Shingle Style Architecture is an American architectural style that emerged in the late 19th century and is characterized by its use of wooden shingles as an exterior covering. The style is often associated with coastal areas, particularly in New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions. Shingle Style buildings are typically large, single-family homes that feature asymmetrical massing, complex roof lines, and a variety of window shapes, often arranged in horizontal bands. The use of shingles creates a flowing, horizontal appearance to the roofline, walls, and gables. One of the defining features of Shingle Style Architecture is its emphasis on natural materials, particularly wood. This is reflected not only in the use of shingles but also in the interior details, which often include simple, classical mantelpieces and paneling, along with Arts and Crafts style built-ins. The style also often features a wrap-around porch, wide eaves, and tall, often multi-story towers. Shingle Style Architecture is often considered a reaction against the ornate, highly decorative styles that were popular in the late 19th century, such as the Queen Anne style. Instead, Shingle Style buildings tend to be more restrained in their ornamentation, with a focus on simple, elegant forms. The style is also closely associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized craftsmanship and the use of natural materials. Overall, Shingle Style Architecture is a distinctive and influential style that continues to be popular today. Its emphasis on natural materials, simple forms, and elegant details has made it a favorite of architects and homeowners alike. Whether in its traditional form or in more contemporary interpretations, Shingle Style Architecture remains a vital part of American architectural history.
American architecture, natural materials, Arts and Crafts movement, coastal areas, simple forms
Shingle Style Architecture is a type of American architecture that was popular in New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its use of wooden shingles as an exterior covering, which creates a horizontal, flowing appearance to the roofline, walls and gables. The style is often referred to as carpenter gothic, as its massing and detailing features an interpretation of the Gothic Revival style with elements of the Queen Anne style. In addition to its wooden shingles, Shingle Style architecture often features a wrap-around porch, wide eaves, and tall, often multi-story towers. Inside, common features included open floor plans, tall ceilings, and a focus on natural materials such as stone and wood.
wooden shingles, horizontal flow, Carpenter Gothic, Queen Anne, wrap-around porch, tall towers, open floor plans, natural materials, stone, wood.
Shingle Style Architecture is an architectural style of domestic buildings that was popular in the United States from the 1880s until the early 1900s. Characterized by a combination of shingle-covered walls, steeply pitched roofs, and an overall picturesque massing, the Shingle Style was an important example of the picturesque aesthetics that were popular in the late 19th century. Shingle Style buildings often include asymmetrical massing, complex roof lines, and a variety of window shapes, often arranged in horizontal bands. Traditional Shingle Style buildings are often detailed with scroll-sawn, “stickwork” and pointed-arched windows. Interior details often include simple, classical mantelpieces and paneling, along with Arts and Crafts style built-ins.
Shingle Style, Shingle Building, Roof Lines.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Shingle Style Architecture.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=196627 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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