Old windows hold a unique charm and ingenuity that’s hard to find these days. As you explore their evolution, you’ll uncover stories of craftsmanship and history preserved within their frames.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage windows or working on a project that’s sparked your interest, you’re in for a fascinating journey. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic old types of windows and learn how to identify them.
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7 Most Popular Old Types of Windows
While it’s impossible to cover every style of window from history in one article, here are seven classic types that stand out for their beauty and functionality.
1- Casement Windows
Casement windows are one of the oldest window types, dating back to the medieval period. They have sashes hinged at the side and swing open inward/outward like a door, often operated by a crank or latch. Older versions often have wooden frames that show signs of hand craftsmanship, like irregularities in the glass or the joinery.
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You can recognize an old casement window by its hand-forged iron or brass hardware and the use of smaller, divided panes, fitted with wavy glass—(a telltale sign of old manufacturing).
Key Features:
- Hinged on the side and opens outward.
- Often features small, diamond-shaped leaded glass panes.
- Most common in cottages and Tudor-style homes.
2- Bay and Bow Windows
These are three-dimensional windows that protrude outward from the wall, creating extra space or a nook inside. If this window has three panels—a large flat center flanked by two smaller angled sides—it’s called a bay window. But if it has four or more panels, configured in a gentle curve, it becomes a bow window.
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Bay and Bow windows are hallmarks of Victorian or Edwardian architecture. Look for intricate wooden moldings, stained glass accents, and the sheer depth of the window’s protrusion to pinpoint their approximate construction time.
Key Features:
- Multi-panel designs that extend outward.
- Large central window flanked by smaller angled or curved windows.
- Often adorned with decorative trim and stained glass.
3- Sliding Sash Windows
Sliding sash windows operate on a track at the base of the sash. In single-slider designs, one sash moves to overlap with the other. In double-slider designs, both sashes move along tracks. While sliding windows are common today, they were invented by the Dutch in the 17th century as a space-saving alternative.
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Vintage sliding sash windows often feature visible tracks and weathered wooden frames, which can be great indicators of their historical origins.
Key Features:
- Horizontal sliding operation.
- Often feature wooden frames with two or three sashes.
- Found in bungalows and mid-century homes.
4- Hung Windows
Hung windows resemble sliding windows but are oriented vertically, with sashes positioned one above the other. To open these windows, you slide one sash over the other. If both sashes can move, it becomes a double-hung window. Hung windows became popular in the 18th and 19th century Georgian and Colonial homes and remain a classic choice.
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To spot an antique hung window, check for weights and pulleys hidden inside the frame, wavy glass, and detailed muntins dividing the glass.
Key Features:
- Two sashes that slide up and down within the frame.
- Counterweights or springs for smooth operation.
- Most Used in Georgian, Victorian, and Colonial-style homes.
3- Awning and Hopper Windows
These windows don’t slide or swing but hang on stakes from one side, while the other side is hung on the frame with a stake. If the window opens outward from the bottom, making an awning-like shape, it’s an awning window. But if it opens inward from the top it’s a hopper window.
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Since these windows only have one sash, they’re smaller and became popular in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms during the early 20th century.
Key Features:
- Hinged at the top (awning) or bottom (hopper).
- Small, rectangular shapes, often grouped in pairs or trios.
- Common in Craftsman and mid-century modern homes.
6- Leaded, Diamond-Glass Windows
These windows consist of numerous diamond-shaped glass panes held together by lead strips. Traditionally, the glass panes were stained to create decorative motifs or to just make a vibrant appearance.
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While the use of diamond-shaped glass dates back centuries, this style became particularly associated with Gothic and Tudor architecture starting in the 17th century. Authentic vintage leaded glass windows are easy to identify by their uneven, hand-crafted glass and the patina on the lead cames.
Key Features:
- Small panes of glass joined by lead strips.
- Decorative patterns like diamonds or floral motifs.
- Common in churches, cottages, and Tudor-style homes.
7- Jalousie Windows
Jalousie windows are truly unique. Instead of a single large pane, these windows feature multiple horizontal glass slats connected by side strips. They function like blinds, with the slats tilting open or stacking together when pulled using a crank.
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Jalousie windows were invented in tropical climates in the mid-20th century to allow maximum ventilation without letting in harsh sun inside. You can identify these early designs by their hand-crank mechanism and weathered aluminum or wooden frames.
Key Features:
- Operates with a crank to tilt horizontal glass slats.
- Typically made with aluminum or wooden frames.
- Common in mid-century ranch-style homes and beach cottages.
To check more types of new and old, check out this guide on Window types.
Restoration vs. Replacement of Old Windows
Deciding between restoring or replacing your old types of windows is a challenging choice.
Restoration often involves repairing frames, glass, and hardware. While labor-intensive, it preserves the original charm and historical value of the windows. However, finding authentic materials and skilled craftsmen for older mechanisms can be difficult. Replacement offers modern benefits, such as improved energy efficiency and enhanced security features.
The general recommendation is to restore windows if they are structurally sound and made from high-quality materials. Replacement is better suited for cases where the frames are beyond repair or energy efficiency is a top priority.
A compromise could be to opt for modern alternatives replicating old designs while meeting contemporary standards. Modern technology allows manufacturers to create windows that blend historical aesthetics with modern functionality.
Windows at Mannlee
Reach out to our specialists at Mannlee for tailored solutions that seamlessly blend the timeless elegance of your old windows with the modern comfort of our energy-efficient designs.
You may enjoy these related articles:
- Casement Window Types – Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide!
- Types of Bay Windows – Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide!
- 14 types of windows: A Complete Guide
- Types of Sliding Windows – Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide!
- How to choose different types of replacement windows
- Types of Glass Windows – Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide!
- Types of Arched Windows – Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide!
