The best windows for a ranch style home are wide, simple and bright: a large picture window in the main living area, clean-lined windows in the other rooms, and little or no decorative grid work. If you are planning replacement windows for a ranch in Connecticut, the style of the house should guide your choices as much as energy efficiency does.
Replacing windows is a big project, and it is easy to get lost in brochures. Starting with what suits a ranch narrows things down quickly.
Why Vinyl Windows Work Well on a Ranch
Many ranch homes still have their original windows, and they show their age with drafts, sticking sashes and worn frames. New vinyl replacement windows can lower energy bills, open and close easily, and are much simpler to clean. You can read more about the benefits of vinyl windows in our earlier post.
Vinyl also fits the idea behind the ranch house, which was designed to be affordable, practical and low maintenance. Vinyl frames never need scraping or painting.
Choosing Windows for a Ranch Style Home
Let in Natural Light With Picture Windows
Most ranch homes have an open layout, with the living room, dining area and kitchen flowing into each other. A space like that needs plenty of daylight. That is why the large front picture window became a signature of the style.
When you plan your upgrade, keep that light in mind. Choose windows with large, wide panes of glass. A picture window flanked by windows that open gives you the view and the fresh air. A bay or bow window in the same opening is another option if you want to add some depth to a flat front wall.
Keep the Lines Simple
Some house styles were designed with decoration in mind, and ornate casings or stained glass suit them. A ranch is different. It has a long, low, horizontal shape, and it looks best with clear, clean windows. Skip the grids and grilles where you can, or keep them very simple.
Windows that are wider than they are tall, such as sliding windows, echo the horizontal lines of the house. Double-hung windows are a practical choice for bedrooms, and casement windows work well over a kitchen sink where a crank is easier to reach.
Think About Color and the Front Door
White frames are the classic choice, but they are not the only one. Pick a frame color that works with your siding and trim. Because a ranch has a simple front, the windows and the front door do most of the work for curb appeal. Replacing a worn door at the same time with a new entry door or patio door can pull the whole look together.
Plan Your Ranch Window Project
Our selection of replacement windows includes picture, double-hung, casement, bay and bow styles, so there is an option for every room in a ranch. To talk through sizes, styles and colors for your home, call Aladdin, Inc. in Wallingford at (203) 776-9996 or send us a message. You can also browse our project gallery for ideas.