Whether you own a Colonial-style home or want to bring that traditional look to an existing one, Colonial style windows are a defining architectural detail. Here’s what makes them distinct and how to get the look right. Our double hung window replacement options are a popular match for this style.
What Defines Colonial-Style Windows
Colonial-style windows are typically symmetrical, arranged in evenly spaced pairs or rows across a home’s facade, reflecting the balanced, orderly design principles the style is known for. This symmetry is one of the clearest visual markers that separates a Colonial-style home from more asymmetrical architectural styles.
Double-hung windows are the classic choice for this style, since both sashes slide vertically, offering the versatility to optimize airflow while keeping the traditional proportions the style calls for. Our full lineup of replacement windows includes styles built to maintain this kind of traditional symmetry.
Divided Lights & Grid Patterns
Multiple small panes of glass, called grids or divided lights, are a signature feature of Colonial-style windows. Rather than a single large pane, the glass is divided into a grid pattern, historically a practical necessity when large panes of glass were harder to produce, and now a defining stylistic choice.
Modern manufacturing makes it possible to replicate this look using simulated divided lites, a grid pattern applied to the surface or sandwiched between panes of modern insulated glass, delivering the traditional appearance without sacrificing today’s energy performance. Explore our energy-efficient window solutions to see grid pattern options that pair with modern insulated glass.
Pairing Windows with Shutters
Shutters are a common companion to Colonial-style windows, adding both visual weight and additional architectural detail to a home’s facade. Traditionally functional, modern shutters are often decorative, but sizing them correctly, wide enough to plausibly cover the window if closed, is what keeps the look authentic rather than looking like an afterthought.
Matching shutter color and material to the rest of the home’s trim helps tie the whole facade together, rather than treating shutters as a separate decorative element.
Modern Materials for a Colonial Look
Steel casement windows with Colonial-style grid layouts can blend old-school charm with modern energy efficiency, an option worth considering if you want the traditional look with contemporary sealing and insulation performance. Vinyl and fiberglass frames can also replicate the look of traditional wood windows while requiring significantly less maintenance over time. Our Window Styles Guide covers frame materials in more depth if you’re comparing options beyond the Colonial aesthetic specifically.
Choosing Colonial-Style Windows for Your Home
Symmetrical placement, divided light grids, and well-proportioned shutters are what define the Colonial-style window look, whether you’re restoring an existing home or bringing that traditional character to a new one. For other architectural window styles worth considering, see our vinyl window replacement options in Salt Lake City page, and our professional window installation services team can help translate the style into the right window and grid combination for your home.
Ready to bring Colonial-style windows to your home? Schedule a free consultation with our Salt Lake City team for a free quote. You can also check out our business profile and reviews from other Salt Lake City homeowners.