Home styles

Learn how to pick out windows for a modern farmhouse

Window selections are a key element of the modern farmhouse style. Learn how to pick out windows for a modern farmhouse, from new construction projects to farmhouse window replacements.
large, ranch style modern farmhouse nestled on a large, well-manicured green lawn. The exterior is a warm white brick color with large black windows with straight line grilles and a black roof that houses three large gables
Modern farmhouses are having a moment — and their timeless quality ensures enduring appeal. Whether you’re planning to build a new modern farmhouse or revamp a traditional farmhouse, window selections are key to striking the perfect balance.

What is modern farmhouse style? 

Today’s modern farmhouse designs showcase an urban edge while retaining a warm, approachable feel. The style is simple and clean, featuring practical materials and a high-contrast color palette. The flexibility of the modern farmhouse style appeals to many homeowners, as it offers the versatility to customize according to personal preferences. Hallmark features include clean lines, a high-contrast exterior, large-scale windows with black trim, and a spacious porch or entryway.

What is the difference between modern farmhouse and traditional farmhouse style?

Traditional farmhouse style, also known more formally as American Farmhouse, emerged in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. It’s typically one-and-a-half to two stories and features an asymmetrical structure with a gable at the front, a central chimney, and a wraparound porch. Traditional farmhouse exteriors feature a broad color palette of earthen hues, including white, cream, blue, brick-red, and gray. Single window units are common.

Modern farmhouse style takes inspiration from the traditional farmhouse style, but incorporates Scandinavian minimalist characteristics with cleaner lines, large doors and window combinations, and an emphasis on natural light and indoor-outdoor living spaces. The signature exterior color palette is white with black accents, but tone-on-tone black has also emerged.

Explore our take on five farmhouse styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary.

the rear of a large, two-story, modern farmhouse nestled on a plush green lawn with two large stone pathways leading to the doors of the home.

What type of windows do modern farmhouses have? 

Depending on the desired look, single- or double-hung windows with a 2-over-2 pattern and casement windows without grilles are recommended for a modern farmhouse. Windows typically feature matte black trim, offering a sharp contrast to a typically white exterior. Windows are grouped in large combinations, creating striking facades, often with expansive walls of glass that create dramatic sightlines and infuse natural light throughout the home. Gliding windows, or sliding windows, are also an option in areas requiring horizontal window placement, such as in a kitchen.

What type of doors match a modern farmhouse?

Just like there are many variations of farmhouses, there are many door options that suit the modern farmhouses. Both single and double doors with glass on the top half are classic. The door panel styles may contain some detailing in the woodwork, like smaller insets below the glass. There may be sidelights (windows next to a door) or a transom (a window above the door). Grilles are optional. Full-length glass panels work well for sleek, contemporary styles. 

How to pick out a front door for a modern farmhouse 

Modern farmhouse door selections should complement the window selections and overall style of the home. A modern farmhouse with traditional elements could feature a black-painted door with a glass top half with thin grilles, while an edgier style may be a full glass-panel door with black trim to maintain a minimalist aesthetic. Black-painted doors are the tried-and-true option for the signature black-and-white farmhouse palette, but natural wood stains or an accent hue are also seen. Find more tips for choosing a farmhouse front door

How to pick out a patio door for a modern farmhouse 

While front porches are a farmhouse staple, most modern farmhouses also incorporate backyard or side patios for more private gathering spaces. Hinged or gliding patio doors are both commonly used and encourage indoor-outdoor living. A bi-folding door also gives a contemporary edge and a seamless connection to the outdoors. 

For the most architectural authenticity in your modern farmhouse, look to our A-Series product line. You can also achieve this look with our 100 Series and 400 Series product lines.

large blue-grey, two-story, modern farmhouse positioned centrally on a large green lawn. The porch has wooden columns and steps leading up to a single front door. There’s a wood trimmed sunroom located on the right of the image. This house hosts a beautiful combination of double pane and fixed windows in white.
Whether you’re replacing windows, renovating, or building new, we hope these tips help you achieve your modern farmhouse vision!  

Style options

Ideas and inspiration for Modern Farmhouse style homes

White windows with colonial grilles help complete the look of this traditional home built of white painted brick and featuring a cedar shake roof.

Tips

Window grilles: Your guide to picking them out

Trying to decide if your windows should have grilles? We’ll explain what you need to know and give you some tips for picking out the right grilles for your home.
A limestone fireplace and lantern-style light fixture are the central elements in this European farmhouse living room.

Tips

Designer tips on how to create a European farmhouse

Farmhouse style is ever evolving. Get the scoop on its latest iteration from a few of our favorite designers.
Illustration of classic farmhouse

Ideas

5 farmhouse designs

Today’s Modern Farmhouse designs have an urban edge that mixes well with other styles while retaining the warm, approachable feel of more traditional designs.

More on this home style

Pattern books from the Andersen Style Library present quintessential details of the most popular American architectural styles, with an emphasis on window and door design. The result of years of research, they exist to make it easier to create homes with architectural authenticity.