Windows Perfect for Modern Farmhouses

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct From The Designers

The modern farmhouse continues to be one of today’s most popular architectural styles, favored by builders and homeowners alike! People love the transitional aesthetic that pairs traditional farmhouse shapes with streamlined contemporary appeal, and that there are so many ways to curate the look. Windows are an important part of the equation on both sides of the wall—they help set the tone for curb appeal and can drastically change the view from inside, too. Here are some things to keep in mind when you select windows for a modern farmhouse!

Preferred Window Types for Modern Farmhouses

To know where to go with a modern farmhouse, you need to know where older farmhouses started. Most traditional farmhouse designs call for single- or double-hung windows, which feature two sashes that are stacked within a frame taller than it is wide. These windows have a long history, which is why a lot of homeowners step away from them when specifying products for updated farmhouses. Casement windows—which feature a single sash that swings open from the side—are often chosen instead. They’re still taller than they are wide and can even fit the same openings, but they have a more modern appearance due to the single sash. Casement windows have an edge because modern design schemes favor openness and clear sightlines, and hung windows are visually bisected by a rail where the top and bottom sashes meet.

Modern farmhouses aren’t locked into one type of window, of course. Fixed picture windows, horizontal awning windows, side-to-side slider windows, and even pass-through windows are common these days. What do all these have in common? No meeting rail that chops the view in half top to bottom! Sliding windows have a meeting rail, but it’s vertical, so doesn’t have the same old-fashioned look as hung windows. When it comes time to choose, remember that modern farmhouses run the gamut from modestly updated to strikingly contemporary—that’s why there’s so much variation in this category, and so many ways you can go with windows.

Stylish Window Finishes for Modern Farmhouse Designs

Think about how much you want to dial up or down the modern aspect with window finishes. There are three main variables that can sway the look one way or the other—the construction of the frame, the presence or absence of divided lites, and the finish color of the window. Most homeowners opt for a happy medium that balances traditional and modern appeal, but there are no strict rules—you'll even find hung windows with modern finishes in the mix. Modern farmhouses probably have the most diverse windows of any architectural style!

One of the first things that sets a modern window apart from a traditional one is the expansiveness of the glass. In the past, only small pieces of glass could be produced; that’s why people pieced multiple together with muntins to create larger window units with divided lites. Modern manufacturing has allowed us to create much larger single pieces of glass and narrower frames, doing away with the need for lites. So, the larger and less divided the pane, the more modern the vibe. And when it comes to color, the window frames and muntins on traditional farmhouses are typically painted white, which makes the window design pop. In contrast, modern farmhouse windows are often black, as this aligns with regular modern-style windows. Consider all the frame, lite, and color combinations to find the right fit!

Patio Doors for Indoor-Outdoor Connection

When you build a modern farmhouse, you can almost always expect your plans to come with patio doors. They naturally support the bright aesthetic of this architectural style and also help open up the home—visually and physically—to increase the spaciousness of the living areas. Many modern farmhouses call for particularly expansive patio doors like multi-slide and bi-folding models, which come in configurations of up to ten panels, to underscore these points. And just like with windows, you’ll find products with different frame widths and colors as well as lite patterns, so you can select a patio door that strikes the right stylistic balance for your exact home.

Make sure to consider your practical and aesthetic needs—the flow of your space, the height of the sill, any potential clearance issues outside, whether you want a passage door, etc.—before choosing between a sliding or folding patio door. Don’t be afraid to ask an expert for a recommendation!

In the market for great windows for your new home or a renovation project? See what Pella® has to offer! They have beautiful windows and patio doors in vinyl, fiberglass, and wood frames to meet the needs of every homeowner, and you’ll find plenty of finishing options to tailor the final look to your tastes. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the possibilities!