Homeowners in Chicago want windows that do more than just look good, they need to match the home’s character and handle the city’s unpredictable weather. From bungalows to greystones, the right window styles for Chicago brick homes preserve charm while improving comfort and efficiency. Based on thousands of installations, here are the styles we recommend most.
Double-Hung Windows: The Classic Choice for Chicago Bungalows
Double-hung windows are the most recognizable window style in older Chicago neighborhoods. These feature two stacked sashes that slide vertically, offering flexible ventilation from both the top and bottom.
Why They Work So Well in Brick Homes
Chicago’s early-20th-century bungalows often use a “3-over-1” grid layout, three vertical panes in the top sash and one unobstructed pane below. This pattern reflects the Arts and Crafts design principles that shaped many local home styles. When grouped in sets of two or three, these windows form the classic ribbon-style effect seen across many bungalow facades.
Contractor Tip: When replacing double-hung windows, try to match the grid pattern to preserve the home’s architectural integrity. We often custom-order grids to replicate the original design.
Casement Windows: Great for Airflow and Energy Efficiency
Casement windows open outward like a door, hinged at the side. They’re ideal for homeowners who want to maximize airflow and achieve a more contemporary appearance without straying too far from a home’s roots.
Where to Use Them
These work well in kitchens, bathrooms, and even gable ends, where grouped casements can create a stunning focal point. They’re especially common in bungalow renovations that aim to balance traditional looks with modern convenience.
Contractor Tip: Casement windows seal tightly when closed, making them one of the most energy-efficient styles available. We often recommend them for homes with draft issues or older brickwork that lacks insulation.
Bay Windows: Add Light, Space, and Street Appeal
Bay windows are a standout feature in many brick homes across Chicago, particularly in living and dining areas. They extend outward, usually in a three-panel configuration, adding both depth to interior rooms and a bold exterior statement.
Why Chicago Homeowners Love Them
They offer expansive views, let in lots of natural light, and make a room feel larger. For older homes with limited wall space, a bay window can transform a flat wall into a visually dynamic area.
Contractor Tip: We recommend combining a fixed center panel with flanking casements to allow ventilation while maintaining a clear view.
Picture Windows (Chicago Windows): A Nod to Local Tradition
No guide to window styles for Chicago brick homes is complete without highlighting the “Chicago window.” This style features a large, fixed center pane with two narrow, operable side windows, usually casement or double-hung.
Perfect for Living Rooms and Front Facades
This design emerged from early skyscrapers but quickly found its way into residential homes. It’s practical, simple, and ideal for maximizing light while still allowing air circulation through the side panes.
Contractor Tip: If you want to keep a traditional look while improving energy performance, we can install insulated low-E glass with wood-look composite frames.
Art Glass Windows: Timeless Decorative Appeal
Art glass windows are fixed decorative panes found in many entryways, stairwells, and living rooms of Chicago’s older homes. Their geometric and floral designs reflect the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and other Prairie School architects.
Keeping the Character Intact
These windows don’t usually open, but they add major curb appeal and let in soft, filtered light. Some still feature original leaded glass or angel gilding for a subtle metallic shimmer.
Contractor Tip: If the original art glass is damaged or missing, we can replicate it using modern techniques and protective glazing that prevents drafts or breakage.
Dormer Windows: A Smart Way to Expand Upper Floors
Dormer windows protrude vertically from sloped roofs and are a smart way to make attic spaces livable. Styles include gabled, shed, and hipped dormers, all of which can be tailored to match your home’s existing brickwork and roofline.
Combining Function with Form
Whether you’re adding a dormer during a renovation or replacing old attic windows, these can improve ventilation, add natural light, and enhance curb appeal without altering the original footprint.
Contractor Tip: We often use picture or double-hung windows in dormers, depending on whether the space is for storage or living.
Specialty Windows: Add a Unique Architectural Element
For homeowners who want to break from the standard, specialty windows, like arched, round, or geometric shapes, offer a chance to add something distinctive. These are often placed above doors, in stairwells, or as part of a bay window configuration.
A Finishing Touch That Stands Out
These styles don’t always provide ventilation, but they draw attention and elevate the overall design. We’ve worked with homeowners to install everything from eyebrow windows to octagonal frames, depending on their home’s layout.
Matching Windows to Brick Color and Texture
Chicago’s brick homes come in shades from deep reds to creamy buffs. Choosing the right frame color and window finish makes all the difference. For red or brown brick, black or dark bronze frames create a high-contrast, modern look. For lighter bricks, woodgrain or beige tones may blend more naturally.
Contractor Tip: We always bring samples to help homeowners see how the finish interacts with their specific brick color and mortar tone. Getting it right on-site prevents mismatched results.
Ready to Choose the Right Windows?
Updating windows isn’t just about better insulation or a clearer view. For Chicago brick homes, it’s also about honoring the structure’s history and style. We help homeowners choose window styles for Chicago brick homes that match the architecture, offer lasting performance, and fit the budget.
If you’re considering a window replacement project, contact us at All Star today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the best options for your home’s style and structure, from historic bungalow windows to energy-efficient upgrades that still look timeless.
