Top 5 Window Styles for PA Homes
What You’ll Learn
What are the best house window styles for Pennsylvania homes?
It depends. Double-hung, picture, casement, bay, and awning windows can all be good choices for Pennsylvania homes. The right style depends on your home’s architecture, how much ventilation and natural light you want, your energy-efficiency needs, and your budget.
In This Blog:
Choosing new windows feels like shopping for an outfit.
Sure, you want something that looks good. But it also has to fit the occasion, work with what you already have, and hold up in changing weather.
The same is true for your home.
A Colonial, Craftsman, Victorian, or contemporary home each has its own architectural personality, and some window styles fit better than others. Add in ventilation, natural light, energy efficiency, cost, and Pennsylvania weather, and the decision gets more complicated.
The good news? Once you know what you’re looking for, finding the right fit gets a whole lot easier.
1. Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are one of the most familiar window styles—and for good reason.
Both the upper and lower sashes move vertically, allowing homeowners to open the window from the top, bottom, or both. This gives you flexibility when you want ventilation without having to open the window completely.
Appearance
Double-hung windows have a traditional, balanced appearance that works especially well with homes that have symmetrical window layouts.
They’re a natural fit for:
- Colonial homes
- Georgian homes
- Colonial Revival homes
- Federal-style homes
- Traditional two-story homes
Functionality
One of the biggest advantages is ventilation. Opening both sashes allows warm air to escape through the upper portion while cooler air enters through the lower portion.
Many modern double-hung windows also tilt inward, making the exterior glass easier to clean from inside the home.
Cost
Double-hung windows are generally considered one of the more affordable and widely available window styles. Their straightforward design also makes them a practical choice when replacing several windows throughout a home.
Best For
Homeowners who want a classic appearance, flexible ventilation, easy cleaning, and a versatile option that works with many Pennsylvania home styles.
2. Picture Windows
Picture windows are designed to do one thing particularly well: give you a big view.
They feature large panes of glass without operating sashes, creating an expansive view and allowing plenty of natural light into the room.
Appearance
Because of their large glass area, picture windows have a clean, open appearance that works particularly well with:
- Contemporary homes
- Ranch homes
- Mid-century homes
- Modern additions
- Rooms with scenic views
They can also work beautifully in traditional homes when they’re proportioned appropriately.
Functionality
Picture windows don’t open, so they aren’t designed for ventilation. Their strength is light and visibility.
They’re especially useful in living rooms, family rooms, or other spaces where homeowners want to bring the outdoors in.
Because there are no moving parts, picture windows can also provide excellent insulation when properly manufactured and installed.
Cost
The cost depends heavily on the size and glass specifications. A large picture window can be more expensive than a standard double-hung window, particularly when custom sizing or specialized glass is required.
Best For
Homeowners who want more natural light, an unobstructed view, and a clean architectural statement.
3. Casement Windows
Casement windows open outward from hinges along one side of the frame, usually using a crank or handle.
They’re a popular choice when ventilation and energy efficiency are high priorities.
Appearance
Casement windows have a clean, streamlined appearance that works well with:
- Contemporary homes
- Craftsman homes
- Ranch homes
- Tudor-style homes
- Modern renovations
Their vertical proportions can also complement taller, narrower openings.
Functionality
Because the entire window opening can be exposed, casement windows provide excellent ventilation.
When closed, the sash presses against the frame, creating a tight seal that can help reduce air leakage.
That can be particularly useful in Pennsylvania, where homeowners deal with both freezing winter temperatures and hot, humid summers.
Cost
Casement windows are generally more expensive than basic double-hung windows because of their hardware and operating mechanism. Larger or custom configurations can further increase costs.
Best For
Homeowners who want strong ventilation, a modern appearance, and a tight-closing window design.
4. Bay Windows
Bay windows extend outward from the exterior wall, creating additional space inside the room while adding architectural character to the home’s exterior.
They’re usually made up of three or more window sections arranged at angles.
Appearance
Bay windows can make a home feel more substantial and visually interesting.
They’re particularly well suited to:
- Victorian homes
- Colonial homes
- Tudor homes
- Colonial Revival homes
- Traditional two-story homes
They can also serve as a focal point on the front of a home.
Functionality
The biggest advantage is the combination of light, views, and interior space.
A bay window can create a small sitting area, reading nook, or display space while bringing in more natural light than a standard window.
Depending on the configuration, the center section may be fixed while the side windows open for ventilation.
Cost
Bay windows tend to be one of the more expensive options on this list. You’re not simply replacing a window—you’re installing a structure that projects from the wall and requires careful flashing, support, and weatherproofing.
Best For
Homeowners who want architectural character, more natural light, expanded interior space, or a statement feature, and are willing to spend a little more.
5. Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom.
That design makes them particularly useful when you want ventilation while providing some protection from light rain.
Appearance
Awning windows have a simple, compact appearance that works well with:
- Contemporary homes
- Craftsman homes
- Ranch homes
- Modern additions
- Basement or smaller window openings
They can also be installed above or below larger fixed windows for a combination of light and ventilation.
Functionality
One of the biggest advantages of an awning window is that it can remain partially open during light rain because the glass extends outward, creating a small protective overhang.
They’re also useful in areas where you want ventilation without a large window opening.
Cost
Awning windows typically fall somewhere in the middle of the price range, although size, materials, hardware, and installation complexity can all affect the final cost.
Best For
Homeowners who want flexible ventilation, compact operation, and a window that delivers airflow even in light rain.
How Pennsylvania Weather Should Factor Into Your Choice
Window style isn’t just an architectural decision in Pennsylvania. It also needs to work with the weather.
Our homes experience everything from freezing temperatures and snow to summer heat, humidity, and heavy rain. That means the window itself is only part of the equation.
Proper installation matters just as much.
A high-quality window can still leak air or water if it isn’t properly flashed, sealed, and integrated with the surrounding siding or exterior wall system.
When choosing new windows, consider:
- Winter: How well does the window resist drafts and heat loss?
- Summer: Will the glass allow too much solar heat into the home?
- Rain: Is the window properly flashed and sealed against water intrusion?
- Wind: Is the window appropriate for the home’s exposure and opening size?
- Maintenance: Will the style be easy to clean and operate over time?
In Pennsylvania, a good window installation should be designed to handle the entire year—not just the season when the windows are installed.
Choose Windows That Work With Your Home
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so you want more than a style that looks good in a showroom.
You want windows that complement your home’s architecture, improve comfort, and perform reliably through Pennsylvania’s hot summers, cold winters, and wet weather.
Contact GP Martini Roofing for a Free Estimate.
Our team can help you evaluate your existing windows, discuss your options, and find a solution that makes sense for your home.
FAQs
What is the most popular window style for Pennsylvania homes?
Double-hung windows are one of the most popular choices because they complement traditional Pennsylvania homes and offer flexible ventilation and easy cleaning.
Are casement windows energy efficient?
Yes. Casement windows can provide excellent energy efficiency because they close tightly against the frame, helping reduce air leakage and drafts.
Are picture windows a good choice for Pennsylvania homes?
Yes. Picture windows are ideal for maximizing natural light and views. Since they don’t open, they can also provide a tight seal when properly installed.
Are bay windows worth the extra cost?
They can be, especially if you want more natural light, architectural character, and additional interior space. However, they typically cost more because installation requires additional structural support and weatherproofing.
What window style is best for an older Pennsylvania home?
Double-hung windows are often a natural fit for traditional homes, while bay or more decorative styles may work well with Victorian architecture. The best choice depends on the home’s original design and proportions.
