Trends

Love cottagecore? Here’s how to pull it off.

Historic, storybook, and charming — that's the cottagecore aesthetic! And if that’s also your style, read on for tips on picking out windows and doors to match.

A pastoral kitchen with three large double-hung windows featuring cottage sashes that face a garden.

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Are you charmed by floral prints, an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, and richly layered spaces that exude warmth and romance? If so, your aesthetic is decidedly cottagecore. And while decor can certainly set the scene, don’t overlook the power of windows and doors to bring your look to life in a more architecturally authentic way. We’ll show you how to make the right selections whether you’re starting fresh in a new construction home or remodeling a country manor.

Two photos of a bedroom with warm white walls, black windows with modified colonial grilles, woven grass shades and a checked curtain, and a mix of heirloom wooden furniture.

This cottagecore bedroom designed by ICDT Studio features 100 Series Single-Hung Windows with a modified colonial grille pattern, which means the grilles are only in the upper sash. It also has transom windows (windows above the windows) to bring in even more natural light.

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What is cottagecore? 

Cottagecore is a rising design trend that gets its name from the bucolic 18th century English countryside cottages. The aesthetic reflects a perspective favoring authenticity, imperfection, and nostalgia — think of cozy manors and eclectically curated spaces reminiscent of 90s romantic comedies.

Characteristics of a cottagecore home include timeless, natural materials; warm palettes and classic patterns; thrifted decor and heirloom furniture. Elements that are purposely well-loved — slightly worn furniture, faded textiles — and when layered together tell a charming story. It’s a definite departure from the all-white minimalism that’s dominated home design in recent years.

A black single-hung window with a 6-over-6 grille pattern lets a stream of natural light into a cottagecore kitchen featuring an oversized range hood, natural wood cabinetry, and green walls.

The more intricate 6-over-6 grille pattern on this 100 Series Single-Hung Window helps further the cottagey look of this kitchen — fewer rectangles would have made the windows look more modern.

Products Shown

100 Series Single-Hung Window

Products used in this image

100 Series Single-Hung Window

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How to pick out windows for a cottagecore interior 

Cottagecore is rooted in traditional style so the windows that suit it tend to harken back to a more historic look. Here are some suggestions that’ll help you get started.

Double-hung and single-hung windows are a natural fit but don’t overlook casement windows either. Windows with thicker, more ornate frames and detailed trim (also called casing or millwork), which is the decorative woodwork around a window, can complement this style. We also love the traditional charm that grilles can add, particularly with a colonial (rectangles) or diamond pattern.

A good place to start? Look at the windows available through the 400 Series and the A-Series product lines.

Two photos of a warm white cottage kitchen with wood-paneled walls, marble countertops, and a row of three double-hung windows above an apron sink.

The white painted wood 400 Series Double-Hung Windows in this kitchen match the wood-paneled walls creating an aesthetic that feels hand-made, traditional, and oh-so cottagey.

Casement windows can work well in a cottagecore home too. With their outward opening style, there’s something old-fashioned and romantic about them. And of course, they’re an easy way to let in lots of fresh air and natural light. In particular, we love the E-Series French Casement Window. What makes this window special is that there’s no meeting stile — or bar in between the two horizontal sashes. When you open the window, you get a double opening with a totally unobstructed view.

Scratching your head? A sash is the glass and framing around the glass. A normal casement window has a single sash, but the E-Series French Casement has two sashes positioned horizontally with hinges along the right and left sides, so it opens like cupboard doors — learn more parts of the window.

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On the left, an image of a bedroom with a canopy bed and an A-Series Casement Window painted blue to match the shutters and trim around it. On the right, an image of a moody bathroom with a tub under a white A-Series Casement Window with colonial grilles.

The prominent trim, interior shutters, and colonial grilles make these A-Series Casement Windows the centerpiece of these rooms.

As our most architecturally authentic product line, the A-Series was the perfect choice for this country cottage on Martha’s Vineyard.

When picking out windows for a cottagey interior, don’t shy away from rich wood tones or bold color. Of course, you can’t go wrong with warm whites and earthy neutrals but bolder choices also work. Black is much more versatile than you might think but that’s not the only choice. More than 50 colors come standard through our E-Series product line, which features options well-suited to a cottagecore aesthetic — check out sage, moss, prairie grass, canvas, copper, or dark bronze. Windows can also be ordered unfinished and painted your desired color onsite.

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What is a cottage sash window?

A cottage sash window is a double-hung window that has a shorter top sash than bottom sash. Double- and single-hung windows have two sashes that are usually the same height (called “equal”). Selecting a varied height cottage sash is a design decision that you understandably might not have considered, or even have been aware of, but you should know it’s a perfect way to add historic charm to your windows, especially when the difference is emphasized through grilles. It’s a subtle detail that will add polish and sophistication to a traditional home with a cottagecore aesthetic. Find this option available with our 400 Series, E-Series, and A-Series. (Ratios between the two sashes vary depending on product line.)

On the left is a sunroom with a wood-paneled cathedral ceiling and a dusty blue monochrome color scheme. On the right is a kitchen with hexagonal floor tiles, an antique wood cabinet and a pet duck.

Thoughtful details add traditional polish to these A-Series Double-Hung Windows, including the cottage sashes, 6-over-9 colonial grille pattern, and dusty blue color. Want your windows to coordinate with your trim and walls? You can order A-Series windows unfinished on the interior and paint them for a perfect match.

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What is a reverse cottage sash window? 

A reverse cottage sash window, as the name implies, is the opposite of a cottage sash window — in this case, the double-hung or single-hung window has a longer upper sash. There are many options to choose from in this style, including the 100 Series Single-Hung Window, 400 Series Woodwright Double-Hung Window (available with cottage sash and reverse cottage sash), E-Series and A-Series.

How to pick out windows for a cottagecore exterior

Although we often think of windows as functional elements that, very importantly, bring in light and fresh air — they also play an aesthetic role. Their arrangement on a home’s exterior can help create a composition that establishes your home’s style. On a cottagecore home, you might want your windows arranged in a symmetrical composition as that’s one aspect of more traditional design. One statement-making way to do that is with a bay window, as discussed above. Another way is by adding dormer windows. Dormers are windows that protrude from a roof. They serve a function by letting more natural light into the upper story, but they also add to a home’s character in a way that’s perfectly appropriate to a cottagecore aesthetic, especially when they line up with windows on a lower story — for that pleasing symmetry.

Other considerations to keep in mind when picking out windows to complement a cottagecore exterior are line and color.

Pick out arch-top windows or select prominent grilles that are applied to the exterior of your window glass to nod to the detail and craftsmanship of this aesthetic.
Consider a more intricate grille pattern, for example diamonds or a 6-over-6 (or even 12-over-12) colonial pattern, to add historic flair.
Let nature inspire your exterior color palette to hint at the rural roots of this style — maybe it’s warm whites with natural wood tones or rustic browns with woodsy greens.

Whatever window shape, grilles, or color you select, consistent application is key to grounding your look in a cottagecore aesthetic.

An exterior view of cottage with a white painted brick exterior and a cedar shake roof complete with dormers.

From shape and size to grille pattern and color, the consistency of these A-Series windows help bring this cottagecore exterior to life.

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How to pick out a cottagecore front door

A charming front door can create an inviting focal point for a cottagecore home. Seek out details, like panels, prominent hardware, or window glass. An arched top can add a fairy-tale cottage feel. A little bit of contrast with the exterior color can also make the front door pop whether you choose a natural wood tone or a pretty paint color — consider cream, soft greens or airy blues. Whatever you choose, remember the front door is an opportunity to hint at the storied cottagecore interior within.

Get the product selection guides

Want to explore your options on your own? No problem! These guides give you tips, show you options, and tell you what to look out for.

Window Selection Guide

Gain insights on window types, styles, and options so you can narrow down the best choices for your home.

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Patio Door Selection Guide

A patio door can be so much more than you might think! Explore this guide to learn more and see what’s possible.

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How to pick out a cottagecore patio door

To keep with the traditional, old-world feel of a cottagecore home, we recommend a hinged patio door. A high bottom rail paired with a colonial grill pattern creates the classic French-door look. Hinged patio doors can open up to sunlight, summer breezes, and garden views — ideal for the cottagecore lifestyle.

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Up next

Dig into more inspiration or start bringing your cottagecore dream house to life by designing your perfect windows, patio door, or front door in our design tool.

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 modern farmhouse features shed dormer Andersen windows

Projects

Dormer windows: How to pick out the perfect ones for your home

All windows bring a sense of airiness to a space, but dormer windows take it to the next level — roof level that is.

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Trends

Love cottagecore? Here’s how to pull it off.

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What is cottagecore?

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How to pick out windows for a cottagecore interior

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What is a cottage sash window?

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What is a reverse cottage sash window?

How to pick out windows for a cottagecore exterior

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How to pick out a cottagecore front door

Get the product selection guides

Window Selection Guide

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Patio Door Selection Guide

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How to pick out a cottagecore patio door

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Up next

Tips

Window grilles: Your guide to picking them out

Projects

Dormer windows: How to pick out the perfect ones for your home

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Trends

Love cottagecore? Here’s how to pull it off.

What is cottagecore?

How to pick out windows for a cottagecore interior

What is a cottage sash window?

How to pick out windows for a cottagecore exterior

Window Selection Guide

Patio Door Selection Guide

How to pick out a cottagecore patio door

Up next

Tips

Window grilles: Your guide to picking them out

Projects

Dormer windows: How to pick out the perfect ones for your home

Design it

Design your perfect patio door

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Design it

2024 Home Design Trends Look Book

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Design it

Design your perfect patio door

Design it

2024 Home Design Trends Look Book

What is cottagecore? 

How to pick out windows for a cottagecore interior 

What is a reverse cottage sash window? 

What is cottagecore? 

How to pick out windows for a cottagecore interior 