Victorian homes are known for their abundance of character and charm. Whether you’re renovating an original Victorian-era home or planning a Victorian-inspired new build, choosing the right windows can make all the difference in maintaining its architectural integrity.  

Victorian homes are known for their grand and imposing vertically shaped windows. Tall, narrow, double-hung windows, often paired or tripled, are the most common, and should be at least 2 ½ times taller than they are wide. Large, cottage-style windows in the front of the house will often have the upper sash decorated with art glass or a decorative grille pattern combined with colored glass, both adding greatly to the home’s ornate style. Our A-Series windows are particularly well-suited for this style because they have architecturally authentic sash and grille details with an option for custom grille patterns. This makes them a perfect match for historical homes like Victorians.

• Grille patterns: The typical grille pattern for a Victorian-style window has small sections of clear or colored glass that form a pattern around the sash. In double-hung windows, the grilles are used only in the top sash. The grille placement should produce glass sections that are as close to square as possible — sections measuring 4’’ wide by 4’’ high are ideal. A number of other glass sections may be used around the perimeter of the window.
• Colors and finishes: For window exteriors and trim, white, cream, dove gray, forest green, and dark brown are recommended if an earthen palette is desired. Dark red, black, and tan can also be used for trim. However, feel free to let your imagination flow — an array of bright hues and color combinations work for today’s modern Victorian aesthetic. Window interiors can be a wood species like maple or oak, stained (russet or cinnamon are recommended), or painted (white, traditionally).
• Art glass: The most popular locations for art glass in Victorian homes are front cottage windows, accent windows, and bay windows. Patterns range from classical Renaissance designs to nature-inspired Art Nouveau motifs. Some of the art glass designs that complement Victorian architecture include Queen Anne, regency, victoria, and diamond lights.
• Accent windows: Accent windows in Victorian homes are commonly found in the towers and gable ends. Recommended shapes include circles, diamonds, and gothic arches. Casement windows are not historically accurate, but they’re acceptable in today’s Victorian homes as accent windows, especially where fresh air is desired.