A Guide to Sash Windows Through The Victorian Era

The Victorian Era was about reviving classic house architectural designs and styles. Gothic, Tudor and Italianate were some of the traditional British designs that saw popularity during this era. John Ruskin, an art critic during the Victorian Era, led the revival of traditional architecture which used better windows and doors building materials to forge a new future.

One of the most prominent traditional designs was Victorian sash windows. This window style offered an ideal balance between ventilation and illumination by featuring a two over two panel grid design, known as sashes. They were also the perfect weatherproof enclosure for homes in the victorian era.

As we explore sash windows through the Victorian Era, it may encourage you to retain the splendour of your Victorian-period home by refurbishing, upgrading or replacing your traditional sash windows. If this is the case, get in touch with our expert team today to get Victorian sash windows with the added benefits of full draught exclusion and double-glazing energy efficiency.

Original Victorian House Architecture

Queen Victoria’s reign during the 19th century introduced innovation in manufacturing processes. Thanks to the establishment of a railway system, raw materials such as slate from North Wales and mass-produced bricks from Bedfordshire helped revolutionise the house construction process. Homes featured elaborate details as well as Greek-inspired facades being prominent during Victorian time. Iron railings, decorative shingles, stained glass windows, roofs sporting different angles and stonework were other notable features. Geometric terracotta tiles and a fireplace in the average Victorian home were standards in its interior.

Victorian Sash Windows

The Victorian Era was all about ornate and elaborate designs, which were adapted by sash window manufacturers. Georgian sash windows were altered by fitting larger sheets of glass and re-glazing old window styles. Old glazing bars were removed as glazing bars became smaller. Although sash window proportions also changed, ventilation and light were maximised.

More window panes, or sashes, were also added to the Victorian sash windows. Since larger window panes were the design norm during that period, four, eight and 12-pane sizes sash windows were used. There were even 16-window pane sash windows which were featured on homes or buildings fronting the bay area or harbour. The number of windows, their size, types, and shape gave Victorian homes and buildings their unique character. Sash windows which were vertically designed allowed for natural lighting in houses while it protected its inhabitants from excessive glare. The careful graduation of these sash windows allows natural light into other rooms of the house as well, opening up the space of homes.

Victorian Gothic-inspired villas and some terraces used four-paned sash windows. These windows were also adapted by low-cost terraced homes. The essential rooms of a home used plate-glass for their sash windows, due to the advancements in glass production during this era, a single glazing bar was enough for sash windows. Even rural properties benefited from these stained glass production techniques.

Sash windows became popular with builders during the Victorian Era. Due to cheaper glass manufacturing techniques and the benefits of installing these types of sash windows made them the standard for homes and buildings around London. Interested in learning more about the Victorian history of sash windows in London? Take a look at our blog on London and Victorian sash windows.

Give your period home a sash window upgrade by contacting us today >

Get Victorian Sash Windows from the Specialists

If you’re after installation, replacement & upgrade specialists for Victorian sash windows or casement windows, the specialists in traditional sash windows are here to help. Get in touch to arrange a visit to our showroom today.

We endeavour to serve as much of London, Surrey, and the South of England as possible and have been installing & renovating sash windows, casement windows and doors throughout these areas since our founding in 1999.

We cover areas including Central London, South London, South West London, West London, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Middlesex and Parts of Kent and East and West Sussex for all our services including Victorian-Styled windows and doors. Please see the areas we serve for further location details.

FAQS

What is a Victorian sash window?

A Victorian sash window is a type of window with two panels that slide vertically past each other within a frame.

What is the difference between Georgian and Victorian sash windows?

Georgian sash windows typically have smaller panes with multiple glazing bars, while Victorian sashes are larger with fewer glazing bars and often have decorative detailing.

What were the features of the Victorian windows?

Victorian windows often featured larger panes of glass, intricate mouldings, and sometimes stained glass or decorative elements.

What kind of windows were used in the Victorian era?

Sash windows were predominantly used in the Victorian era, along with some casement windows towards the later part of the era.

What era were sash windows?

Sash windows became popular in the late 17th century and remained common through the Victorian era (19th century).

What size were Victorian sash windows?

Victorian sash windows varied in size, but typical dimensions could range from 3 feet wide by 5 feet tall for single panes to larger for bay windows.

Can Victorian sash windows be double-glazed?

Yes, Victorian sash windows can be double-glazed to improve insulation and energy efficiency.

What were Victorian sash windows made from?

Victorian sash windows were often made from wood, such as pine or oak, but some later examples used iron or steel.

What are the best windows for a Victorian house?

Sash windows are the most authentic choice for a Victorian house, but casement windows can also be suitable, especially for renovations where energy efficiency is a priority.