11 Main Pros and Cons of Cottage Windows | Cost and Types of Cottage Windows
What is a Cottage Window? |Pros and Cons of Cottage Windows | Cost and Types of Cottage Windows | Benefits of Cottage Windows | Cottage-Style Window Characteristics
Cottage Window
A cottage window is a double-hung window with two sashes that slide up and down and are mounted one atop the other in the same frame, with the upper sash being narrower (shorter) than the lower one.
The top sash frequently has smaller lights split by muntins, also known as a “divided light pattern” or “grille”, however both sashes may be divided in certain circumstances.
Cottage windows are notably common in bungalow and Craftsman-style homes. Also known as a “front window.”
Cottage windows are traditional windows that bestow both charm and elegance on your home.
Cottage style houses have a long history, but today’s elements that make them seem warm and comfortable include external stucco walls, gable roofs, modest porches, and bay windows.
Cottage comes from Medieval English, where it refers to a person who lives in a tiny home on a landlord’s property in exchange for labor.
Eventually, the term came to include the entire concept of a tiny dwelling.
For hundreds of years, cottage style has been popular in many nations and continents, including Scandinavia, Russia, China, and, of course, the United States.
Cottage-Style Window Characteristics
When you look closely, you’ll notice that cottage windows might simply be double-hung windows. They feature two sashes that slide up and down and are hung one on top of the other within the same frame.
However, there are two aesthetic characteristics that distinguish a cottage window from a double-hung window.
The smaller top sash may also include grilles, giving the impression of numerous separate window panes.
Cottage windows feature a four-over-one or six-over-one design, which means that the top sash has four or six panes and the bottom sash has one.
The divided top sash in the traditional four-over-one or six-over-one style adds charm both inside and outside the property.
The multi-paned appearance adds curb appeal to the exterior while providing split light in the interior. The clean line of sight is maintained by the unobstructed lower sash.
Benefits of Cottage Windows
Installing cottage windows is one of the most effective methods to preserve the original look of older homes.
Again, if you live in a modern home, cottage windows are a fantastic way to bring a feeling of historic character to the property.
It’s tempting to believe that adding cottage windows in an older design means you’re sacrificing security and energy efficiency, yet they’ve evolved throughout time.
Better Security
Cottage windows have horizontal and vertical stripes across the glass, making them more secure than other types of windows.
Energy conservation
You may have all of the aesthetic beauty and elegance of classic cottage windows with all of the benefits of contemporary windows, one of which is energy efficiency. Your home will benefit from enhanced insulation as a result of double glazing.
Beautiful style of cottages
The historic appeal of windows like these is quite simply undeniable.
From the exterior, they give your house a traditional English look, which is simple and classic. They will stand the test of time and look great for many years to come.
This type of window is perfect for when you are planning to refurbish an older house. It’s also ideal if you want to bring some elegance to your home without altering its exterior in any way.
Cottage windows are undoubtedly on of the most popular styles of windows on the market. They are perfect for any home, no matter how old or modern, and provide an excellent combination of energy efficiency with open space.
There are many different styles you can choose from, some with leaded glass to add another level of character to your home.
Types of Cottage Windows
There are many different cottage window styles to choose from. Most cottage windows will come in one of two different styles:
1. Casement windows
Casement windows can fit into a significant number of rooms, regardless of height or breadth. They extend outwards to allow air in and are entirely sealed when closed. They are attached to the frame by a hinge or two.
Casement windows can open outwards using a hinge on the long side. Early instances may be found dating back to medieval times.
Casement windows were entirely made of wood beginning in the Victorian era. Six-pane windows were quite common in the nineteenth century.
The inherent beauty of casement windows is combined with energy-efficient double glazing and strong security in modern variants.
2. Sash windows
A sash window is a type of window in which the curtain wall or “sash” moves to open or close an opening in the wall. The window is divided into multiple panels.
Traditionally, each panel slides within a track, but modern variants use rotating hinges, counterweights and spring mechanisms.
Sash windows are common in the UK and Ireland, but less common in North America after being replaced by double-hung windows during the 1920s.
Although the origins of sliding sash windows are unknown, they were a prestige symbol throughout Britain in the 1600s.
They rose to prominence during the Georgian era, changing from one to two movable sashes.
Box sash windows were a popular design element in many Victorian houses.
Pros and Cons of Cottage Windows
Pros of Cottage Windows
1. Energy Efficiency
Cottage windows are double hung, which means they have an insulating air pocket. They keep the cold out in the winter and warm in the summer, providing maximum energy efficiency.
2. Security
Cottage windows have double locks on both top and bottom sashes, providing maximum security that few other homes window types can duplicate.
3. Value
Cottage windows are one of the most popular window styles, offering maximum energy efficiency, maximum security, and a classic look.
4. Curb Appeal
Cottage windows are considered to be the perfect mix between old world charm and modern-day durability.
Their traditional style makes them completely unique to your home or style of living, but their ability to provide security, energy efficiency, and even value is what make them so popular in today’s market!
5. Variety
Cottage windows come in a variety of sizes, but are usually large. They are available in double hung, sash-triple, and other configurations depending on where you look.
6. Comfort
Cottage windows are double hung for comfort, which offers an air pocket to keep your home warm or cold depending on the season. This also provides you with maximum energy efficiency throughout the year!
7. Material Options
Cottage windows are available in both wood and aluminum configurations depending on your preference and cost preferences.
Cons of Cottage Windows
1. Size
Cottage windows are among one of the largest forms of home window. Despite their larger size, cottage windows are not too costly compared to their double-hung counterparts, which can be found even cheaper than cottage windows!
Cottage windows are pretty large, so if size is an issue for you, it may be a good idea to explore other options.
2. Complexity
Cottage window styles are not too complicated, but if you’re interested in having an authentic custom look or don’t have time to do your own shopping for your home’s decorating needs, then cottage window shopping is not the best choice for you!
3. Maintenance
Cottage windows are often made of wood, steel, or aluminum, so they require a good deal of upkeep to keep them in good condition. Regular lubrication of hinges is recommended for maximum efficiency.
4. Construction
Some have said that cottage window construction is poor quality or deteriorates too easily.
There may be a handful of cottage window manufacturers that produce low-quality products, but there are also many reputable ones as well!
5. Appearance
Cottage windows have a very traditional look that may not fit into every home. If you’re looking for a more modern, contemporary style, this is not the one for you.
6. Sliding Panels
Cottage windows have a disadvantage in that they have sliding panels, which may offer an energy-efficient design, but it might be a little more difficult to clean.
7. Overall Cost
The overall cost can be a disadvantage to cottage window manufacturers that don’t invest in high-quality materials or processes because their overall cost will be higher than others who do use higher quality materials and process controls.
Cottage Window FAQs
1. What is a cottage window?
A cottage window is a double-hung window with two sashes that slide up and down and are hung one atop the other in the same frame, with the upper sash being narrower (shorter) than the lower one.
The top sash frequently has smaller lights split by muntins, also known as a “divided light pattern” or “grille”, however both sashes may be divided in certain circumstances.
2. When was this window style invented?
Cottage windows are traditionally found in older homes. They were first discovered in Tudor styles, and their widespread use really took off during the Craftsman era.
3. How many different cottage windows are there?
There are two types of cottage windows that exist: double-hung and sash-triple (or bay).
The double-hung version is the most popular and most widely used, but there are also a handful of sash-triple cottage windows, including the Juliet with its triangular opening.
4. What does a cottage window look like in real life?
Cottage windows in real life vary in size and shape, with many variations in the way they open and close. However, they all feature two sashes, with one sash sitting atop the other.
5. Why are cottage windows so popular?
Cottage windows are nostalgic and classy. They give the feeling of an older time period while maintaining the appeal of modern-day windows that have both opened up to energy efficiency and safety features.
6. What are their benefits?
Benefits of cottage windows range from curb appeal to vintage character to safety and security to energy efficiency.
7. How can you decorate a cottage window?
Cottage windows do not come in a variety of different looks. Cottage windows are classic and timeless, and look beautiful in both modern and historic homes.
8. How do they differ from double-hung windows?
They both feature two sashes that slide up and down, but that’s where their similarities end. Cottage windows have the following features:
– A divided light pattern, sometimes with grilles
– A four-over-one or six-over-one design, which means that the top sash has four or six panes and the bottom sash has one
– Openings on either side of the window frame, therefore giving maximum light to both sides of the home
9. What are their advantages?
Cottage windows provide an enhanced level of security for your home, as well as energy efficiency. Curb appeal is also improved by their classic look and appealing night light.
10. What is the history of cottage windows?
Cottage windows were first discovered in Tudor styles, but their widespread use really took off during the Craftsman era.
11. How can you decorate a cottage window?
Cottage window styles are simple and timeless. The look will not change with age, because they are not meant to be altered, but can be decorated in all sorts of ways to fit developing trends.
12. Who invented their double-hung version?
The double-hung style of this window was invented by Olin Francis Garman in 1868, and they gained popularity in the Craftsman era.
13. Why are cottage windows so popular?
Cottage windows are popular because there’s no other window quite like them to give your home that traditional look.
They resist the test of time well and can even provide subtle security benefits, making them perfect for any home, no matter the style!
14. How much does cottage windows cost?
Cottage window prices range from $150 to $1,000, with an average cost of $450.
15. What are their disadvantages?
Cottage window disadvantages are few, but their overall cost can be considered costly overall because of their overall size.
16. What are their benefits?
Cottage windows provide the most energy efficient home window available. They also offer maximum security, with double-locking sash, and larger locks than most other types of windows.
17. How can you decorate a cottage window?
The most authentic way to decorate cottage windows is through antique stores or second-hand shops. Cottage windows are timeless and will always look great no matter where you decide to put them!
18. Which structures are a good fit for cottage windows?
Cottage windows, as the name implies, are ideally suited to classic cottages since they complement the architecture of the building.
However, if you want to give a modern home a more classic elegance, cottage windows are unquestionably the way to go.
19. What materials should you use for cottage style windows?
Fiberglass and aluminum are excellent materials to incorporate in Cottage style windows. These materials are extremely long-lasting and resistant to weather and wear and tear
Additionally, both provide a wide range of customizing options in terms of forms and finishes.
Nevertheless, fiberglass offers a bit more bang for your money in terms of energy efficiency, as an aluminum window must be treated for the metal’s conductive characteristics.
20. Are cottage style windows more expensive?
Cottage windows, which are classified as double-hung windows, cost between $150 and $1000 per unit.
If you want to give your house a charming, colonial atmosphere, cottage windows offer charm and modern practicality, depending on the type.
