The Curious Story Behind Those Diagonal Windows You’ve Seen on Old Houses

Hey, have you ever been driving through an old town, or maybe walking through a neighborhood, and noticed a house with a diagonal window?

At first glance, it might seem like a quirky design choice, but I promise you—it’s way more interesting than just someone trying to be “artsy.”

Let me tell you a story. These windows, which are often referred to as “witch windows” (yeah, seriously!), actually have a pretty cool backstory that dates way back.

Legend has it that people in rural areas of Vermont and parts of New England believed witches couldn’t fly their brooms through a diagonal window. I mean, it sounds funny, right? But back then, people took their superstitions seriously.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Ok, but witches? Really?” Yes, really!

And this wasn’t just for Halloween laughs—it was believed that a crooked window could stop bad spirits, which made these windows a unique form of protection. But there’s more than just superstition to it.

There’s also a super practical reason for these diagonal windows. A lot of old homes in the Northeast were built with steep roofs, and sometimes space was tight, especially around staircases.

By installing windows diagonally, they could squeeze them in where a regular, straight window wouldn’t fit. Pretty clever, right?

So, the next time you’re strolling by an old house and spot one of these odd diagonal windows, you’ll know it wasn’t just a weird design choice.

Whether it was to keep witches at bay or just to let a little extra light into the attic—these windows are a charming piece of history that still gets people talking today.

Now, go ahead, share this quirky fact with a friend! Who knows—you might spot one on your next road trip and impress everyone with your “witch window” knowledge. 👻

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