Popular Windows & Doors for Chicago Bungalows

Whether you’re new to the Chicago area or consider yourself a lifetime resident of Chicagoland, you’re sure to have noticed bungalows are one of the most popular styles of home in the city as well as the suburbs. Join us as we dive deeper into this historic design and the windows and doors that fill it with light and create a connection to the community outside its doors.

The American bungalow style home was made popular in the early 1900’s as the middle-class population exploded in the windy city and can be seen across Chicago in areas such as Oak Park and Berwyn. There are approximately 80,000 original Chicago bungalow houses that have been home to generations of diverse families.

A typical Chicago bungalow home is a one- or one-and-a-half story house above a basement. Long and rectangular to match the size and shape of narrow Chicago lots, the bungalow maximizes square footage on a lot and number of homes on a street. Most bungalow homes have a large front porch and copious amounts of windows to connect their residents to the outdoors. They are known for their stone or brick accents and a low-pitched roof with a bungalow dormer window centered.

Bungalows in Chicago feature a large bank of windows facing the street, commonly in the living room. This purposeful design connects homeowners with the outdoors and their communities. Traditionally, bungalow window designs are made up of double-hung windows. These windows feature two movable sashes stacked one on top of the other and many originals have decorative leaded glass on the top sash. The top of the window can be lowered for efficient ventilation on a hot day. The sashes can tilt inward allowing for easy access to both the interior and exterior of the glass for easy cleaning.

Casement windows are a popular choice for bungalow homes in both remodels and new construction. These windows are more modern and are hinged at the side and crank open. You can achieve a modern look with no grilles or in traditional fashion, three casement windows with traditional grilles can be combined to create a prominent gable feature.

If you are looking to expand the usable space in your front living room, a bay window makes a great bungalow window design option for your home. This window allows for more natural light to come in and can be personalized to choose which panes are fixed and which open. Bay windows with built-in blinds are a popular alternative to the more modern triple-casement window option.

One of the most classic features of a bungalow home is the addition of a dormer window. There are a few different types of dormers including gabled, hip roof, shed and eyebrow. Centered on a low-pitched or hipped roof, bungalow dormer windows can be customized as an accessory piece or be completely functional with an attic space. When their appearance is prioritized over function, picture windows are the most popular choice. These windows do not open and therefore have excellent energy efficiency. Depending on how you plan to use the space with the dormer, casement and double-hung windows are commonly used to provide adequate ventilation and natural light.

When you’re thinking of installing a new front entry door to your home, many bungalow homeowners opt for a traditional style door which can be customized with sidelights and decorative glass within the door.

Craftsman bungalows are traditionally seen with a Craftsman style front door. The stately door gives a feeling of longevity, safety and enduring craftsmanship. It is made of wood or fiberglass and features glass in the top 1/4 part of the door and a dentil shelf. A beautiful yet low maintenance option can include a fiberglass entry door in a wood-look stain and finish. These doors are extremely energy-efficient and can be customized to fit your style. Pella's wood-grain finish is designed to give the appearance of a wood door with lower maintenance requirements.

When you’re ready to update your Chicagoland home with new or replacement windows and doors, Pella Windows & Doors of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is the place to go. Our team is highly experienced and educated in the popular home styles, trends and climate considerations across the area. When you work with Pella, you’re sure to get the right window or door for you and your home.