I recently received a house design question from a reader asking if there was a formula for determining the proper window size (height and width) for a house. Here’s how I answered his question.

I don’t have any strict formula I use for determining window size. I depend on my eye. If you have elevations of your cabin drawn accurately to scale, simply try a few window sizes until you get ones that just look right. They should fill the wall but not overwhelm it. Windows in large rooms need to be wider than windows in small rooms. Generally, window size selection is a little like the story of the Three Bears. They shouldn’t be too big or too small. They need to be just right. If you don’t trust your instincts on this, ask for some other people’s opinions and factor those into your decision.

Window proportions are a very subjective decision. The proportions of the wall, the style of the house, and personal preference are all important considerations.