Farmhouse Windows: 17 Farmhouse and Cottage Styles

Windows do more to create the farmhouse and cottage look than almost anything else. Picture crisp white sashes with neat rows of panes, black-framed windows on a modern farmhouse, small casements framed by climbing roses, and window boxes spilling with geraniums. Get the windows right and a house instantly feels rooted, relaxed and welcoming.

In this guide I'll share 17 farmhouse and cottage window ideas, from traditional six-over-six sashes and leaded diamond panes to black grid windows and picture windows over the sink, plus the difference between farmhouse and cottage windows, the best frame colours, how to dress them and the mistakes to avoid.

The quick answer: classic farmhouse windows are double-hung sash windows with divided panes, usually six-over-six, four-over-four or two-over-two, framed with simple flat trim and often paired with shutters. Modern farmhouse windows are typically black-framed with a simple grid. Cottage windows are smaller and more varied: small-paned casements, leaded lights, dormers and window boxes. White, black, green and natural wood are the most popular frame colours.

Farmhouse vs Cottage Windows

Window patterns also help date an old house. The University of Vermont's Landscape Change Program notes that "in the mid-19th century, six-over-six, double-hung sash windows became popular," and that "by the 1890s, many two-over-two, double-hung sash windows were installed."

17 Farmhouse and Cottage Window Ideas

Classic farmhouse windows

1. Six-over-six sash windows. The quintessential farmhouse window, with six panes in each sash. They give a house a calm, ordered look and suit white or pale painted siding beautifully.

2. Two-over-two sash windows. Simpler and later than six-over-six, two-over-two windows let in more light and look a little cleaner, while still feeling traditional.

3. Black grid windows. The modern farmhouse look is all about black-framed windows with a simple grid against white walls. It's crisp, graphic and works inside and out, and the trend for modern grid windows has grown from it.

4. A picture window over the sink. A large fixed window above a butler sink, framing a view of fields or the garden, is the dream farmhouse kitchen feature.

5. Simple flat trim and deep sills. Farmhouse windows look best with plain, flat trim and a deep sill for jars, plants and treasures. The simplest window trim styles suit them perfectly.

6. Barn-style transom windows. A row of rectangular windows above doors or high in a wall is typical of converted barns and brings light deep into a room.

7. Bay windows with bench seats. A farmhouse kitchen bay with a built-in bench makes the perfect breakfast nook, and the idea works just as well in a curved bow. The main differences between bay and bow windows are their shape and the number of panels.

8. Shutters. Working or decorative shutters in black, green or a soft colour frame farmhouse windows and add character to a plain facade. The rules for choosing shutter colors apply to any house colour.

Cottage windows

9. Small-paned casements. Little casement windows with small panes of glass, opening outwards on side hinges, are the heart of the cottage look, especially with roses or wisteria climbing around them.

10. Window boxes. A window box of red geraniums, trailing ivy or herbs under every window is pure cottage charm and softens even the plainest wall.

11. Leaded diamond panes. Leaded lights with small diamond-shaped panes give a cottage a historic, storybook feel. Original leaded windows are worth repairing whenever possible.

12. Dormer windows. Dormers set into a sloping roof light up attic bedrooms and give a cottage or farmhouse its classic silhouette. Larger gable windows do the same at the end of the roof.

13. Cafe curtains. A half-height curtain on a slim rod across the lower half of a cottage kitchen window gives privacy while letting light pour in above. Gingham, ticking and linen all look lovely.

14. Arched and round windows. A small arched or round window in a gable or above a door adds a touch of whimsy to a cottage.

15. French casement windows. A pair of French casement windows opening onto the garden gives a cottage a relaxed, European feel.

Colour ideas

16. Painted green frames. Deep green or sage window frames look wonderful against stone, brick or white render, and many of the best green paint colours suit cottage windows.

17. Natural wood frames. Oak or painted timber frames left with a natural or limed finish suit rustic farmhouses and barn conversions, and they age beautifully.

Best Frame Colors for Farmhouse and Cottage Windows

How to Dress Farmhouse and Cottage Windows

• Linen curtains on simple iron or wooden poles feel relaxed and natural.
• Cafe curtains suit kitchens and bathrooms.
• Roman blinds in checks, stripes or florals add colour without fuss.
• Wooden shutters inside or out are practical and charming.
• Plants on the sill finish the look, from herbs in the kitchen to geraniums in the living room.

How I Choose Farmhouse Windows

After more than 15 years of designing homes, pubs and restaurants, many of them in old country buildings, I've learnt a few rules for farmhouse and cottage windows.

• Keep the proportions. Tall, evenly spaced windows on a farmhouse and small, irregular ones on a cottage are part of the charm. Don't fight them.
• Repair before you replace. Old timber windows can often be repaired and draught-proofed for much less than the cost of new ones, and they look far better.
• Let the planting do the work. Window boxes and climbers soften the windows and connect the house to the garden.
• Choose one frame colour. White, black or green looks smartest when it's used on every window.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

What are farmhouse windows?

Farmhouse windows are usually double-hung sash windows with divided panes, framed with simple flat trim and often paired with shutters. Modern farmhouse windows are typically black-framed with a simple grid.

What style of windows are used on a farmhouse?

Double-hung windows in six-over-six, four-over-four or two-over-two patterns are the most traditional, along with picture windows, dormers and, on modern farmhouses, black casement or grid windows.

What are cottage windows?

Cottage windows are small, often irregular windows, usually casements with small panes or leaded lights, frequently framed by climbing plants or window boxes.

What color are farmhouse windows?

White is the most traditional, black is the most popular modern choice, and deep green and natural wood suit rustic and country homes.

Do farmhouse windows have grids?

Most do. Divided panes, either true divided lights or simulated grids, are a key part of the farmhouse look.

What is the difference between farmhouse and cottage windows?

Farmhouse windows are tall, regular double-hung sashes, while cottage windows are smaller, more varied casements, often with small panes or leaded lights.

How do you decorate farmhouse windows?

Use simple linen curtains, cafe curtains or Roman blinds, keep the trim plain, and finish with plants or window boxes.

Windows With a Country Heart

Farmhouse and cottage windows are all about simplicity, proportion and a connection to the garden. Choose the right pane pattern, keep the trim simple, pick one frame colour and let flowers and greenery do the rest.

And if you'd like help bringing country charm to your home, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.