How to Choose Replacement Windows that Suit the Style of Your Home

Many homes across Phoenix reflect the spirit of the Southwest, incorporating features that channel the region’s Colonial Spanish and Native American influences. Southwestern-style homes are often made from stucco, stone, or adobe brick and may include features ranging from courtyards and freeform floor plans to arches, wooden and/or wrought iron accents, and neutral, desert-inspired paint schemes. While the optimal choices for replacement windows may vary depending on the specific style of home within the broader category of “Southwestern”—for instance, whether the home is Spanish Mission-style, Hacienda, or Pueblo Revival—the following types of windows may be suitable:

• Double-hung windows. As one of the most common types of windows found in homes in the U.S., double-hung windows work well with a wide variety of architectural styles. Consisting of two large, frame-enclosed units that slide up and down within vertical tracks, these windows are popular due to the ease with which they open and close, as well as the fact that they tend to resist dirt accumulation since the tracks are vertical. In addition, because they are so widespread, there are many different varieties to choose from.
• Sliding windows. Some of the best aspects of living in the Southwest are the beautiful weather, sweeping desert vistas, and abundance of natural light throughout the year. Sliding windows—which consist of sashes that slide along horizontal tracks—offer a great way to fully enjoy these benefits by making it easy to let fresh air and light into your home. Available in a range of sizes, sliding windows feature a clean, simple aesthetic and tend to have a long lifespan since there are no cranks or other mechanisms that may break.
• Casement windows. Consisting of a hinged sash that swings outwards like a door, casement windows are another convenient way to bring fresh air into your home—while also effectively keeping out the elements when they are closed. These windows are commonly found in Southwestern homes, particularly those with a more Spanish style.

Characterized by a long, generally single-story profile and an open interior floorplan, ranch-style homes originated in the Southwest with a design goal of facilitating relaxed, easy-going living. Since these homes share several traits with the contemporary and mid-century modern styles—for instance, clean lines and a bright, simple look—ranch-style homes are well-suited for casement, sliding, awning, and picture windows. Other options may include:

• Jalousie (louvered) windows. An original feature of the ranch-style homes of the 1950s and ‘60s, jalousie windows feature narrow, horizontal panes of glass that can be cranked open and shut to let in ample fresh air. However, they tend to leak air even when closed, so they may be best-suited for porches and sunrooms.
• Bay and bow windows. A common feature of many ranch-style homes—particularly those in the Phoenix area—is a seamless boundary between the indoors and out. One way to achieve this is with bay windows, which consist of a squarish group of windows that extend outwards from the home, or bow windows, which have a more curved shape. These types of windows can create an eye-catching focal point while providing a source of natural light and sweeping views of the outdoors.

From renovated homes of the post-World War II era to brand-new construction, both contemporary and mid-century modern-style homes are commonly found throughout the Phoenix area. Although there are several key differences between the two, these architectural styles share traits such as clean lines, a simple, uncluttered aesthetic, and the use of calming, neutral materials like exposed woods, metals, and glass. For both contemporary and mid-century modern homes, casement and sliding windows are great options as they tend to have a sleek, simple look with a focus on functionality. In addition, the following types of windows will complement these architectural styles.

• Picture windows. Since picture windows cannot be opened, their purpose is solely aesthetic. They bring in plenty of natural light and can be used to frame vistas of the outdoors, creating beautiful focal points in any room.
• Awning windows. An awning window is essentially a casement window mounted on its side—the hinges are at the top and the window swings outwards to open. One advantage of this design is that awning windows can be left open when it’s raining. Similar to casement windows, awning windows are a great option for contemporary or mid-century modern homes because they feature clean lines and uninterrupted views of the outside.
• Custom shapes. These types of homes often have unique and striking architectural features, such as irregular rooflines. To enhance this aesthetic, consider installing a few windows with custom shapes, like triangles, trapezoids, or octagons.

Homes found in the Phoenix area encompass a vast array of styles, and choosing the right replacement windows for your home is ultimately a matter of your personal preferences and the unique characteristics of your property. The Window & Door Store is proud to offer various types of windows, as well as interior and exterior doors, from top brands such as Anlin, Pella, and ProVia. When you visit our state-of-the-art showroom in Scottsdale or request an in-home estimate, our professional design consultants will guide you in selecting the right style, brand, and framing options for your new windows. Upon installation, our team of highly trained experts will ensure that the windows complement your home’s aesthetic and will deliver years of enjoyment.

Ready to enhance your home’s curb appeal with beautiful, high-quality new windows? Contact us today to request a free estimate!