
What Is a Double-Hung Window?
Double-hung windows feature two operable sashes that slide vertically — up from the bottom or down from the top. These windows differ from single-hung windows in that single-hung windows can only be opened from the bottom sash. Double-hung windows are also different from casement windows in that casement windows are hinged on one side and open outwards.
Benefits of Double-Hung Windows
Double-Venting. Double-hung windows have double-venting to allow more airflow and ventilation in your home. Since double-hung windows can open from the top and bottom, they provide you with much more openness, allowing more fresh air to enter your home.
Performance. Double-hung windows have great benefits when it comes to performance. For example, this homeowner went with Lifestyle Series double-hung windows for their home's new addition to match the style of the rest of their home while also providing excellent energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Easy to Clean. Double-hung windows are easy to clean as both sashes can open and can tilt inward, allowing you to easily clean the inside and outside of your window.

Windows Around Harrisburg
The vast majority of homes in Harrisburg are traditional-style homes. Some of the neighborhoods with this aesthetic include Grantly, located in York, and a development called Stephens Crossing, located in Mechanicsburg. Many of these homes feature double-hung windows with grilles.
An example of a traditional home includes this home in Media, PA where we installed Pella Reserve traditional wood windows to complement the natural striping of the wood and the plain white walls in the home. These traditional windows created meaningful depth and a realistic shadow with the putty profile and historic angles.
We also work to preserve the history behind homes. For example, we worked with Creative Building Concepts to renovate a cabin. We used Lifestyle wood windows to preserve the history of the cabin while giving it a modern touch.
Why Double-Hung Windows Make Sense on Different Styles of Homes
Double-hung windows are a classic choice for many different home styles. This type of window tends to work well and look good because they offer a simple shape with several customizations while also providing easy functionality.
Pella Double-Hung Windows
Wood. Wood windows offer beauty and strength. They also work with a variety of home styles because of the many paints and stains that they can be finished with, along with aluminum-clad protective exteriors that also come in a variety of colors. Our wood lines include Architect Series and Reserve Traditional styles, as well as our Lifestyle Series.
Wood double-hung windows go great on many different homes as they can match your home's exterior and even highlight some areas. For example, we added double-hung windows to this home to enhance its craftsman-like character and highlight the exposed beams.
Another example of how double-hung wood windows can highlight a home: We installed Lifestyle Series white wood windows to complement this home's stone exterior for a cozy look. It also had the added benefit of bringing in lots of natural light to make the room look bigger.
We did this again for this homeowner when we installed Architect Series wood double-hung windows to replace their drafty window. We were able to match the new window to the old ones to maintain consistency and aesthetics.
Lastly, our double-hung wood windows were able to match this homeowner's old windows when building an addition to the home. We installed Lifestyle Series double-hung windows to match them. Their 30-year-old windows are still working well. Overall, they were happy with the quality, resilience and durability of our wood windows.
Vinyl. Our 250 Series window line is constructed with vinyl. Vinyl windows are an affordable yet high-quality option. These frames have been tested for excellent weathering, durability and color retention. Vinyl windows can also provide energy efficiency, noise control and are low maintenance.
Fiberglass. Our Impervia windows are made from the strongest window material available: fiberglass.16 As a result, these windows are known for their durability and sleek lines. In addition, they can withstand extreme temperatures.
Double-Hung Window Sizes
Our double-hung windows come in a wide range of sizes to fit your needs and preferences:
- 250 Series: from 14-1/2" x 23-1/2" to 53-1/2" x 78"
- Impervia: up to 47-1/2" x 79-1/2"
- Lifestyle Series: dual pane in sizes up to 41.5" x 77"
- Architect Series: from 14" x 24-3/8" to 54" x 96" in 1/8" increments
- Reserve: sizes up to 48" x 96" in 1/8" increments
Customization options
Finishes
- 250 Series: white, almond, fossil or dual-color frames in fossil, brown or black
- Impervia: interior finishes of black, brown and white
- Lifestyle Series: interior finishes of stains like golden oak, black or Early American. Paints in multiple shades of white. Exterior finishes such as black, brown, gray and brick red.
- Architect Series: prefinished stains such as natural, red mahogany and espresso. Prefinished paints like linen white and primed. Exterior finishes such as almond, fossil and Hartford green.
- Reserve: same as Architect Series in prefinished options and exterior with added colors like sage and frost blue
Grilles
You have many different grille options here at Pella. These options include prairie, cross, top row, Victorian, traditional, New England and custom styles. We also have removable interior grilles, grilles-between-the-glass and simulated-divided-light grilles available with or without spacers for our lifestyle series. In addition, our Architect Series and Reserve product lines have removable, between and integral light technology to be historically accurate.
Screens
Screens can aid in your home's light, ventilation and airflow. Windows made from fiberglass or vinyl can be paired with either InView or conventional (standard) screens. Pella wood windows have InView screens and Rolscreen retractable screens available. InView screens are more transparent than conventional fiberglass screens providing a clearer view.
Hardware
Our double-hung windows come with security hardware to keep you and your valuables protected. We have cam-action locks as well as sash lifts in the rustic collection for our Architect Series windows. On our vinyl 250 Series windows, we offer auto locks. Lastly, on our Architect Series and Reserve double-hung windows, we have a classic collection with spoon-style locks and a rustic and essential collection featuring more cam-action lock finishes.
Schedule your free, no-pressure Pella window consultation to get the ball rolling on your window replacement or new construction project.