Bungalow homes became popular in the early 20th century for their simple, practical design and strong connection to craftsmanship. These homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, wide porches, and detailed woodwork that create a warm and welcoming feel. Windows play an important role in highlighting these features, bringing in more natural light while complementing the home’s horizontal lines and architectural details. Choosing the right window styles helps preserve the distinctive charm of a bungalow while adding modern comfort and efficiency.
This guide explores key design elements, the most popular window styles, room-by-room recommendations, and enhancements that bring out the best in bungalow homes, offering ideas and inspiration for homeowners planning an upgrade.
Key Design Elements of Bungalow Window Styles
Windows in bungalow homes do more than bring in light and air. They are central to the home’s architecture, reflecting the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that make bungalows timeless. The right windows enhance the cozy scale of these homes while maintaining their signature character.
- Craftsmanship and detail define bungalow windows, with thick trim, wood casings, and accents that highlight handcrafted quality.
- Abundant natural light is achieved through grouped windows, often in sets of two or three, that brighten and open the interior.
- Divided light panes are a hallmark, with upper sashes containing multiple small panes while lower sashes remain clear for views.
- Horizontal emphasis comes from window groupings that reinforce the low, wide profile of bungalow architecture.
- Integration with trim and woodwork ties windows into the home, with natural wood finishes, earthy tones, and other decorative elements blending with built-in cabinetry and interior millwork.
- Symmetry and proportion ensure windows are carefully sized and placed to balance the overall façade, a reflection of the Crafts Movement that valued harmony and simplicity.
- Decorative glass adds character, with stained glass, leaded, or beveled panels often used in entryway or accent windows.
Window Styles That Bring Out the Best in Bungalows
The right window styles highlight the architecture of a bungalow while also improving comfort and function. Each style has strengths that make it especially well-suited to certain rooms, helping homeowners preserve character while enjoying modern convenience.
| Window Style | Best-Suited Bungalow Types | Best Rooms | Benefits |
| Double-hung | Craftsman, Colonial, Chicago bungalow | Bedrooms, attic rooms | Double-hung windows offer a classic, traditional look while providing versatile ventilation and a balance of privacy and airflow. |
| Casement | Prairie, Modern, Colonial | Kitchens, attic rooms | Casement windows are easy to open above counters, capture breezes effectively, and fit well into compact spaces. |
| Bay and bow | Craftsman, Colonial, California | Living rooms, dining rooms | Bay and bow windows create inviting focal points, expand interior square footage, and frame outdoor views beautifully. |
| Awning | Prairie, Modern | Kitchens, bathrooms | Awning windows provide steady airflow even in rainy weather and are a popular choice when paired with other window styles. |
| Picture | California, Prairie, Modern | Living rooms, dining rooms | Picture windows maximize appearance by bringing in abundant light and showcasing outdoor surroundings without visual interruptions. |
| Decorative glass | Craftsman, Spanish, Colonial | Entryways, bathrooms | Decorative glass windows add Craftsman character while filtering light and maintaining privacy. |
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are commonly found in bungalow homes, making them especially fitting in bedrooms or dormer windows for attic rooms. Their two operable sashes allow flexible ventilation, with the top sash releasing warm air and the bottom sash drawing in cool air. Many historic bungalows feature divided light panes in the upper sash and clear glass in the lower sash, a detail that balances craftsmanship with practicality.
Casement Windows
Casement windows swing outward on side hinges, opening fully to capture breezes. They are particularly effective in kitchens, where their easy operation above counters makes them convenient, and in attic rooms where compact openings are common. Casements add variety to a bungalow’s design while maintaining harmony with its proportions.
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows extend outward from the wall, creating a cozy nook inside and adding charm outside. In living rooms, they often become the centerpiece, framing the yard and bringing in abundant light. In dining rooms, they highlight built-in cabinetry and create a warm focal point for gatherings, reinforcing the inviting nature of bungalow design.
Awning Windows
Awning windows hinge at the top and open outward, providing ventilation even during rain. They are commonly used in kitchens or bathrooms where airflow is important but space is limited. Awning windows often pair with picture or casement styles, offering practical benefits while keeping the home’s proportions intact.
Picture Windows
Picture windows do not open, but their large, clear panes brighten interiors and showcase the outdoors. In bungalows, they are often paired with casement or awning windows for ventilation. Placed in a living or dining room, picture windows emphasize the connection to nature and make interiors feel more open and inviting.
Decorative Glass Windows
Decorative options, like art glass, stained, leaded, or textured glass, add character to entryways or bathrooms. These windows enhance privacy while allowing light to filter through, softening the space and adding Craftsman detail. In many bungalows, decorative glass provides a small but memorable design feature that complements larger window styles throughout the home.
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The Best Window Frame Materials for Bungalows
The frame material plays a big role in how well new replacement windows complement a bungalow’s architecture. While wood has long been the most authentic choice, most homeowners today prefer alternatives that offer less upkeep and stronger performance. Options like clad-wood and fiberglass allow you to preserve the traditional character of your home while ensuring long-term durability.
Clad-Wood Window Frames
Clad-wood frames combine the warmth of real wood inside with a protective aluminum or fiberglass exterior. This design provides the authentic look that suits a bungalow while dramatically reducing maintenance and extending the life of the window. Interiors can feature rich stained wood finishes that blend seamlessly with cabinetry and trim, while exteriors can be matched to brick, stone, or the home’s siding color for a cohesive appearance. Clad-wood frames give homeowners flexibility in design while staying true to bungalow character.
Fiberglass Window Frames
Fiberglass frames replicate the look of painted wood but deliver exceptional durability and energy efficiency. Resistant to swelling, warping, and weathering, fiberglass is a low-maintenance option that still supports the details that define bungalow homes. These frames can be customized with divided light patterns, earthy colors, and matching hardware, ensuring they complement both interior trim and exterior finishes. For homeowners who want a modern solution without sacrificing character, fiberglass offers the best balance of authenticity and performance.
Decorative and Functional Enhancements for Bungalow Windows
Bungalow homes stand out for their craftsmanship, and windows play a big role in carrying that character throughout the house. Beyond choosing the right style, details like glass, trim, and finishes can elevate both curb appeal and interior design.
| Stained and leaded glass | Stained or leaded glass adds a handcrafted feel that reflects the Arts and Crafts influence in many bungalow homes. These windows work well in entryways, dining rooms, or accent areas where filtered light creates warmth and character. A small decorative window alongside fixed or operable styles can make a big impact without overwhelming the design. |
| Grilles and muntin patterns | Divided light designs are one of the hallmarks of bungalow architecture. A common approach is to use multiple small panes in the upper sash while keeping the lower sash clear for unobstructed views. Grilles can also be customized to match the proportions of original windows, reinforcing authenticity while allowing flexibility with modern insulated glass. For added decorative elements, some homeowners include a dentil shelf detail that enhances the connection to traditional Craftsman design. |
| Trim and finishes | Natural wood trim is a defining feature in bungalows, and window casings should feel integrated with the rest of the home’s woodwork. Earthy stains, darker tones, or muted paint colors can complement built-in cabinetry and flooring. Exterior trim often emphasizes contrast, framing windows to highlight the home’s horizontal lines. These design choices also tie in seamlessly with features like a sunroom, basement, or porch to unify the home’s overall appearance. |
| Pairing strategies | Combining different window types can enhance both form and function. For example, pairing a picture window with flanking casements brings in natural light while allowing ventilation. Awning windows placed beneath larger windows add airflow without disrupting proportions. These combinations let homeowners enjoy modern convenience while staying true to bungalow style, offering inspiration that can be adapted to fit the street view or overall design of the home. |
Choose the Right Windows for Your Bungalow-Style Home
Selecting windows for a bungalow requires more than simply choosing styles that look appealing. The proportions, trim details, and overall design of the home need to be respected so that any updates preserve its architectural integrity. A professional can help identify which styles work best for each room, recommend finishes that complement the home’s woodwork, and balance authenticity with modern performance. Skilled installers also ensure windows are fitted properly, which is especially important for older homes with unique framing or non-standard openings, improving energy efficiency, protecting the home from leaks, and safeguarding your investment.
At Lake Washington Windows and Doors, we specialize in helping homeowners choose and install windows that respect the history of their home while delivering lasting performance. With our Leak Armor Guarantee, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new windows are protected against leaks and water damage.
Whether you are planning an upgrade to improve efficiency or simply looking for a popular choice that enhances curb appeal, the right windows can make all the difference. Schedule a free consultation today to explore bungalow window styles that will keep your home beautiful, efficient, and true to its character.
