Seattle Architectural Styles Through The Years
Take a tour of Seattle architecture over the past 120 years.


Take a trip through time
Home building styles in the Seattle area have evolved over the years.  This is by no means a complete list of all styles available, nor are the timeframes exact.  The following homes should, however, give you a good framework for understanding the most popular home styles in Seattle over the past century. 


1890s
Queen Anne - Victorian

These are elegant homes, decorated with detailed ornamentation, turrets, and intricate moldings.

1900s
Seattle Box - Four Square

Large boxy homes with seats in the bay windows, and large porches.


1910s
Craftsman Bungalow - Arts and Crafts

These homes are identified by their covered porches with heavy posts, simple trim stacked trim, and large eaves overhanging the home.

1920s
Dutch Colonial - Farmhouse

The unique four-piece roofline is a colonial hallmark, as well as shutters, and heavy moldings.

1930s
Tudor

Steep clean roof lines, arches, coved celings, mahogany trim, and leaded glass round out the tudor's attributes.

1940s
Cape Cod

These homes became more subdued, with beveled siding and softly sloped roof lines.

1950s
Mid-Century

With walls of windows, vaulted ceilings, indoor-outoor spaces, and carports, mid-centuries exude a vintage ambience.

1960s
Stark 60s Modern

In the 1960s, builders went simple, with little or no ornamentation, and nearly flat roofs.

1970s
Split-Level

Split-level homes dominated the 1970s, with separate living spaces and room to spread out for families with children or guests.

1980s
NW Contemporary - Minimalist

Builders became simple, functional, and economical in expanding the NW style of homes during the '80s.

1990s
Post Modernism

Abandoning traditional style for personalization and differentiation, most '90s homes take some features from many time periods but have their own unique look.

2000 and beyond
Craftsman-Modern Hybrid

With high end electronics and architectural style, modern homes are also incorporating craftsman touches for a more intimate feel.