A Guide to the History of Edwardian Sash Windows

The Victorian Era ended in 1901, ushering in the Edwardian Era in architecture. It was the dawn of the 20th century, and people wanted to move out of highly-industrialised cities. This gave birth to the rise of homes outside the city, which people now know as suburbs. Thanks to the rise of the new social class, the Middle Class, the demands for spacious and airy homes were high. The expansion of the railways also contributed to the boom of communities at the edge of London.

“Opening Up” was the main theme during this era, and everyone wanted a well-lit home. Since the Edwardian Era borrowed design ideas from both the Georgian and Victorian eras, Edwardian-era sash windows were incorporated into architecture from these times. However, after studying the different sash windows in London, architects needed to return to the drawing board. Simplicity was one of the major characteristics of the Edwardian Era, and a simple Edwardian sash window design would complement the era’s theme of opening up to a new century.

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Edwardian architecture

Edwardian architecture departed from the fussy and dark Victorian designs. The Middle Class reigned supreme, and they wanted to show off their wealth. These homes were built on bigger lots, which featured bigger gardens. They were also shorter compared to Victorian and Georgian homes. Edwardian homes also featured spacious living rooms and large halls. Servants’ rooms and wine cellars were removed.

Timber frames were used on both internal and exterior walls. This design was borrowed from the Tudor Era to give homes a more rustic appearance. Pebbledash was a common exterior feature for homes during this period. Lime, stone and sand were mixed to create these roughcast walls.

Art Nouveau was also an inspiration for Edwardian architects and designers. Fireplaces featured curved sides and whiplash designs carved into wooden panels. Floorboards made from high-quality dark wood gave Edwardian homes their distinct character. It was a delicate balance between luxury and lighting up spaces.

Edwardian Sash Windows

To achieve the goal of opening and lighting up home interiors, architects borrowed elements from Georgian architecture. Calling it Neo-Georgian, multi-paned Edwardian-era sash windows were incorporated into homes. They needed bigger sash windows and doors to allow natural light to come in. Most of these houses had higher ceilings and larger rooms, and Edwardian sash windows could and would be incredibly effective for lighting up a home.

Standard sash window heights during this period were floor to ceiling, and their width was typically around five feet. Smaller paned Edwardian-era sash windows were also installed in pairs to help maximise light. Upper sashes could also feature stained glass images, which gave Edwardian homes their unique design characteristics.

The Edwardian Era was the shortest in the history of British architecture, and it saw a steady decline in sash window use. Due to the complicated process of building sash windows, timber and steel windows replaced them after the First World War. However, sash windows were still in vogue up to the 1930s and are even seeing a resurgence today.

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Upgrade Your Home with Edwardian-Era Sash Windows

Looking to install, replace, or upgrade your sash windows or casement windows? Whether you’re restoring a historic property with Edwardian sash windows or enhancing a modern home, Sash Windows Specialists are here to help. Our sash windows offer aesthetic versatility, energy efficiency, and long-lasting durability, making them a perfect solution for any home.

Since 1999, we’ve been serving Central London, South London, Surrey, Berkshire, and surrounding areas with expert craftsmanship in sash windows and casement window installation and renovation. Contact us today at 0800 389 7384 or visit our showroom to see how we can help bring timeless charm to your property.