The Interesting History of Windows Through Years

There are so many window styles that you can find nowadays, that it will be hard to think of one that it hasn’t been already implemented in the contemporary design. Truth is that most of the "modern" designer windows are actually well – forgotten old ones. The modern ones are usually a great combination of old styles, upgraded with modern materials so they can be sustainable to the weather conditions. If you want to make you house unique, try installing designer windows, ensuring the best material and colour for your house. I made a retrospective of the different styles, dating far back. Maybe this will give you some ideas, next time when you plan a home project.

Ancient Civilizations

Back in the Assyrian cultures windows were used, however they were often wide expanses subdivided by columns. Glazed windows appeared first during Roman imperial times. Filled with marble, mica or shell, that was the most frequent combination for creating the window. In the ancient ruins like Pompeii, fragments of glass have been found in bronze frames. This might lead to the conclusion that they used bronze to create windows.

Ancient Churches and Cathedrals

The Byzantine and Christian churches had many windows of pierced marble with glass panes. Turkish Cathedrals dating back to the 6th century show these glazed windows. Islamic mosques show the same window architecture but they used cement instead of marble. Eventually ornate coloured glass replaced the clear panes.

Medieval Europe

During this period arch windows became popular although domestic windows were often square and covered with shutters, lattices or grilles. As glass became more available, the fixed sash was introduced. By the 15th century the entire window was a hinged sash.

Renaissance Windows

In Italy and France windows developed to standard size and usually appeared with a single transom and single million forming a cross over the glass. During the late Renaissance, the French produced a large casement window. During the 17th century vertical sliding sash windows and double hung windows were introduced.

Also, during the Renaissance stained glass was one of the foremost techniques of painting practiced in Europe. Stained glass inspired the lives of the faithful through religious narratives in churches and cloisters, celebrated family and political ties in city halls. The term stained glass derives from the silver stain that was often applied to the side of the window that would face the outside of the building. Stained glass was usually used to make windows, so that the light would shine through the painting.

Modern Window Architecture

Today, windows are often wall-to-wall and often don’t open at all. Window thickness and advanced technology let to safety glass and skyscrapers made entirely of glass windows. As time went on energy savings and conservation let to tinted windows. Modern windows are made with double and triple thickness of glass: the air between acting as insulation. Many modern windows are designed to tilt in for easy cleaning. What I do know is super hard for cleaning are the French windows. (Check the pictures below). If you have a house with French windows/door is better to have a window cleaning company that will take care of those. You will save a lot of time and energy.

The roots of French doors could be traced back to 16th to 17th century when France was at war with Italy. After victories by the French over the Italians, they brought along with them some Renaissance artworks as well as some Renaissance architectural ideas. The French found out that a window-like door with glass panes extending for most of its length –provides a perfect sense of regularity, proportion and illumination.

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