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.

Do you like this?

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I like the shape of your door-archway, but the pillar between door and window is too narrow (would your house fall down!)

Put an arch on the lounge window too please...pretty please?

That is amazing Senua

Senua Yes, that's lovely.

The pillar is wider in real life, and reassuringly the house opposite has it this way already. Minus the arch.

Katymac...

It might need a door arch too

Off to bed I will check in tomorrow - good luck

The arch on the lower window troubles me. It may be pretty but it will have structural implications and therefore will be more expensive. And it will let less light into the room.

I wouldn't change the windows from the three panels - it just won't be in keeping with the house and will jar.

I agree, I'd never alter the down stairs window to an arch, I like how big it is ( it's also north facing so we need as much light in as possible).

I think my desire to alter the design comes from spending ££££s to not notice a difference if you see what I mean but that's probably not the best way to think!

I wish I had a picture of the original Windows, it would this decision so much simpler!

I know it seems a bit extreme but would your local library or council have archived photographs of your street? You might be able to see original glazing examples on that style of house even if it isn't your exact house.

Google your street name - you might get some old photos?

Keep the 3 panels make the outside two sash with a fixed window in the middle & the opposite upstairs?

A walk around the local area is a good idea - house types tend to be repeated and there may be one with the original windows still. I think the three panels reflect what would have been there. The single windows on the other side of the porch look odd to me - originally they were probably stained glass. In fact the living room window probably had stained glass in the top light and the larger panes may have been leaded lights in an Edwardian house.

There are some good books on Edwardian houses with lots of illustrations and photos which are worth a look too.

Natty the historical/local history images are kept online, here don't seem to be any images.

Wow I had a chat with the eldest neighbour (93) on the street earlier, she said the windows at the side were beautiful stained glass, same as the tiny one upstairs.

She also confirmed that the three panels was the original design, clearly it just doesn't translate well when you chuck in uPVC.

I am lucky enough to live in an Edwardian house with the original windows OP!

Wow I am green with envy right now!

They are beautiful, but only single glazed obviously. We have some secondary glazing. DP spent an afternoon recently getting most of them to open as they've been a bit neglected, some were painted shut, etc. They are metal casements set into wooden frames.