From Capes to Colonials, These Are the Best Windows for New England Homes

The Atlantic coast of New England is known for its distinctive, structurally stunning houses. Ranging from historic to modern, extravagant to simple, this area of the country is a dream for architecture lovers.

If you’re the owner of one of these homes, there will likely come a point when it’s time for some renovations, which may include replacement windows. Certain types of replacement windows are ideal for accenting New England homes, and the best windows are the ones that allow the design of your home to shine with plenty of curb appeal.

To help make the decision process easier, we've created a list of common New England home styles and the windows that pair best with each one.

Different Styles of Windows

Windows come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. Choosing the right ones for your New England home depends not only on the architectural style, but also on the outside elements they will be exposed to. You’ll also need to consider the type of replacement window frames that will work best with your new window selections.

Double-Hung

This style is the most common in the window industry, especially in New England. Two separate sashes are hung on one frame, then slide up and down for easy use. 

Casement

These windows operate with a single sash attached to the frame on one side. Using a crank, they swing open just like a door, with the screen located on the inside.

Awning

Awning windows are hinged at the top, and use a crank to open and close the sash. This style is desirable for regions with inclement weather (hello New England!), since the windows can be opened when it’s raining, but not all building codes permit their use.

Picture

Also known as a fixed window, picture windows are large expanses of glass, with no grids or other obstructions. This style allows in plenty of natural light, but is stationary, meaning it does not open.

Sliders

Just like the name implies, these windows open by sliding horizontally instead of vertically. Working best in ranch-style homes, sliders optimize the amount of glass to provide the maximum amount of light and views outside.

New England Home Styles

Established four centuries ago, New England is full of history, ocean views, and architecturally-distinct homes.  Depending on the style of your house, when choosing the best replacement windows you may opt to stick with what is already in place, or opt to install a different variety that more closely matches your overall aesthetic. Also consider the region you live in, since replacement window performance and ratings need to work well with the wind, precipitation, and air quality around your home.

Colonial Homes

Best Replacement Window Choice: Double-Hung or Casement

Dating back to the 1600s in Boston, Massachusetts, colonial homes are an iconic part of American history. These homes were originally built in saltbox style and had numerous long and rectangular windows, typically with grids.

If you’re living in a colonial-style home, expect to pay between $150 to $600 for each replacement double-hung window, and $150 to $1,000 for each replacement casement window.

Cape Cod Homes

Best Replacement Window Choice: Double-Hung or Picture

Known for their steep roofs and symmetrical facades, Cape Cod-style homes also date back to Colonial times. They experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1930s to 1950s, making them popular across the entire country, not just New England.

If your Cape Cod home needs replacement windows, expect to pay between $150 to $600 for each double-hung window, and $65 to $700 for each picture window.

Georgian Homes

Best Replacement Window Choice: Double-Hung

Georgian-style homes focus on symmetry and clean lines and are best complimented by traditional double-hung windows.

When choosing replacement windows, consider vinyl windows with trim colors that coordinate with your Georgian home, such as traditional white or black.

For Georgian homes, double-pane windows are the best replacement choice and you should expect to pay between $150 to $600 for each window.

Victorian Homes

Best Replacement Window Choice: Double-Hung, Awning, or Casement

Elegant Victorian homes are prominent all over New England. Stately and elegant, they feature various textures and window styles. Many Victorian homes have tall windows that also have intricate grids and glass patterns.

When choosing replacement windows for your Victorian home, for double-pane expect to pay between $150 to $600 per window, $150 to $1,000 for each casement window, and $300 to $900 for each awning window.

Ranch-Style Homes

Best Replacement Window Choice: Awning or Sliding

Ranch homes are noteworthy for their long, low-to-the-ground profile.

First built in the 1920s, this style was popular with the post-war middle class of the 1940s to 1970s, and is another common housing style found across New England.

If you are remodeling your ranch-style home, expect to pay between $300 to $900 for each replacement awning window, and $150 to $800 for each replacement sliding window.