New windows change the look of a home and affect much more than its energy efficiency. Incorporating horizontal sliders into a Victorian home will completely change its style. Similarly, bay windows on a ranch home will appear to be placed in an aesthetically inappropriate manner. Homeowners planning for window replacement in Denver, Colorado, must consider the style of their windows in relation to their home’s architecture before making other decisions.

Know Your Home’s Architectural Style

Diverse styles characterize Denver’s housing stock. The following sections will help homeowners understand their house’s style.

• Craftsman & Bungalow: The natural style of the house calls for casement windows with divided lights, arranged in groups of two to three. Brown and olive frames complement this style.
• Colonial: To create the symmetry of these homes, the double-hung windows need to be paired with Colonial grids. There should be consistency in the spacing across the façade.
• Victorian & Queen Anne: A layered style is paired with double-hung windows. Stained-glass transoms are a period-specific addition to the home.
• Ranch & Split-Level: Horizontal sliders and picture windows maintain the home’s low, wide, and open style.
• Modern & Contemporary: To retain a style where the home features wide, clean lines, picture windows, and awning openers.

Confirm what category your home falls under before commencing window replacement in Denver, Colorado. This will help you make decisions in the design of your home windows.

Frame Material and Finish Details

Selecting the style of operational windows is only half the battle. The style of the frames will be just as important for looks and performance.

• Vinyl: Inexpensive and versatile, they’re low maintenance and work well for almost all styles.
• Wood or Wood-Clad: Best for Craftsman and Colonial homes; they need upkeep, but still work well.
• Aluminum: A sleek profile makes it a strong choice for contemporary/mid-century modern designs.
• Fiberglass: Imitates wood grain with greater durability, making it a great option for window replacement in Denver, Colorado, where window frames are under stress from temperature extremes year-round.

While grid patterns and hardware finishes help close the gap, colonial grids are better suited to traditional homes, while prairie or perimeter grids are better suited to a minimalist style. Matte black hardware has a more modern/farmhouse look, while antique brass fits Victorian and Tudor styles more.

The Bottom Line

Style and performance are interconnected when choosing windows for your home. Windows that are properly designed to match your home’s style can improve your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal, as well as your home’s value when you sell. When replacing windows in Denver, Colorado, use a contractor who works with your home’s style and the area’s climate to achieve the look you want.