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The architectural style of the 18th and 19th centuries is closely associated with sash windows. They make practical and aesthetically pleasing alternatives to casements, with their large glass panels and graceful proportions.
Their origin has almost certainly been traced back to Yorkshire in England. They offered greater resistance to rot and distortion, while being able to keep out the weather and still allow fresh air in since they can be opened only slightly when it is raining.
Sash windows offered both practical advantages and a more pleasing style than older window designs, and they were popular in both new buildings and as stylish replacements in existing homes. The window tax of the 18th and 19th centuries caused many of these fashionable windows to be taken out again, however. The Georgian sash window took on the modern double sash form. Blown glass with bull’s eye markings were the most common form, but still expensive. As better methods of making large panes were found, windows with six panels in each sash appeared, becoming characteristic of the Georgian sash window. They became a key part of Regency architecture.
The popularity of these windows have remained strong during the Victorian age, but they were ornamented with elaborate decorations. Sash windows that are gradated in size, becoming smaller at the top of the building are indicative of the style of this time, as are large bay windows. Four paned sashes are more common in houses built at this time. While the absence of glazing bars was originally a status symbol, many people put in windows that imitated older styles once sheet glass had become cheaper and more commonly used during the late 19th century.
During the 20th century, sash windows have tended to disappear from our streets, being replaced by cheaper, mass-produced windows. An interest in conserving historical styles of architecture has recently revived the demand for sash windows, however. Modern versions of the sash window preserve the traditional character of older properties, while combining all the latest developments in manufacturing processes with the grace and practicality that this style epitomizes.
