Types Of Sash Windows (Different Styles Explained)

Sash windows come in several distinct styles, each reflecting different historical periods and architectural preferences. From the symmetrical Georgian 6 over 6 design to the light maximising Victorian 2 over 2 arrangement, choosing the right type affects both your home’s appearance and functionality.

If you’re renovating a period property, replacing existing windows or adding character to a modern home – knowing the differences between Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and other sash window types will help you make the right choice for your property and budget.

What Makes Sash Windows Special?

Sash windows consist of two framed panels, known as sashes, that slide vertically within the window frame. Unlike casement windows that swing outward, sash windows glide smoothly up and down thanks to a clever counterbalance system hidden within the frame.

The traditional mechanism uses weights, cords and pulleys concealed in boxes on either side of the window. When you lift the lower sash, hidden weights descend, making the window effortless to operate and allowing it to stay open at any height without additional support.

Modern sash windows may use spring balance systems instead of traditional weights, particularly useful where space constraints make weight boxes impractical.

The Main Types Of Sash Windows

Georgian Sash Windows

Georgian sash windows are perhaps the most recognisable style, characterised by their perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive glazing bar arrangement.

Georgian windows typically feature six panes of glass in both the upper and lower sashes, divided by slender glazing bars that create the classic grid pattern. 

This design emerged in the early 18th century when glass making technology limited pane sizes, but the aesthetic has remained popular for its balanced, refined appearance.

The proportions of Georgian sash windows follow strict mathematical principles, with the overall window height typically being twice the width. This creates the harmonious appearance that makes Georgian architecture so pleasing to the eye.

Benefits Of Georgian Sash Windows

• 6 over 6 pane design creates timeless elegance
• Symmetrical proportions complement Georgian and Regency architecture
• Multiple glazing bars provide authentic period character
• Suitable for conservation areas and listed buildings

Half Georgian Sash Windows

Half Georgian sash windows offer a variation on the classic Georgian theme, featuring asymmetrical glazing arrangements.

This style typically features six panes in the upper sash with a single large pane below, creating an interesting balance between traditional character and practical light transmission.

Benefits Of Half Georgian Sash Windows

• 6 over 1 pane design creates visual interest
• Lower maintenance with fewer glazing bars
• Increased light transmission through large lower pane
• Suitable for renovation projects where authentic Georgian may be too formal

Victorian Sash Windows

By the Victorian era, advances in glass production allowed for larger panes, leading to a shift towards simpler, more elegant designs.

Victorian sash windows feature just two large panes per sash, separated by a single vertical glazing bar. This design reflects the Victorian preference for increased natural light and cleaner lines, while still maintaining the essential character of traditional sash windows.

The larger panes not only allow more light into rooms but also provide better views of gardens and streetscapes, making them particularly suitable for ground floor reception rooms and bedrooms.

Benefits Of Victorian Sash Windows

• 2 over 2 pane configuration maximises natural light
• Larger glass areas create unobstructed views
• Single vertical glazing bar maintains period authenticity
• Perfect for Victorian terraces and similar properties

Edwardian Sash Windows

Edwardian sash windows combine elements from both Georgian and Victorian periods, creating a distinctive style that maximises light while retaining decorative appeal.

The Edwardian approach typically places six small panes in the upper sash, echoing Georgian style, while using just two large panes in the lower sash, following Victorian preferences. This combination maximises natural light where it’s most needed while preserving the decorative appeal of multiple panes.

Many Edwardian properties featured stained glass or decorative glazing in the upper sashes, adding colour and artistic interest to the facade while maintaining privacy in bedrooms and upper floors.

Benefits Of Edwardian Sash Windows

• 6 over 2 pane arrangement balances tradition and light
• Large lower panes flood rooms with natural light
• Decorative upper sashes maintain period character
• Often feature coloured or stained glass in upper sections

What Are Modern Sash Windows Made Of?

Contemporary sash windows are available in several materials, each offering distinct advantages and furniture options:

Timber Sash Windows

Our timber windows provide natural warmth and authenticity, perfect for period properties and conservation areas.

They’re made from manufactured timber, made up of multiple layers with opposing grains, which stops twisting or warping and means they’ll stand the test of time.

We use micro-porous paint that offers strong protection while keeping upkeep low – which is why our painted doors and windows are backed by a 12 year paint guarantee.

Benefits Of Timber Sash Windows

• Authentic appearance matches original installations
• Can be repaired and restored rather than replaced
• Excellent thermal properties with proper treatment
• Available in various wood types including oak and sustainable options

Furniture Options

Our timber sash windows come with an extensive collection of beautiful ironmongery. Standard finishes include black, antique pewter, chrome, brass, nickel and aged bronze. You can choose forever shiny or satin finishes, or go for ‘unlacquered’ pieces that develop a unique patina over time.

For coastal properties, we provide Marine and Coastal grade 316 stainless steel ironmongery, specifically designed to withstand salt and sea winds. We also offer Samuel Heath architectural hardware, renowned worldwide for exceptional quality and hand finished in the UK.

PVCu Sash Windows

PVCu, short for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is a strong type of plastic widely used in sash window frames. 

Unlike timber or metal, it doesn’t rot or corrode, which means it delivers cost effective performance with very little maintenance.

Benefits Of PVCu Sash Windows

• Excellent value for money
• Very low maintenance requirements
• Good thermal performance
• Available in various colours and finishes

Furniture Options

Our Bygone sash window range offers two distinctive design options: beehive or acorn tops for the sash ironmongery. 

These are available in champagne gold, satin chrome, polished bronze or polished chrome, with perfectly colour matched scroll handles and pole eyes for smooth operation.

What Are The Glazing Options for Every Sash Window Type?

Modern sash windows can incorporate various glazing technologies regardless of style.

Timber Sash Window Glazing

High performance glass with gas filled sealed units and warm edge spacer bars make our timber sash windows as energy saving as they are beautiful. 

Options include:

• 24mm high performance units filled with argon gas
• 18mm high performance units filled with krypton gas
• 14mm ultra slim units filled with krypton gas
• 4mm single glazed units for listed properties and conservation areas

We offer an exceptional selection of decorative, stained, patterned and etched glass designs. We can accommodate bespoke designs or sandblast your house name or number into the glass. Our encapsulation service allows you to incorporate existing stained glass into new windows.

PVCu Sash Window Glazing

Our Bygone sash windows offer highly energy efficient glazing options:

• Standard double glazing with clear, patterned, obscured, coloured or etched glass
• Fineo glazing (the latest addition): vacuum insulated with only 10mm depth, same thermal performance as triple glazing while letting in 15% more natural light

Many customers choose to obscure or etch the bottom sash while leaving the top sash clear to maximise light while maintaining privacy.

Secondary Glazing

When replacing windows isn’t possible due to listed building restrictions, we provide high quality secondary glazing. This involves adding a second layer of glass to the inside of existing windows, creating effective double glazing while leaving original windows undisturbed.

What Are The Colour Options For Sash Windows?

Gone are the days when windows could only be white. Our sash windows are available in a beautiful array of colours to reflect your home’s character.

Timber Sash Window Colours

Our timber windows come in a fabulous range of standard colours including:

• French Grey
• Porcelain
• Off White
• Harewood Grey

We also offer a Heritage Collection featuring beautiful shades of purple, pink, green and cream, plus seven stain finishes including light and dark oak.

Custom Colour Matching: Can’t find the perfect shade? We can colour match any Farrow & Ball, RAL Classic or Fired Earth colour. The beauty of timber means you can even repaint it later if you change your mind.

PVCu Sash Window Colours

While white remains popular with our Bygone sash windows, there’s now extensive choice available:

• Woodgrain foil finish as standard, sympathetically replicating timber
• Standard colour range specific to Bygone sash windows
• RAL Classic colour matching from over 200 colours
• Farrow & Ball colour matching available
• Different interior and exterior colours can be specified

Visit Our Beautiful Showrooms

Understanding the subtle differences between Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian sash window styles is much easier when you can see them side by side. At our showrooms in Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds, you can compare these different period styles and see how the glazing bar arrangements create distinct looks that suit different architectural eras.

Our friendly design experts can answer your questions and make recommendations based on your home’s specific requirements, helping you choose the perfect sash window type to enhance your property’s character and performance.

Contact us today for expert advice and professional installation services that ensure your sash windows perform beautifully for generations to come!

Frequently Asked Questions