Historically if one had wood storm windows they also had wood window screens. Wood screen windows are just like wood storm windows except there would be screens instead of glass.
In my opinion this is an unnecessary luxury that takes up valuable storage space and detracts from curb appeal by hiding your windows.
Adjustable Window Screens are my recommendation.
Here is The Adjustable Window Screen Company patent of 1866.
Horizontal sliding screen frames are adjusted to fit perfectly to any width window.
I have a variety of sizes on hand – some that are larger and smaller in height depending on how much outside air you want.
Adjustable louvers are also available for attic ventilation.
Remember to paint the frames to match your window sash color.
Here is a link to adjustable window screens .
They are historically correct, easy to use and store, and are very inexpensive. They can be purchased at real hardware stores or online here .
Adjustable window screen ad from 1911
Adjustable screen window. Sears Roebuck catalog 1897.
Another historically correct option which I use mostly are lace curtains. They provide the same purpose as screens. Bugs cannot enter.
Whatever you choose as a screen, do NOT get a full window screen. You will be hiding the beauty of your window!
Window with and without full screen.
In the above image the window on the left is bare and the window on the right has a full window screen. Notice how the screen changes the appearance of the window. I recommend using only half screens or the adjustable screens discussed.
Read about Exterior Storm Windows . They are not like those you remember.
Read about Interior Storm Windows here . An option to show off your beautiful windows.
Agreed. Those screens are the best solution. I never liked how screens (and modern storm windows) hide the window. Another option, if you don’t have original windows, is to have interior retractable screens. My Marvin windows have them, maybe others do also.
“Another historically correct option which I use mostly are lace curtains. They provide the same purpose as screens. Bugs cannot enter.”
Is this humor, or is there a trick I don’t know about? I don’t like screens on my Dutch colonial, but they serve as a swarming termite deterrent. I wish lace curtains would do the same…
This wouldn’t work too good with swarms but for flies etc they work great.
We preserved the original double hung windows in our 1890’s farmhouse and had custom storm windows made (that match the double hung style) with hinges, and use adjustable window screens. The problem is the space between the lower and upper window when windows are open with screen. Bugs and flies come up through that space. I have applied masking tape, which seems to help, but eliminates closing the window (have to reapply each time). It’s a big house, 39 windows, we cannot put up and remove storms/substitute screens, too much work. We have a lot of guests, it’s a major problem, especially in summer and now in the fall, when flies invade. Thanks!
So the meeting rail which is basically the bottom piece of the top sash and top piece of the bottom sash. When the window is open and a sliding screen in used these two pieces are not lined up allowing a small space for bad bugs to enter. I would do what you do when you have a window a/c unit. Cut a piece of gray insulation and stuff in at the top of the bottom sash. The bugs will not be able to enter as warm air would not be able to enter if you had an a/c in the window. This is what I would do.