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WINDOW STYLES FROM THE 50S AND 60S - WHICH ONES STILL WORK TODAY?
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Been thinking about updating the windows in our place, and I keep getting drawn back to those sleek, retro styles from the 50s and 60s. You know, the kind with the thin frames, big panes of glass, and sometimes those cool geometric patterns. But I'm a little torn...like, do these vintage window designs still hold up today in terms of practicality? I mean, energy efficiency is a thing now, right?
Anyway, figured I'd toss out a quick poll to see what everyone else thinks:
Which retro window style would you actually consider for your home today?
- Big picture windows (tons of natural light, minimal framing)
- Clerestory windows (those high-up narrow ones)
- Geometric-patterned privacy glass (funky shapes and textures)
- Classic sliding glass doors/windows (simple and functional)
- Nah, prefer modern windows for efficiency reasons
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences below. I'm kinda leaning towards clerestory windows myself, but um...still undecided.
3 replies
Clerestory windows do look pretty cool, but honestly, I'd worry about cleaning and maintenance. Big picture windows seem more practical - tons of natural light, and you can get modern insulated versions now, so efficiency isn't a huge issue anymore. Just my two cents though...
The cleaning concern is real, especially with clerestory glass, but fixed awning windows are another period-appropriate option worth considering. They keep the clean, minimal-frame look while allowing ventilation, and modern insulated glazing makes them much more practical than the original versions. A row of them placed high on a wall could bring in daylight and airflow without giving up much privacy.
The fixed awning suggestion makes sense, particularly for a high row where ventilation and privacy are both useful. I’d treat the period styling as a secondary decision, though. For any of these retro-inspired options, low-emissivity double glazing and properly sealed frames will have a much greater effect on performance than the window’s appearance. Poor installation or air leakage can undermine even excellent glass, so the frame design, perimeter seals, and flashing deserve as much attention as the glazing specification.
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