How to Match Window Style to Architectural Periods in San Diego (Spanish Revival, Mid-Century, Contemporary)
By ClearMax Staff
December 2025
The neighborhoods of San Diego are a combination of charm and simplicity of the coastline as well as the modern design. Due to Spanish Revival houses in Mission Hills to Mid-Century dwellings in La Mesa and smooth Contemporary constructions in the downtown, every architectural style would have its own window requirements. The use of windows that match the time your home was built helps to preserve the originality of your home, increases the curb value, and retains value.
Here we dissect and explain the decision-making process when choosing the appropriate window styles in three of the most dominant architectural periods including Spanish Revival, Mid-Century Modern, and Contemporary, which cross San Diego.
Spanish Revival: Arched Elegance & Textured Warmth
Spanish Revival houses that can be found all over Kensington, Mission Hills and some areas of Point Loma are characterized by stucco walls that are earth-colored, clay roofs, richly decorated iron-work, and gentle, romantic shapes. These homes should have windows that match that warm historic appearance.
Recommended Styles
- Arched picture windows
- Multi-lite casement windows
- Wood or wood-clad frames
Material/ Finish Recommendations.
- Dark bronze, espresso or black finishes.
- Frames that are wood-lined with warmth and strength.
- Low-E Low-E glass and comfort.
Mid-Century Modern: Clean Lines & Wide Glass Panels
The homes of Mid-Century Modern focus on the connection between the indoors and outdoors, geometric simplicity, and natural lighting.
Recommended Styles
- Large picture windows
- Horizontal sliding windows
- Awning windows
Material & Finish Suggestions
- Either slim aluminum or fiberglass frames.
- Natural metal or matte black finishes.
- Double-pane insulated glass
Contemporary: Minimalism, Symmetry & High Performance
The modern building design is centered on clean geometry, efficient materials and smooth transition of the indoor and outdoor way of life.
Recommended Styles
- Picture windows on the floor to ceiling
- Casement or tilt-turn windows
- Multi-panel swinging glass doors
Material & Finish Suggestions
- Either narrow-profile aluminum or fiberglass
- Neutral or black finishes
- Low-E Coatings of high performance
Choosing the Right Windows for Your Architectural Period
The correctly chosen window styles can keep your home in character, increase the curb appeal, and performance by matching those styles to the architectural time. The correct windows will transform any building, historic Spanish Revival or a modern coastal retreat.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
ClearMax Windows and Doors provide customized windows to all architectural designs in San Diego.
Get your own free measurement and appointment today and provide our team with the assistance to select the windows that will match your house design, performance requirements, and budget.
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