Window and door design
A house’s windows and doors are its most important exterior features. We round up the best designs for a period property
Preserve your home’s period character by choosing the correct style of fenestration
1 Bay windows were hugely popular in the Victorian era. Due to advancements in glazing, larger panes of glass became available than in previous eras, meaning sash windows tended to be two-over-two or one-over-one. Totali’s traditional Accoya sliding sash windows start from £1,000.
2 Steel windows came into favour in the early 20th century and became recognised features of many Art Deco homes and industrial buildings. Today, you can buy both traditional and modern designs. Steel is hardwearing and secure, and allows for narrow frames that let in more light than many timber windows. This bespoke EB24 steel window with leaded lights has been colour matched to the originals. Installed prices start from £1,944 at Clement.
3 UPVC frames are not often recommended for period properties as the material is not authentic, the glazing bars tend to look too chunky, and the finish is artificial. However, if you want to go down that route for cost or maintenance purposes, there are some far better quality examples that are practically indistinguishable from new timber – some have even been approved for use on listed homes. These Genesis flush sash casement windows replicate the character of traditional timber frames. Available in a range of colours and woodgrains, and with a choice of traditional window furniture, prices are on application from Bison.
4 Sash windows were ubiquitous in the Georgian era, and comprised two vertically sliding ‘sashes’ made up of small panes in a six-over-six or eight-over-eight configuration. These spiral-balanced hardwood sash windows are finished in microporous paint, along with the shutters, and have lowemissivity double-glazed units. Prices are on application from Scotts of Thrapston.
5 Arts and Crafts properties tended to have metal-frame windows. Traditional leading is difficult to recreate with double glazing, and so companies apply leaded detailing to get the look. These handcrafted aluminium windows by Met-therm successfully achieve a single-glazed look with efficient double glazing. Prices on application. 6 Leaded lights were the only real option prior to the introduction of sash windows in the 18th century. As glass was only available in small pieces, windows comprised a series of ‘lights’ held together in a leaded lattice framework. Although double glazing is much more efficient, in listed homes you often need to use single glazing for replacement windows. This traditional heavy moulded oak window with leaded lights is from Deacon & Sandys, priced on application.
7 Original wood windows can usually be repaired and draughtproofed. Where this is possible, it’s far preferable to replacement, which will detract from the house’s character. Ventrolla offers a complete overhaul service, with prices starting from £500 per window.
8 Timber casements have a simple, unpretentious design that makes them ideal for country cottages. This bespoke traditional flush casement window is made from FSC redwood painted in Cornforth White estate eggshell, £24 for 750ml at Farrow & Ball. The cost of the window, via the Wood Window Alliance, is around £600.