A lot of people tend to think of windows in terms of their functions. They let in light, they allow in fresh air when opened, and they give you a view of the outdoors. Fewer people think of windows in terms of their architectural value, but it is definitely something you should consider before you purchase replacement windows for your San Diego home.
Replacement windows can either enhance the architecture of your home or fight with it. An experienced, knowledgeable sales consultant at a San Diego replacement window company should be able to guide you toward the right windows for your style of home, but it always helps to go into your replacement window consultation with some knowledge of your own.
First, you should determine what type of home you have. Some of the more popular styles of homes in San Diego are ranch homes, split-level homes, Spanish style homes, and Midcentury Modern homes. Some historic neighborhoods in San Diego will feature Craftsman and Victorian homes. Near the coast, you’ll find cottage style homes and beach bungalows. Newer developments of tract homes, condos, or townhomes will often be inspired by one of the home styles listed above.
Once you’ve determined what type of home you have, or what style inspired your home’s design, you can start to choose the styles of windows that will best suit your San Diego home.
Ranch, Split-Level, and Midcentury Modern Homes
The clean lines and simplicity often associated with these types of homes calls for windows with the same features. Look for rectangular shaped windows with thin frames. Casement windows and picture windows are great choices, since they will complement the clean, simple design of these types of homes, but single and double hung windows, or single or double sliders are also great choices.
Stay away from windows with any sort of curved edge, or bow and bay windows, as they will fight with the architecture of the home. Unless used very strategically, window grids should also be avoided.
Spanish Style Homes
Spanish style homes are characterized by the arches in their design (as well as stucco exterior walls and tile roofs). Tall, narrow, arched windows are therefore a great complement to the Spanish design. Many homes feature casement windows, topped with a half-circle window. Bay windows are also a great feature to consider in a Spanish style home. For patio doors, French doors are preferable to sliders if you want to stick with a traditional Spanish style. If you want to add grilles to your windows, stick with grilles that run horizontally and that are not too close together.
Craftsman Style Homes
If you have a Craftsman style home, or a newer home with Craftsman elements, then double hung windows are definitely the way to go for your lower floor windows. To add some extra architectural design, consider including grilles on the upper portion only of the double hung window that visually divide the pane into four or six sections. If you prefer casement windows for their added airflow, you can give them the appearance of a double hung window by adding grilles to the upper portion of the casement window. For upstairs windows, square windows are a great choice. Thicker window frames are great to balance the thick columns that are a distinguishing feature of Craftsman style homes, and windows with natural wood frames are a good choice.
Victorian Homes
Victorian homes are all about the details, so the replacement windows you add should reflect that. Specialty windows like bay and bow windows, and windows with curved edges are great choices. More traditional windows, like double hung or casement styles, should be enhanced with some sort of grille pattern.
Beach Bungalows and Cottages
Cottages and beach bungalows are typically smaller in size, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should use small windows. These types of homes typically have large windows to let in the ocean breezes and natural light. Double hung and slider windows are great choices for cottages and bungalows, as are casement windows, but make sure to leave room for exterior architectural details like shutters or window boxes, which can really dress up a small home and give it some character. You should also look for windows with wider frames, and consider using a colored exterior frame that will complement the color of your exterior walls.
Replacement windows area great upgrade to consider for your San Diego home, and choosing windows that are consistent with the overall architectural style of your home can really help your home stand out in your neighborhood and add to its curb appeal.
