what kind of new windows 1930 house?

2 years ago

The original windows need replacing at the front of our house. Should I go for plain double glazed units/ wood as this has more of a modern feel, or should I keep the leaded glass. I think new stained windows are old fashioned now ?
Any thoughts please ?

Featured Answer

123

2 years ago

Have you investigated having your windows restored rather than replaced? Sometimes only some parts need to be renewed and a restorer may be able to preserve or reinstall your original glass. Your house is in such lovely original condition it seems a shame to change its appearance which modern glazing will inevitably do.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (43)

C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you so much for your reply. Yes I have tried a few firms but not any interest as windows and frames are very draughty.
Related Discussions
New house - fixings blended!
Q
Comments (9)
Thanks Judy. I know oak doors and skirting boards will still have to be cleaned but I think there is a bit of leeway with dusting them - dust doesn't show quite so quickly! My windows havnt been finalised yet at all so I have plenty time, i just don't want to feel like im in a timber showroom with oak window frames, skirting, doors and floors when in my living room plus when standing in the hallway there will be the stairs (paint and oak steps), banisters, handrails, and the skirting and surrounds of four doorways. Any other way of getting around it? Must I have skirting boards??!
...See More
What colour/kind of curtains to give colour pop to grey living room?
Q
Comments (8)
Gorgeous sofas! Would you consider using the Thibaut print suggested by Judy G Designs in a soft fold Roman shade? You don't say how many windows there are in the room. But Straight edge on the bottom, outside mount, clean and simple. The print has enough activity.
...See More
Old house Front Hall WINDOW DRESSING
Q
Comments (10)
Hi there, First of all, what a lovely space - the floor tiles are a really gorgeous feature! With these windows, it really is up to you. Shutters are fantastic for creating a clean, uncluttered feel, while, as Colourhappy says, a Roman blind is a great way to add a luxurious feel. Both create a classic look that will never go out of style. Alternatively, as you say, curtains are a gorgeous choice. Floor length curtains would create a real sumptuous look, but you may want to consider how this might block your radiator, especially if you intend to open and close them regularly. If you'd like some more inspiration on shutters, curtains or Roman blinds, you might like to have a look at our handy guides here: http://www.hillarys.co.uk/inspiration/2014/09/five-fabulous-ways-to-use-stunning-shutters-in-your-home/ http://www.hillarys.co.uk/inspiration/new-roman-blinds-and-curtains/ Good luck with your project, and make sure you show off that stunning floor!
...See More
Grey windows what colour front door advice please
Q
Comments (5)
Hi Becky I'm not sure what style you are looking for but try www.solidor.co.uk These are the best low maintenance front doors you can get with lots of options on colours, inside and out. We are one of their installers in Colchester and have four on display, if we are near enough pop in, if not just find a local installer. if you are after timber we supply Bereco, again go to their website, not cheap but beautiful. We also can supply Grey windows, not in 50 shades, but in 3, so you can have from light to dark. Anything else just ask. Regards Joe
...See More
123
2 years ago
That’s a shame, we had our 1880s sashes restored but there are specialist firms doing that, tbf never seen one doing 30s style windows. If you can’t save them I’d go round the neighbourhood to see if anyone else has done something you like and could copy.
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Yes I agree lots of firms for sash windows, but not for ours!
I will keep looking .Thanks
rinked
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Leaded glass can be 'triple paned' (sandwich). I'd investigate the costs for the top lights, as preserving those would keep some authentic details. All other windows might just be clear full pane, but with the same frame divisions.
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you. I will investigate this.
Jonathan
2 years ago
I think that if you change your windows dramatically that the two semis no longer match and there is a danger you devalue both houses. I would encourage you to replace with something very similar in colour and proportion.

Personally I think the leaded light is a good heritage choice but perhaps if it’s really not your taste you could have leaded top windows with clear glass in the larger lower aperture.

You could also consider internal plantation shutters as a way of keeping the original windows but reducing drafts.
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you for your comments.
123
2 years ago
https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/eehb-draught-proofing-windows-doors/heag084-draughtproofing/
I may be showing an unhealthy interest in your windows but I really like them as they are! Perhaps there might be some advice in this document that would help?
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Will look it up -thanks
Mark Cosford
2 years ago
I do agree with my fellow posters that you have a beautiful home with an amazing heritage character.

Practicalities will out, but would be a shame not to try and find a compromise that keeps the look and feel you have

Saying that…we have bought a house with similar issues and are replacing ours with Renaissance 9 flush-finish ‘timber look’ windows

In our defence we are not replacing the originals, merely someone else’s attempt at mock-original, so the new choice will be an improvement, but we are trying to make sure we keep the character of our house - not just put in something that works but could be any property, anywhere, any era

The old cliche that windows are the most important factor in kerb appeal is probably a cliche because it’s true

If you do go towards PVC definitely consider Renaissance - very hard to tell the difference from timber at a distance

Good luck with your research
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you Mark I have looked at at this and I agree with your comments.
Off today to look at more houses and options around.
Wumi
2 years ago
I agree with @rinked, maybe encase the top windows and replace the bottom ones. Not sure how expensive this is, but my in-laws did this to their Edwardian property with great success.
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you Wumi for you comments we will look into this. Although one company wasn’t keen he said you don’t get a good result ! He prob didn’t want to do it !
wendybailey
2 years ago
Id go diamond leaded windows and add some stained glass in somewhere, think it would look amazing! We changed our white pvc to bespoke wood, with people telling is we were nuts, but once in everyone comments on how nice the windows are and how much better they make the house look. Always add back in character where you can, there are far too many bland boring houses that look like square boring boxes!
bondgirlz99
2 years ago
I changed mine from UPVC to wood with a slight change of style. The Wisteria has grown back round now so doesn’t look so stark.
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
That looks lovely.
marcus davis
2 years ago
So many houses get ruined by the wrong windows. The period details are lovely I would be sad to see them go. They can be sandwiched in double glazed units. But remember pvc windows will have a smaller glass area as the frames will be thicker = less light and sometimes a weird look. I had the same reservations and went for hard wood and double glazed metal frames to preserve the look. Ruinously expensive but it preserved the look
marcus davis
2 years ago
Not sure the best photos maybe this helps
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Wow .They look stunning. I did enquire on hardwood which were expensive before covid …now they are even more !
Thank you for your comments.
marcus davis
2 years ago
Yes that’s an added pain I have still got some to replace 🤨
marcus davis
2 years ago
Btw my house was built in 1922 sorry I forgot to mention that!
rinked
2 years ago
Our pvc windows frames are no wider than the previous (pine) ones. We did choose the more expensive woodgrain model with white inside, warm grey out.

Great looking windows (and house) nonetheless, @marcus davis!
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Oh yes -!
marcus davis
2 years ago
Thank you rinked definitely the thinner profiles would have helped us with the windows. Genuine nightmare
topsyturvy321
2 years ago
Beautiful windows Marcus. Can you post an inside close up please? We need to replace our 1940s Crittal in timber frames and I’m not sure about the look of the new metal windows from inside. The black rubber seal puts me off. Thank you.
marcus davis
2 years ago
Inside
marcus davis
2 years ago
Window lock handles copies of ones used in Berkeley uni California I believe
marcus davis
2 years ago
Hope this helps
marcus davis
2 years ago
Topsee there is no obvious black rubber in my opinion what do you think?
marcus davis
2 years ago
Btw these windows are now 8 years old and still original spray paint on wood and metal
topsyturvy321
2 years ago
Thanks Marcus. Your windows are beautifully done inside and out.
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Lovely
Tinklebell 208
2 years ago
Your windows do look in very good nick but if you really want new windows I would go for casement/timber (accoya is very durable), it would really bring out your home.
bondgirlz99
2 years ago
That’s what I went for, they said they will last at least 20 years. I’m very pleased with them.
brinbug
2 years ago
Mu previous property was a 1930s house and we had good quality upvc installed which were leaded but no stain glass. Was a good compromise to keep in character of the original ones that we had to replace and practicality
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you for your comments .
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Windows in the pic look good quality and in keeping with house
C Don
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks will take a look…
Jen
2 years ago
Wondering, gemmilln, if you have a vested interest in that website? My sense is that you are promoting it, always in slightly different ways, on too many of the window threads here…
PRO
Bespoke Glazing Design
2 years ago
Did you consider Crittall or Heritage 21?
Alex Beech
11 months ago
Where did you buy those windows from Marcus and what model are they please? Thanks
marcus davis
11 months ago
They are crittal windows we used an agent from the south west