WoW is correct that the narrower bars are more common, but I actually prefer the wider bars for that simple of a pattern since you're wanting them to be seen.

You have divided lites in your front door and the garage door. They should all match, if possible. Find out the size on those two products as they are probably more limited than the windows. That should drive your window decision.

Narrower the better, ideally 1/2 or 5/8" at most (probably not available). I'd re-think the 4 over 1 windows on the upstairs, they add an odd horizontal element to nice vertical spaces. I'd go with 2 over 1, 3 over 1, or 6 over 1.

Thank you all for all your helpful insights. Rweigand, I've gotten the same comment about the 4/1 from several different people, and I see what you mean about the horizontal shape. Originally, the architect had 6/1, but I asked him to change them, as I like simpler styles. We are doing double-hung Windows, so I'm not sure 3/1 or 2/1 would work. Are 4/1s usually used more when the 4 lites are squares--not rectangular?

Is the second image with the 6 over 1 windows better? We would change the front door.

I like the four over one better. We used 4/1 on the second floor of our house and I haven't noticed any odd horizontal elements and I have studied and analyzed everything on our house. Ours are on the back of the house though, so maybe that makes a difference?

I just picked up the book, "Get Your House Right". It's a great book for $15. The 4/1 windows would be incorrect according to these "pros".

Proportion of Lights

"Horizontal lights sit uncomfortably in a vertical window, vertical lights reinforce the proportions of the window and house."

Make sure you keep the mullion between the ganged windows too, avoiding the factory mulled units.

Thank you so much for that insight. Sounds like a book I need to get! :)

I'm in this spot right now too; there is definitely not enough written about this! I'm probably going for the wider grille simply because ours are required by Texas to be tinted and with them betwene the glass I'm afraid they'll disappear! Going with white as the tan would probably be barely visible.

I Don't know how old this thread is but I just want to chime in and say that I agree with your decision on the mullion style with the 4 over 1. I also like the 7/8" mullion size the best. Don't let other people and their 'rules' tell you what you should do.