When remodeling an old house, it is important to maintain the integrity of the original architectural design, especially regarding the house windows types. Before proceeding further with window repair or window replacement, the various types of windows commonly found in American buildings should be considered.

There are several styles of wood double hung windows found in old houses. The essential features of this window are the same in both frame and brick buildings, although the difference in the character of the walls necessitates some variation in the construction of the frames. Next to the double hung window, in regard to general use in the old house, comes the casement window or French window. This window has the sashes divided vertically, each being hinged at the sides like a pair of doors. When the windows are 6 or 7 feet high and the sashes are divided into two folds, the sill coming nearly to the floor, they are frequently termed "French windows."

Window Styles

Don't Blame the Furnace! Take the blame off heating equipment by recognizing that the fault of a cold drafty house or high winter fuel bills is not always the fault of the furnace. The heat goes out and the cold comes in, fighting the furnace every minute of the day and night. Protect these exposures with new energy saving windows replacements. Installing replacement windows is an expensive method of keeping out the cold and retaining warmth in a house, but modern day energy saving windows often pay for themselves within a few years by reducing fuel costs. The Best Buy rankings for energy saving windows are based on performance ratings, quality of construction and materials, ease of operation and warranty.

Window Replacement Costs

Window Treatments

Create beautiful period window treatments with designs from a turn of the century magazine. Included is a pelmet or lambrequin composed of a center piece and two end pieces, shaped, joined together with cord and tassels and provided with a pleated valance to fill in the space between the flat pieces. Victorian portieres, or door curtains, are a centuries old design technique that is both decorative and functional. Heavy draperies of velvet or brocade were mounted over an open archway or doorway to keep out drafts. Simple window treatments include stencil patterns for curtains.

Window Treatments

Bay Windows

Bay windows naturally lend themselves to decorative treatment. With the addition of masonry or brickwork they often assume a massive and bold appearance. When constructed of wood the framework is surmounted usually by a wooden cornice, and the wooden roof is covered with lead, slates or tiles. Whether one wishes it or not, bay windows always attract attention. For that reason they must be carefully proportioned and attractively detailed.

Bay Windows

Window Garden

It may be said that window gardening is one of the most elegant, satisfactory, yet least expensive of all rural gardening. As a useful means for developing a taste for plant life and a love for flowers, nothing is as effective as this simple style of gardening. The window gardener has choice of a great number of designs for the enjoyment of his greenery. There was the window-box of evergreens, ferns, or ornamental plants; the jardinière, the hanging basket, the row of bulb glasses, the plant cabinet, the fernery, the Wardian case, and finally the conservatory. Moreover, there were flower stands, étagère and mantel piece gardens.

Window Garden Ideas