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Pairing the window grids, or muntins, with the style of your home is like pairing wine with a good meal. A good pairing can elevate both while a bad pairing can mean disaster for the night. But what is the right combination (windows speaking of course)? I recently received this question from a reader. First, let’s look at the various options.

Colonial grids

These may appear as 6 over 6 for a 3’ by 5’ window and 8 over 8 for a 6’ tall window. As the name suggests, these work best with traditionally styled homes like a Colonial, Cape Cod, or Georgian style home. For years, this pattern has dominated the window market since it gives this home a classic, timeless appeal. The pattern was the result of size of glass readily available in the 18th century.

Prairie Grids

These grids are typically on the perimeter of the window sash with small squares in the corners where the lines come together. As the name implies, these pair well with prairie style homes. They add a hint of style without overpowering the window or the view.

This was once a regional style – primarily in the Midwest and plains states – but we have seen this style creep into other markets like Texas and Florida.

Craftsman Grids

The classic craftsman window pattern is 3 over 1.

As the name implies, these pair great with Craftsman and Bungalow style homes. Many of us have been designing and building craftsman style homes for decades. The style was made popular by Sears and Robuck when you could order the house parts from a catalog.

Arts and Craft Grids

These grids are 4 over 1 and can be seen on both Craftsman and Arts and Craft style homes. This pattern is also popular with a variety of traditional styles such as English Country. But it is also used with more transitional styles, like Coastal, since it has a touch of tradition without appearing too busy.

Tudor Grids

Diagonal muntins that create a diamond pattern pair beautifully with Tudor homes. Since these grids tend to be busy, you’ll often see the grids appear only in the top pane – or even just the top of the top windowpane. I don’t see a lot of these windows in new homes.

Two over Two

This simple window pattern was very popular with Folk Victorian style homes, adding a simple elegance to the home. Today, we see it often with the Farmhouse style homes since the vertical lines of the window pair well with the vertical lines of the board and batten siding.

Another style that works well with the two-over-two is French Country.

Modern Window Grids

For many, a modern window grid is no grids at all.

On the right style, it makes a stunning statement. Some think that is too harsh, so we’ve seen a couple of variations. The first is 2 over 1. Pretty simple, but just enough to look like the it was intentional and nothing is missing. The next is a 2 over 2 horizontally. It works well with the horizontal of a single hung window. It pairs well with a modern multi-planed front door – but I digress.

Remodeling and New Windows

If you ever are need of new windows, this is a great opportunity to refresh the look of your home. Let’s look at the example sent over to me.

If your home had colonial grids and you were looking to update the look of the home while still working with the existing exterior style, I would recommend the Arts and Craft 4 over 1 or 2 over 2. Since this home has a half round window, the simpler the better.

This will look both nostalgic and modern at the same time. At least that’s what I’m thinking. Agree? Disagree? Remember, finding the right window pairing can make or break the house. I’d love to hear your own thoughts!