Choosing the right window style can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your home. The shape, proportions, colours, and opening styles all influence how your property appears from the outside and how comfortable it feels inside. Whether you live in a cosy countryside cottage, a characterful Victorian terrace, or a sleek modern home, selecting a window style that complements your architecture is key. Thankfully, modern uPVC windows offer an excellent balance of style, performance, and low maintenance, with designs to suit every type of property. In this guide, we explore the best window styles for cottages, Victorian homes, and contemporary builds to help you choose the perfect fit.
Cottages & Rural Homes
Cottage-style properties are full of charm, and the windows play an important role in maintaining that traditional character. Cottages often feature smaller openings, softer lines, and a heritage look that pairs well with windows that mimic classic timber designs. Flush casement uPVC windows are an excellent choice for these homes, offering a traditional appearance with the benefits of modern double glazing. Their simple, flat profiles sit neatly within the frame and replicate the look of original wooden windows without the upkeep that timber requires. In some older stone cottages, uPVC sash windows also work beautifully, preserving the vertical proportions and historical aesthetic.
Homeowners who want to add even more character can consider cottage bars or astragal bars. These decorative glazing bars sit on top of the glass to create the appearance of individual panes, enhancing authenticity and fitting in well with rural surroundings. Colour also matters; soft tones such as cream, heritage white, Chartwell green, and agate grey are particularly popular for cottages. These shades blend naturally with stonework, brick, and rural landscapes, helping the windows feel like they’ve always belonged to the building.
Victorian & Edwardian Homes
Victorian and Edwardian homes are known for their tall windows, ornate detailing, and strong vertical lines. To maintain these period features, vertical sliding sash windows in uPVC are often the most suitable choice. They replicate traditional timber sash windows extremely well, complete with smooth-running mechanisms, excellent insulation, and very little maintenance. Many homeowners choose to enhance the period look by adding run-through horns or traditional-style hardware, which help retain the elegance of the original design.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, slimline uPVC casement windows can also work in Victorian properties, as long as the frames maintain a clean, balanced look. These windows still allow plenty of light into the tall rooms typical of Victorian and Edwardian houses, while providing strong energy performance. Colour choices in these homes tend to lean towards classic shades such as white, cream, or even black frames for a bold architectural statement. When chosen carefully, the right windows can elevate the property’s historic charm while improving its security, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Modern & Contemporary Homes
Modern homes embrace clean lines, open spaces, and large areas of glazing, so window styles need to enhance these features. Flush or standard casement uPVC windows with slim profiles are ideal for contemporary properties, creating a minimalist look that complements modern design. Large picture windows are another popular option, offering expansive, uninterrupted views and allowing natural light to flood into living spaces. For rooms that require practical ventilation, tilt and turn windows are a smart choice. They offer flexible opening positions, improved airflow, and easy cleaning thanks to their inward-opening function.
Many modern homes also use large patio doors or bi-fold doors to connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. These can be paired with casement or picture windows to create a cohesive, balanced exterior. When it comes to colour, modern properties often favour anthracite grey, black, or crisp white for a clean and contemporary finish. These tones help achieve a sleek aesthetic while allowing the architecture, materials, and landscaping to take centre stage.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of home you live in, choosing the right window style is essential for both appearance and performance. The perfect window not only enhances kerb appeal but also improves insulation, security, and comfort. Modern uPVC offers exceptional versatility, allowing homeowners to achieve traditional or contemporary looks without compromising on quality. To find out more about how modern uPVC works, please see our blog ‘The Hidden Technology Inside Modern uPVC Frames’ here. If you’re thinking about upgrading your windows, Bingley Windows & Glass can help you find the perfect style for your home. Our team can offer expert advice, tailored recommendations, and high-quality installations.
Get in touch to find out more. Use our contact form here, or call us on 01535 958 183 and one of our friendly team will be happy to help.