Are Modern Georgian Windows Suitable for Your Home?
Georgian architecture is a cornerstone of British design, and the 18th Century influence remains strong to this day. Known for its emphasis on symmetry, classic proportions, and elegant geometry, the Georgian style has produced some of the most iconic window designs in history.
Whether you are looking to restore a traditional farmhouse, upgrade a period property, or add a touch of timeless character to a modern new build, choosing the right windows is essential. This guide explores the suitability of Georgian windows for different types of homes, helping you balance historical authenticity with modern performance.
In this guide:
Discover why the Georgian style is still so popular and how it can transform a new build.
While diverse, many eras have their own iterations of astragal bar windows, making them broadly suitable.
The two architectural styles are distinct, but there are many crossovers in window desgin.
Explore how to bring back the charm of a country cottage with modern Georgian-style windows.
Is it Worth Having Georgian Windows for a Modern Home?
Georgian windows have become so popular that they are frequently chosen for modern UK homes. The appeal lies in their timeless beauty, which often reflects the golden ratio - a mathematical proportion used in Greek and Roman architecture to create designs that are inherently visually pleasing.
In the 18th Century, the iconic "Georgian bar" window look was created from necessity. Because glass manufacturers during the Georgian era could not produce large, single panes, small pieces of glass were held together by a timber grid. Today, these bars are a design preference rather than a requirement. There are different ways to achieve this look, such as astragal bars or glazing divides.
For a modern home, adding Georgian-style windows can introduce a sense of luxury and elegance that enhances the often one-dimensional façades of contemporary architecture. Meanwhile, they still allow for plenty of natural light, high security and modern functionality.
Read the full guide evaluating whether Georgian windows are right for your modern home
Should You Get Georgian Windows for a Period Property?
When working with a period property, the goal is usually to preserve the building’s original character while improving indoor comfort and safety. Traditional windows from the Georgian era were typically timber frames featuring smaller panes of glass. While beautiful, original timber windows can be difficult to maintain and are less secure due to their susceptibility to rot, warp, chip or crack over time.
Modern materials now allow homeowners to achieve an authentic Georgian look without the drawbacks associated with timber. High-quality aluminium casement windows can replicate the slim lines and symmetrical grids of the Georgian era. These modern alternatives can offer much better thermal performance, external noise reduction, and home security compared to original single-glazed timber windows.
For those living in Grade II listed buildings, it is important to check planning permission limitations. However, modern Georgian-style windows, such as Origin’s, are often compliant with these architectural requirements.
Read the full article discussing when to use Georgian windows for a period home.
Georgian vs Victorian Windows: Are Georgian Windows Always Suitable?
While Georgian and Victorian windows share some similarities, there are some key distinctions. Victorian windows often featured larger panes of glass owing to improved manufacturing technology. They often moved away from the strict multi-pane grid of the previous era, although the Georgian style was still extensively utilised.
Georgian bar windows are remarkably versatile. Their clean lines and symmetrical proportions mean they can be used effectively in a variety of period properties, regardless of the specific architectural style.
Read the full article comparing Georgian and Victorian windows.
Choosing Georgian Windows for Farmhouses and Cottages
Renovating a farmhouse requires a careful balance. You want to match the architectural period of the house without compromising on security or energy efficiency. Farmhouses and cottages often have thick stone walls but outdated insulation, making the thermal performance of your new windows a high priority.
Traditional farmhouse windows were often timber sash windows, where one panel slides over another, or French casement windows that open right and left on a hinge. Today, many homeowners opt for aluminium casement windows for the diverse configuration options and advanced performance. These are easier to maintain and are often more secure than traditional timber windows.
Compare the performance of different window materials below:
· Timber: Offers a warm, authentic look that matches cottage interiors like wooden beams, but it requires significant upkeep to maintain its performance.
· Steel: Very strong but heavy, with lower thermal performance than aluminium. Non-stainless steel can also rust and corrode.
· uPVC and Composite: These are reasonably lightweight and long-lasting, but the frames can be bulky. Over time, uPVC may lose alignment or discolour, ultimately limiting the lifespan of the new windows.
· Aluminium: This is a durable, lightweight, and versatile choice. It does not rot or warp and is highly resistant to corrosion thanks to our resilient powder-coating.
Read more: why choose aluminium windows
Origin’s aluminium Georgian-style windows, such as the premium OW80 or the slimline OW70, provide the flexibility to customise the look with over 150 RAL colours and various window hardware optionsto suit a traditional farmhouse setting.
Read the full guide to choosing Georgian windows for a British farmhouse
Performance and Customisation
Choosing Georgian Windows for your home doesn't mean you have to sacrifice modern materials and performance. Origin’s premium windows can be specified with features like Aerogel to achieve U-Values as low as 0.8W/m2K, ensuring your windows minimise heat transfer. Security is also a major factor. All our windows can carry the Secured by Design accreditation and comply with PAS 24 testing. Read more about window security in our guide.
From choosing the right glazing divides to picking your desired finish, your Georgian-style windows can be tailored to the specific needs of your home, whether it’s a new-build or country cottage.
