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Design Dilemma Windows Exterior

Windows with or without grid for dormer in craftsman cottage?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We are building a home similar to this one from beaverhomesandcottages.ca. The downstairs windows will be 2 clear single hung windows on the left, 3 clear single hung on the right (downstairs). The upstairs dormer will have 3 single hung windows. We are considering putting grids in the top panels of these 3 windows to give it some accent since we won't have the deck or timber frame around the windows. Any idea which would suit this style of home better? Clear on top to match the bottom or grid for character? Do they need to match? Thanks.

Featured Answer

tatts

6 years ago

The curved top on the upstairs window does NOT belong on that style house. At. All.

Back in the day, the top sections across the top of the windows were often filled with stained glass, even in fairly modest houses. Don't put dividers in there; it will look silly and fake.

Comments (12)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
I agree with tatts. I don't think I would put grids on some windows and not on other in the same elevation.
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Off balance because you don't take an old craftsman house and put a pop top on it. That's called remuddling. Your house is nothing like your inspiration. In fact your house is so much better, but if you remuddle it, it won't be. (Not that that house is bad. It's not!) 99% of people, including house "designers" (in most cases glorified draftsmen) haven't a clue what makes a craftsman house so wonderful and how to keep the character. I hate the way the front looks at present, Your front just needs the siding that is not authentic to it removed, the proper siding replaced if needed, replacing the columns to hold up the porch roof and a proper paint job to bring it back to its craftsman roots. First do some research by going to your local historical society to see what the house looked like when it was new. If you want to do it right, forget the designer and find an architect who understands this style of house. I would suggest in this case you get in touch with David Heide as one suggestion. You need an architect. Not a designer for something this extensive. Otherwise it's going to look like a b*st*rdized version of what it should be. I would also suggest you join this Facebook group. It's all about American bungalows.
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PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
Tatts is correct. What you could do is remove curved top window section and replace with transom and do that with smaller mullion look. That could work.
PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
Something like this.
tnshannon
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Yes, like I said, we will be putting 3 standard single hung windows in the upstairs (NOT a curved window above a door) and this photo is an example of the shape of the house. So any tips on if I should do a grid in the top panel of those 3 upstairs windows would be appreciated. Thanks.
tnshannon
Original Author
6 years ago
It will look similar to this upstairs. The downstairs windows will not have a grid. Would it look nice with or without a grid in the top panels of these upstairs windows?
PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
I think the simple vertical mullion would be true to the style.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
Maybe it is just my eye and stickler for symmetry, but if I put grids in the top sashes of the upper windows, I would want to see them in the upper sashes of all of the windows in that elevation.
tnshannon
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
By elevation you mean the same floor right? The question is would it look ok to have grid on the top panels of the 3 upstairs dormer windows but no grids on the downstairs windows. Maybe my verbage is wrong here.
PRO
Weil Friedman Architects
6 years ago
I think you mean three double hung windows? The two over two configuration in your example looks good. If possible, get true divided lights instead of a snap in grid.
PRO
Weil Friedman Architects
6 years ago
An elevation is a straight on view of the house. All the windows in the house should match.
tnshannon
Original Author
6 years ago
Nope. 3 single hung windows. The pictures are just examples as I'm trying to figure out what would look the best. My husband does NOT like the idea of grids downstairs. I was wondering if windows with grids upstairs would look good and give the space more character. BUT, it appears it would be the same elevation so maybe that's not a good idea. Thanks for the help.

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