Styles of Window Trim

Windows themselves can transform a property. But windows alone are not the only part of what makes a window attractive. For many properties, especially upscale properties and commercial properties, it is the trim around the window that can make the most significant difference.

Here at Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles, we create custom window trim using a cement coated architectural EPS core, which is extraordinarily light weight, low cost to install, and still has the same upscale appearance that you expect for commercial and residential properties. For more information about our window trim options, or how they compare to precast, stone, wood, and more, please contact tour team today.  

Types of Window Trim Available

There are an essentially unlimited number of window trim styles that a builder can use to decorate a home, but some are going to be more desirable than others. Some examples of these styles include:

Traditional Trim

Traditional trim is characterized by its classic, timeless appeal. This style typically includes detailed moldings and a symmetrical design. It often features elements such as:

• Casing – Simple or intricately detailed, surrounding the window frame.
• Apron – A horizontal piece beneath the window sill.
• Header – A decorative piece that tops the window, sometimes with crown molding.

Traditional trim works well in colonial, Victorian, and other historic-style homes, adding a touch of elegance and formality.

Craftsman Trim

Craftsman trim emphasizes simplicity and handcrafted quality. Key features include:

• Wide Casings – Typically flat and broad, providing a substantial look.
• Stool and Apron – The stool (or sill) is often extended slightly, with a simple apron below.
• Tapered Sides – Sometimes the vertical sides of the trim are tapered to create a unique visual effect.

This style is perfect for Craftsman, bungalow, and rustic homes, offering a warm and welcoming feel.

Modern Trim

Modern window trim is all about clean lines and minimalism. This style tends to avoid ornate details and focuses on simplicity and function. Characteristics include:

• Flat Stock Trim – Simple, flat boards used to create a sleek frame around the window.
• Minimalist Approach – Less emphasis on decorative elements, with a focus on straight lines and smooth surfaces.
• Neutral Colors – Often painted in whites, blacks, or grays to match modern interior design.

Modern trim suits contemporary and minimalist home designs, contributing to a clean and uncluttered look.

Colonial Trim

Colonial trim features a refined, symmetrical design that reflects the architectural styles of early American homes. Elements often include:

• Crown Molding – Decorative crown molding at the top of the window.
• Detailed Casing – Molded or beaded casings that add texture and depth.
• Pediment or Header – A more decorative top piece, sometimes with a pediment.

This style is ideal for colonial and Georgian-style homes, providing a sense of heritage and formality.

Farmhouse Trim

Farmhouse trim combines rustic charm with a touch of modern sensibility. It often includes:

• Shiplap or Beadboard – Vertical paneling used around the window to add texture.
• Simple Casings – Wide, flat casings that frame the window.
• Natural Wood Finish – Often left natural or painted in soft, muted colors.

Farmhouse trim works well in farmhouse, cottage, and eclectic homes, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Victorian Trim

Victorian trim is known for its elaborate and ornate details, reflecting the opulence of the Victorian era. Features include:

• Decorative Casings – Intricate patterns and carvings on the casing.
• Rosettes and Plinth Blocks – Ornamental pieces at the corners and bases of the trim.
• Layered Moldings – Multiple layers of molding to create a rich, textured appearance.

Victorian trim is perfect for homes with Victorian, Queen Anne, or Gothic revival architecture, adding a touch of grandeur and sophistication.

Choosing the Right Trim

When selecting window trim for your home, consider the architectural style, interior design, and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of modern trim or the detailed elegance of Victorian trim, there is a style to suit every taste and home design. For more information, or to get started, contact Patterson Whittaker, today.