In New Orleans, historic homes are celebrated for their character, charm, and cultural value. Among the most defining features of these homes are their windows. More than just functional openings for light and air, they reflect the craftsmanship, architecture, and traditions of the city’s past. At Franklin Construction & Design, we know that preserving these features is essential to home restoring in New Orleans. Understanding the most popular window styles helps homeowners appreciate their heritage and make informed choices about maintenance and restoration.
The Classic Double-Hung Window
Perhaps the most iconic style in New Orleans, the double-hung window features two sashes that slide vertically within the frame. This design offers excellent ventilation, as both the upper and lower sashes can be adjusted. Double-hung windows are common in shotgun houses, Creole cottages, and Victorian residences across the city. Their balanced proportions and functional versatility make them a staple of historic home architecture. When properly maintained, they remain both durable and energy-efficient, a perfect blend of tradition and practicality.
Elegant French Casement Windows
Inspired by European design, French casement windows are another signature feature in New Orleans homes. These windows swing open on side hinges, often paired with tall shutters that frame their design. Casement windows are especially common in French Quarter buildings, where they open onto balconies or courtyards. Their graceful proportions and connection to the outdoors make them an enduring favorite. Preserving or upgrading these windows requires careful attention to detail to maintain their elegance while improving functionality.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows with Transoms
In many historic homes, particularly Greek Revival or Italianate styles, tall floor-to-ceiling windows were designed to double as doorways, opening to porches or galleries. Often topped with transoms—small horizontal windows above the main sash—these designs encouraged airflow in a time before modern air conditioning. Transoms could be fixed or operable, allowing heat to escape while cooler air flowed in. Today, restoring these grand windows is crucial to maintaining the dramatic look and feel of 19th-century New Orleans architecture.
The Charm of Arched and Palladian Windows
Ornamental arched windows and Palladian styles (featuring a large central arched pane flanked by two smaller rectangular ones) showcase the artistic flair of historic builders. These window types are often found in higher-end residences and churches, where aesthetics and grandeur were emphasized. Their curves and symmetry add visual sophistication, but they require skilled restoration to preserve the original design. Custom craftsmanship ensures that these unique shapes maintain their structural integrity while continuing to serve as architectural highlights.
Shuttered Windows for Climate and Style
New Orleans homes are also known for their signature shuttered windows. Functional as well as beautiful, shutters provided privacy, shade, and protection against storms. Paired with double-hung or casement windows, they reflect a practical adaptation to the local climate. Many historic homes still feature their original wooden shutters, adding both charm and resilience. Restoring these elements not only enhances authenticity but also contributes to the home’s weather resistance.
Why Knowing the Styles Matters
For homeowners undertaking home restoring in New Orleans, recognizing these historic window styles is critical. Choosing the wrong replacement or altering proportions can disrupt the architectural harmony of the property and even conflict with preservation guidelines. By identifying the right style—whether it’s double-hung, casement, arched, or shuttered—you ensure that every restoration or upgrade contributes to the property’s authenticity. Franklin Construction & Design specializes in matching details, materials, and proportions to honor the unique heritage of each home.
Conclusion
Windows are more than just functional features in historic homes—they are key elements of New Orleans’ architectural story. From double-hung designs to elegant French casements and dramatic arched styles, each type adds a layer of history and beauty to the city’s homes. Preserving these details is an essential part of home restoring in New Orleans.
At Franklin Construction & Design, we combine expert craftsmanship with a passion for preservation to restore your historic windows with care and precision. Ready to honor your home’s unique style? Contact Franklin Construction & Design today and let us help keep your windows—and your home’s history—alive for generations to come.