✔ There are two main types of Georgian window – sash and casement windows.
✔ Traditional Georgian windows are are made out of hardwood
✔ Modern Georgian windows are made from uPVC or aluminium
Georgian windows are windows that conform to Georgian architectural styles of proportion and symmetry, containing either six or eight panes of glass in each panel. These windows remain popular, especially where a homeowner wants to retain or create a sense of elegance and style within the home.
Here, we explain what Georgian windows are, how you can install them and at what cost.
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What are Georgian windows?
Georgian windows are large windows that traditionally consist of six or eight smaller glass panes in each panel, separated by horizontal or vertical wooden bars that are generally slimmer than the surrounding window frame.
These windows formed part of the architectural style of the 1700s, when symmetry and proportion were important with regard to the location of doors and windows in building construction. Furthermore, there wasn’t much choice when it came to designing windows in the early 18th century, because glass technology was still in its infancy and it just wasn’t possible to manufacture a sheet of glass that measure more than a few feet in its dimensions.
This style is still popular today, particular in areas with listed Georgian buildings where they are legally required to preserve original features. However, rather than manufacturing lots of smaller glass panes, it is much easier to produce one big glass panes and then install the separate horizontal and vertical wooden bars into the window afterwards, thereby giving the impression of a Georgian window.The cost of Georgian windows largely depends on a number of factors, particularly the materials used, the number of window bars and, of course, size. The cheapest material to use is generally uPVC but it’s always a good idea to get a number of quotes. It’s also worth bearing in mind that because Georgian windows look classy and stylish, it may be worth the investment to install them as this will help to improve the value of your home.
Material and type of window | Casement | Sash |
|---|---|---|
uPVC | £150-£190 | £730-£1,100 |
Wood | £700-£1,500 | £1,100-£1,900 |
Aluminium | £540-£690 | £1,200-£1,500 |
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Get startedThe different types of Georgian window
In the 1700s, a Georgian homeowner could choose to have either casement or sash windows installed in their home. A casement window uses a hinge while a sash window utilises two moving panels running along a groove in the window frame. Casement windows were popular because it was possible to conceal locks in the frame, making it more difficult for intruders to pry open than sash windows. Opening a sash window is made easier by the use of sash cords and counterweights hidden in the window frame.
Traditional Georgian windows use small panes of glass that are separated by bars (Georgian bar windows). They were sash windows with the bars visible on both the inside and outside of the window.
Alternatively, modern Georgian windows that just replicate the look of the original use Astragal bars that maintain the look of the window without actually holding any panes of glass in place. The Astragal bars are sealed within the unit and therefore are not prominent on the outside of the window. This means that although they look authentic from a distance, they lose this authenticity when observed closer to the window.
Georgian windows were originally made from a hardwood, particularly oak or ash, with the fittings cast in bronze. It is still possible to buy wooden Georgian windows but most modern styles use uPVC or aluminium. This is because wooden windows often bow, shrink or move depending on the season.
The pros and cons of Georgian windows
- A key benefit to installing Georgian windows is that they look classy and stylish and therefore improve the general appearance of the house
- Modern Georgian windows are made of strong glass and so offer the same benefits as double-glazed uPVC windows
- They can be incorporated into an older building and they can be opened easily at the top of the window or in the middle
- Georgian houses had plenty of windows and they were usually fairly large, which allowed plenty of natural light into the building
- Traditional Georgian windows, made with wooden frames and windows bars, are more expensive
- Traditional Georgian windows also require more maintenance than uPVC, in that they need to be painted, stained and sanded regularly in order to preserve their appearance and as a defence against rotting
- Wooden Georgian windows are weaker than uPVC and therefore are less secure
- uPVC reproductions of Georgian windows do not really look that authentic at a closer distance
A high-quality wooden Georgian window will typically last about 60 years before it needs to be replaced. A uPVC Georgian window is durable, easy to maintain and thermally efficient while maintaining the classic Georgian look.
However, a big disadvantage of Georgian windows is that they can be expensive, particularly if a wooden sash window style is chosen. Sash windows also have a somewhat more complicated opening mechanism with a sash cord and counterweight, and these will need to be maintained along with the frame.
Are Georgian windows right for your property?
Georgian windows can certainly give older properties a sense of style and classiness, but they can also give more modern homes a sense of traditional authenticity. They are a very aesthetically pleasing style of window that can be added to townhouses, period properties or country houses, even if manufactured from modern uPVC.
How long do Georgian windows take to install?
A modern Georgian sash window will take about two days to install, while a traditional wooden can be installed within three days.
Do Georgian windows require much maintenance?
Original wooden Georgian windows will require lots of maintenance, as some of them are over 200 years old. That means the hardwood they were made from needs plenty of care and also need to be repainted every so often to protect the window from the weather.
Alternatively, Georgian windows made from modern uPVC will not require much maintenance, although the frames do need to be wiped down and cleaned with warm water and non-abrasive detergent. With casement Georgian windows, the track, sliding shoe and hinges will need to be kept free of dirt and grime.
Are Georgian windows worth it?
Installing Georgian windows is definitely worth the investment if you want to add a touch of period elegance to your home, which will in turn increase its value.
Next steps
Georgian windows are windows that conform to traditional Georgian window styles from the 18th century. They can add grace and charm to a modern house, thereby increasing the property’s value, while also ensuring that older buildings retain their authentic appearance. Traditional Georgian windows, consisting of wooden frames and window bars are generally more expensive and less secure than uPVC windows, but uPVC still looks authentic at a distance while being cheaper and more secure than wood.
If you want to install some double glazed Georgian windows in your property, just fill in our short form, and we will put you in touch with some expert installers who can discuss the options with you.
Georgian windows FAQs
What is a Georgian window?
A Georgian window is a traditional type of window from the 18th or 19th century, characterised by six to eight small panels of glass in a larger window frame, separated and held together by horizontal and vertical window bars. They were manufactured because glass-making techniques in those times were much poorer than the glass manufacture we have today.
Are Georgian windows more expensive?
Reproducing traditional Georgian windows is more expensive than buying casement windows because of the materials used and the time taken to properly manufacture them. However, modern reproductions using uPVC can look reasonably authentic from a distance and are not so expensive as wooden Georgian windows.
What is the difference between Georgian and Victorian sash windows?
Victorian sash windows usually have fewer glass panes than Georgian sash windows, with 4-6 glass panes and a single wooden glazing bar, although later designs sometimes included more than one glazing bar.
