Help me design new windows, I can't figure out what's best.

[DiggityDam]

We need to replace all our windows, which is relatively straight forward apart from these two at the front.

My problem, and cause of uPVC now entering my dreams is that I want the top and bottom to relate to each other but the arch in the top window is making it tricky.

Ideally I don't want the windows divided into 3 as the front room can be quite a dark room and there is no need for two 5 foot opening windows!

So, has anyone got any suggestions before I start twitching.

Are they original? What have you're neighbours done? Back or front? If at the front, I'd replace like with like afraid of change.

Not original unfortunately, they used to beautiful stained glass windows and the one of the previous owners had them all replaced with very poor quality uPVC.

This is the front of the house. The neighbours (& two streets down) have removed the arch at the top and had it either rendered or covered in plastic boarding.

You could mirror the arch of the top window with uPVC on the bottom window

How wide are they? 10 ft?

Maybe go back to what the original design was? Have any other properties still got them in? You could follow the pattern, even if you can't afford the stained glass!

Yep, 10ft pretty much.

I'm not too keen on changing the shape of the windows as I'd like to keep to the original shape as much as possible, plus there is an architectural arch in front of the window inside.

I'd try to go back to the original as well.

Did the bottom window have an original arch then?

Funnily enough Polter I did ask about making the top section one piece but 2 separate glazing companies said they wouldn't as it would significantly reduce the strength of the window as it needs be strong enough to hold the larger window(s) that open at the bottom.

Olivia No one has both original windows left, it's like a double glazing catalogue! I have a suspicion that how they are now is the original layout, but I don't like them. I making this hard aren't I!

Katymac no it didn't, I've used walking the baby as an excuse to go up and down the neighbouring streets to study everyone's house.

This is the full front of the house if it helps, you can also see how next door dealt with the top window.

This is nice - an arched sash

I would make them match like the sash windows (maybe with less glazing bars - but 2 side opening central closed) & have the upper window to match (but maybe with only the centre opening)

I would get a drawing to see how a false arch would look from the outside & the inside but with clever curtains it could look spectacular

What is the house age about - I started off with mid 1930s but with the second picture it could be older

& this is divine

You could always get them to brinc a bit of the arch in

It's around 1900-1910, so you weren't not far off.

I've just done a quick drawing of the bottom with an arch, it does look rather pretty...

Why don't the windows line up? It's affronting my sense of symmetry.

If you retain the layout of the bottom window, can you do some faux effect in the arch of the upper window to mimic the bars in the bottom window.

senua I know! It's because of the sloped roof, which forms a bay window, currently being hidden by the hideous porch - that's going too!

Look at this website and scroll down to their 'recent installations' In pictures 2 and 5 they have windows with an arch effect in the horizontal bar - would that give a tie-in to the arch in the upper window.

Poulter Next doors is actually the nicer example of what others have done.

The plastic wall is going, leaving behind the original storm porch and entrance which will eventually be replaced with a lovely new sympathetic one, hopefully reducing the windowyness of the front.

I'm starting to think the same, replacing like for like might be the best option.

Oh, if the porch is going then can you incorporate an arch in that to match the upper window.

Match the porch in ......PLEASE!!

Umm oh I wish I could draw

Senua & Katymac that's just where I disappeared to, creating a rough mock up on Photoshop.

It creates that balance that's currently missing from the front, I think you've cracked it.

Let us see?

Please??

Very rough drawing, but definitely getting there.

(Ignore the door, it's from my 'oh that's nice' stockpile)