by Jason Wood


In many European, and now some American homes, a common fixture is the sash window, which first debuted in the seventeenth century. The design of the fixture has become significantly more modern, but still pays homage to its original design. Thus, the history of sash windows is vital to its success as a home feature today.

The exact year it was developed is difficult, even impossible, to determine. A window with similar features is described by W. Horman Valgaria in a piece of writing from 1519. However, this is not generally thought of as the first model of the window, but a coincidental similarity in design.

The seventeenth century is considered its birth era, though. By the 1670s, estate style homes in Europe were commonly constructed with the fixture. It only grew in popularity from here. By the 1850s, when plate glass experienced much success, the window became even more well known throughout Europe and grew in size.

The original design consisted of several panes of glass in rectangular dimensions, held together in their wrought iron frame with lead fixings. Inside the fame was a weighted rope that lowered when the window was opened and raised when it was closed. This innovated design was developed by famed architect and scientist Robert Hooke. His original model was given the name the Georgian Sash.

The Regency design came about as plate glass developed even further. Panes could now be created in larger sizes that remained sturdy, meaning that a total of four panes could used, instead of nine or twelve. Today, we would recognize the Edwardian style, with a solid pane of glass for the top and bottom panes. Both the Regency and Edwardian remain true to their predecessor by utilizing the same weighted pulley designed by Hooke.

A great benefit to installing this window is the control it gives you. You have the ability to maximize air flow into your home as the panes are held exactly where you place them, thanks to the weighted pulley.

Also loved among authors throughout history, the window can be seen in numerous pieces of fiction work. The quaint romance of the design has been used to allow a young woman to be serenaded in her bedroom from a suitor down below. An anxious young boy has thrown up his sash to watch for good old St. Nick. These references prove that the popular design is widely recognizable and extremely versatile.

The history of sash windows has allowed for exciting developments in its design and style. As technology advances the glass industry, the ingenious pieces will, undoubtedly, be affected as well, but only in a positive sense as they spread throughout the world.




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