Greek Revival 1825 – 1850

Greek Revival House Profile
From The Salem Handbook, Historic Salem Incorporated, 1977

Plan
For the first time, the focus shifted from the long side of the house to the short gabled end.

Doorway
Fanlights and other elaborate details of the Federal doorway were replaced by a recessed doorway. Generally, a four-panel door was used in the entry. The door was often framed by narrow, floor-length sidelights and a transom, and usually flanked by flat pilasters and an architrave.

Windows
Elongated windows with six over six panes.

Roofline
Gable of medium pitch, sometimes with a low triangular pediment. Chimneys became small and insignificant.

Materials
Siding was usually clapboard. Matched flatboards, designed to resemble stone, were often found on the facade.

Decoration
Simple lines with a concern for classical formalities. Massive pilasters or wide columns supporting a triangular pediment and a flat band under the eaves gave the appearance of a Greek temple.
Roof Details