Georgian Style Windows

Do you have a historical Georgian home? If neoclassical architecture makes you swoon, then this article is for you. Whether you dream of building your own Georgian-style home or are making improvements to your current residence, authenticity is vital. 

In this article, we discuss the archetypal window styles that architects used in 1700s Georgian Architecture. Centuries later, you can find window styles from reputable manufacturers that can echo this bygone era's elegance. Keep reading to learn more about Georgian architecture and how your choice of windows can impact the home's look.

Use the links below to skip ahead in this post:

• What is Georgian Style?
• Windows for Georgian Style Houses
• Featured Property: The Westover Plantation

What is Georgian Style?

Picture classical American housing, and you may imagine a Federal, Georgian, or Cape Cod Style home. Georgian style homes are part of Colonial architecture styles. This particular style from the 1700s was named after English Monarchs, spreading from New England throughout the States. The Georgian Colonial home moved away from simple, practical techniques (like the Cape Cod-style) and sought to show off a stateliness with more embellished details. The desire for grandeur escalated from there, with Federal-style architecture following. Although very similar, the Federal homes had modernized and refined their curves and structures. 

Typical features of Georgian style includes:

• Two stories
• Materials were often brick, stone, and stucco
• Symmetrical facade, with windows proportioned on either side of the door
• Paneled front door in the center
• Design details found on windows, doors, fireplaces, and molding elements in cornices
• Elliptical transom windows were often above the front door
• Hipped roof, often with a crowned, decorative balustrade - popular in the South.
• Side gabled, moderately pitch roofs - popular in the North.
• A minimum of two to four chimneys symmetrically on their ends of the home.
• Sometimes columns made an entrance even more grandeur.

Windows for Georgian Style Houses

Double-hung sash windows were the typical window styles of Georgian homes. Today, they are still favored for their ventilation control. 

• Double-hung windows
• Single-hung windows

Double-hung windows have two opening parts that slide upwards or downwards. Single-hung windows are similar, except only the bottom window can slide up with the top section fixed. Modern advancements of this window allow owners to tilt the windows inwards, making them easy to clean. 

Grid Patterns

Grids with 12-over-12 placement or 9-over-9 placement are popular in the Georgian style. Initially, window fitters used grids so that they could use smaller panes of glass. Colonial homes used Colonial grid patterns, completing the ornate look and geometry that this style loved. Modern replacement windows are made with large sheets of glass and the look of the original windows is replicated using decorative grids.

Specialty Shape Windows

Windows in colonial homes are always vertical, except for transom and eyebrow windows above doors. These specialty shape windows were sometimes used in Georgian homes. Small stand-alone, quarter-circle accent windows were frequently used on top stories or placed at the gable ends of a roof peak on the side of the house. 

Adaptions for Safety

Often, home builders need to make adaptions to historical styles to meet Egress safety requirements. However, this doesn't mean that you need to move away from your home's authentic style. At the right size, single-hung and double-hung windows will meet egress requirements as will casement windows. Casement windows may not be the style originally used in Georgian houses but with the right grid design, they can create a similar look. 

Featured Property

Westover Plantation↗ in Charles City, Virginia, is a favorite example of a Georgian home. It was built in 1730 and is now a National Historic Landmark in the U.S. You cannot miss the proportional balance and symmetry in this Georgian style residence. The decorative features and lunette window over the door are also typical of colonial-style architecture. 

Georgian Homes, A Timeless Style

Replacing your windows is an excellent way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Many historical homes did not have the thermal technology that we have today. Buying replacement windows that have insulated glass will make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs.

Choosing windows that retain the authenticity of your home style will not only keep your house looking classy but will also increase the curb appeal of your home. Georgian style homes are a timeless classic, and home designers will still use many of the characteristics of this architectural style. You too can give your home an authentic colonial look by choosing the right windows and grilles. A good style lasts for centuries.