probably not the right place but windows - antique lead strips?

[fattime]

Got the choice of no strips, white strips or just plain windows.

Wish I could do a link to show you what I mean but all are quite popular in this area but white stands out quite a bit, the strips divide the window pane into squares hope that makes sense. Wondering if the "antique lead" makes the windows darkish as some windows are already in the shade in the afternoon.

antique lead definitely darkens rooms and is a bugger to clean but so pretty...

I've got the lead strips but only in the top sections of my windows - to match the originals. Don't think it makes the room darker...

bump, it's such a lot of money to spend if I get it wrong so really appreciate opinions, thanks wisteria and KTeePee anyone else?

I agree with wisteria that they are pretty, the antique ones but I don't think they make the rooms darker.

It depends on many things I suppose; how big your windows are, how much natural light comes in anyway etc etc but from having both before (in same house) know it made a difference to feel of rooms. I still prefer them tho', even with loss of light! Not seen the ones leaded just at top - that sounds like a good option.
On the plus side - less streaming light coming through means you don't have to clean them too often!! and I really hate cleaning windows...

Strictly only on a period house where those windows were appropriate.

On whole would agree with Mumblechum (do prefer old things to be old and new new, never the twain shall meet etc etc) but my friend has new build house with thatched roof and leaded windows which does look appropriate, although I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it with own eyes!! It has had wooden framed windows not UPVC as well which just adds to charm.

agree with Mumblechum - only on a period house and def not with upvc. If you've got any sort of a view a nice expanse of pane would be far nicer.

So now my question is white strips or just plain windows? I feel white strips are very much in your face but are plain windows just too boring? Sorry but I do value MNetters opinions!

If it's a modern house I think good plain windows are nothing to be ashamed of (I don't find them boring!) and easily made more interesting with decent drapes etc. if necessary for your tastes.

Wisteria, so wise! It is a modern house and I suppose that because I want it to be more than it is to look attractive I could so easily make bad decisions in an effort to make it look attractive.

I understand completely, I really really do! We have just bought a modern(ish) house because there was nothing in the area big enough and old, then time ran out, the first house I bought was a crumbling 16thc cottage and the next period Victorian - and I really miss the character.
If it's any help, we've decided to throw ourselves into doing this up - but in a modern way as once you come to terms with it it's actually quite fun! I have to reign myself back from antique furniture shops all the time but I'm concentrating on making the garden look lovely now as it doesn't matter whether that's old or modern..

I have the same problem wisteria and there are some lovely antique shops in our area. I find myself buy the wrong type of house magazines too for inspiration as to how I might "improve" our modern block.

I have made big improvements with plants - makes your place stand out a bit more. We put a big pond in the garden too (and veggie patch) makes me feel like I'm back on farm, oo-arrr.
Carry on buying your mags, it's nice to dream about next time.... but meanwhile try to make the best of what you've got; I've got friends with old houses who'd kill for ours but they might just be being kind!

Our 1930's semi had antique lead in the top windows, with coloured glass so we replicated it exactly when we had the windows replaced. Everyone comments on how good it looks. They are huge bays though so they do look right.

The previous owners had stuck on antique lead strips all over some of the other windows and I agree that when we had it replaced with plain, the house did seem lighter and less fussy

lucycat sounds gorgeous! I was gutted when the people who bought my old house ripped out the original windows which I had painstakingly restored and replaced with white UPVC, each to their own though!

Wisteria - the blokes who replaced the windows couldn't understand why we wanted the same design - he kept trying to get us to have roses or some such.....erm no squares and diamonds please - exactly as we have now ta.

Good for you honey, I bet it was the right decision, well done for standing your ground. We are so lucky in this country to have retained so many old period properties, it's nice to hear of others keeping in synch with their house xx

Oh you're so lucky Lucycat. People before us had their's (now ours!) replaced with sodding roses. Urgh! Some of teh neighbours have teh originals in the replacemnet ones, looks so much better. And some lucky ones still have teh original wooden ones - sob.

plain. I once didn't buy a house purely because of lead strips.

agree with stripy.... plain vote here too.