to find window solutions that beautifully complement every style of home—from classic to contemporary. Here’s a breakdown of popular window styles and how they match various architectural types.

🏡 1. Traditional or Colonial Homes: Double-Hung Windows

Best Fit For: Colonial, Cape Cod, CraftsmanDouble-hung windows feature two sashes that move up and down. Their balanced, grid-friendly design suits symmetrical façades and more classic or traditional looks.

• Offers excellent ventilation control

• Works well with decorative grilles or divided lites

• Pairs beautifully with shutters or trim detailing

🌲 2. Craftsman and Bungalow: Casement Windows

Best Fit For: Craftsman, Prairie, CottageCasement windows are hinged on the side and open outward like a door. Their clean lines and vertical orientation echo the handcrafted simplicity of bungalow and Craftsman homes.

• Provides unobstructed views and strong airflow

• Works well in pairs or grouped

• Matches the natural, grounded vibe of Craftsman details

🌅 3. Modern and Contemporary: Picture & Fixed Windows

Best Fit For: Mid-Century Modern, Modern Farmhouse, IndustrialModern homes often feature large expanses of glass, minimal framing, and simple shapes. Picture or fixed windows—sometimes floor-to-ceiling—help blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Maximizes natural light and scenic views

• Clean, frameless or metal-clad options available

• Often used in combination with sliders or awnings

🌊 4. Mediterranean and Spanish Revival: Arched or Custom Windows

Best Fit For: Tuscan, Spanish Colonial, MissionArched or radius-top windows bring softness and elegance, perfectly matching stucco exteriors and clay tile roofs.

• Adds charm and historic character

• Can be combined with ironwork or wood detailing

• Often paired with decorative grilles and wood casements

🧱 5. Farmhouse and Rustic: Awning or Multi-Pane Windows

Best Fit For: Modern Farmhouse, Rustic BarnFarmhouse-style homes favor a mix of function and heritage. Awning windows (hinged at the top) are great for ventilation even during rain, while multi-pane or divided lite styles enhance the “old-world” feel.

• Classic black frames or wood interiors for warmth

• Often stacked with fixed panes for vertical scale

• Complements board-and-batten siding or exposed beams

🔍 Tips for Choosing the Right Style

• Match proportions: Taller windows suit vertical home designs; wider windows fit horizontal styles.

• Coordinate with doors: Consider how window grids, frames, and colors match your entry or patio doors.

• Don’t forget function: Consider operability, energy efficiency, and view preservation in your decisions.

✅ Let Arcadia Help You Decide

Window style plays a significant role in the visual harmony and performance of your home. At Arcadia Sash & Door, we carry premium brands and offer expert consultation to help you choose the perfect fit—both aesthetically and practically.

📞 Contact us today or visit our showroom to see the styles in person and speak with a specialist about your architectural vision.