Sash windows are an integral component of 18th and 19th century style. Their large panels of glass within gracefully proportioned frames offered an attractive and functional alternative to casement windows.
Despite much debate, the sash window is now thought to have originated in Yorkshire, 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.
There were both functional and aesthetic advantages to Sash windows, and many people chose to replace their old windows with them, while they were also popular in newly built homes. During the mid 18th century the introduction of the window tax caused many windows to be removed.During the Georgian era, sash windows became what they are today, with the development of the two moving sashes. Glass remained expensive and was marked with large bull’s eye patterns in the center of each pane due to the way it was made. Once larger panels became available the classic six-paned Georgian windows appeared. 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. Gradated windows, diminishing in size with the height of the building, and large bay windows are characteristic of this period. 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. Demand has recently grown again due to increased awareness of architectural history. 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.