Sash Window Furniture and Accessories
Sash windows are a very common sight in period properties throughout the UK. From the Georgian period to the early 20th century, they were the window of choice for house builders and architects. In the 21st century, they have experienced a resurgence in popularity. uPVC sash windows are being specified for new build properties and used as tasteful replacements for poorly functioning timber sash windows.
Sash windows feature a wealth of accessories. From fasteners and locks to handles and frames, their unique design and choice of hardware often reflect the styles which were popular when the building was constructed. If you have timber sash windows in your home or you’re thinking of installing uPVC sash windows, it’s essential to understand as much as possible about the look you want to create. A stylishly designed uPVC sash window will complement a building’s design and fit perfectly with its unique architectural aesthetic.
At the Rose Collection, we’re passionate about sash windows. We’ve spent over 25 years developing our collection of uPVC sash windows. We understand the importance of authenticity and always strive to recreate the period detailing for which sash windows are renowned. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a definitive guide to sash window furniture.
This is an in-depth resource that will help homeowners, installers, fabricators, and anyone interested in a valuable part of British history understand sash window furniture. Much of this information covers both old and new sash windows, not only the Rose Collection, so our modern windows may not have all of the listed furniture options available.
SASH WINDOW FASTENERS AND LOCKS
Home security is one of the most important considerations for UK homeowners. Understandably, we all want to protect our property and keep our family and possessions safe and secure. For a long time, timber sash window furniture had a poor reputation for security. Burglars were often able to force entry using a crowbar and a firm push.
Today, uPVC sash windows are a world away from their original timber counterparts. Rose Collection uPVC sash windows are so secure that they achieve Secured by Design accreditation.
Sash window furniture such as fasteners and locks, however, aren’t just there to protect your home. Choosing the correct fasteners will enhance the overall aesthetic of your sash windows. It’s always essential to choose the best accessories to suit your home’s style. These are the four options available for your sash window fasteners.
1. Quadrant Latch Fastener
Also known as an Arm fastener, it is a secure sash window locking system available in a range of styles, including beehive, ball, acorn, reeded, and straight arm. One part is fixed to the lower sash frame, and the other to the upper sash. When engaged, the keep helps to pull, lift, and align the meeting rails together. Popular throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods, it will perfectly complement a variety of period property types.
2. Brighton Sash Window Fastener
The Brighton sash window fastener is perfect for narrow style window frames. On one side, a sprung arm protrudes from the hardware and the other side features a receptacle for the sprung arm. To lock, the sprung toggle arm is pulled down and screwed into the keep. To unlock, when the knob is unscrewed, the arm automatically flips into the vertical position to allow the window to be opened.
3. Sash Window Fitch Fastener
The sash window fitch fastener is the most common type. On a traditional sash window, it operates with a simple rotating system. A swivelling cam features a rising gradient lip, which allows a firmer engagement the harder it is pushed. The sash window fitch fasteners are usually available as a key locking version. A pin style key is inserted into a hole next to the swivelling cam to improve security further.
4. Sash Claw Fastener
The Claw or Hook fastener works in a similar way to the Arm fastener. The hook or claw pulls the two meeting rails securely together but also allows for movement in height. It is available with a key locking mechanism, which further restricts opening and boosts security.
SASH WINDOW FRAME DETAILING
Another way of customising your sash windows is frame detailing. Unlike others, certain period detailing can be specified after fabrication. Here are three important aspects of sash window frame detailing to the classic aesthetic of your period property.
1.Astragal Bars
Astragal or Georgian bars were initially used to support small separate glazing panels. With modern frames capable of supporting larger expanses of glass, they are now used purely for visual effects.
As a general configuration guide, Georgian sash windows usually feature a six-panel grid design on both top and bottom sashes. Victorian windows favoured a two over two design. Edwardian sash windows combined the preceding era’s styles with a six over two pane design. These bar arrangements are incredibly popular uPVC sash window furniture options here at Rose Collection.
2. Ovolo detail
Ovolo detailing is a common curved design used by carpenters to retain classical architecture of period properties. It creates a soft border on the inner profile edge next to the glazing. It is used in the manufacture of uPVC sash windows to replicate traditional methods of timber joinery.
3. Putty Line Detail
Traditionally, glass was held into timber sash windows using putty on the outside, which was chamfered at 45 degrees to allow water to run off. You can find this detail in our Heritage Rose and Ultimate Rose, which are our most authentic uPVC sash windows that have been approved for use in many period properties across conservation areas.
Sash Horns
Sash horns are a key feature of traditional timber sash windows. This sash window furniture was originally used to strengthen the joints and limit the opening capacity. They are now a decorative essential. Rose Collection uPVC sash windows can be fabricated with an integral run through sash horns as well as traditional seahorse style sash horns as a part of the sash window furniture.
Sash Window Opening Devices
Opening your sash windows should be smooth and easy, with only a small amount of natural resistance. There are several options available for opening your sash windows. The one you choose will depend on your style of property and which method you find most usable.
- Sash Lifts
A sash lift or hook is fitted onto the bottom movable sash. There are usually two sash lifts which face downwards and are operated by hooking your fingers underneath and lifting up the window. Sash lifts are often made from solid brass, polished brass, or polished chrome. They provide a simple but effective method of opening with a limited chance of failure, making them great sash window furniture.
2. ‘D’ HANDLES
D Handles resemble a regular door handle in design. They are fitted to the bottom of the top sash and are used to pull the top sash down and open. They are available in a range of lengths and provide the easiest method of opening your sash windows.
3. Sash Eye
This sash window furniture is discreetly attached to the inside rail of the top sash to allow it to be pulled down. The sash eye is a small cylindrical piece of metal (usually brass or chrome) featuring two holes. A sash cord or, in some cases, a sash pole is connected to the eye via the holes and used to pull open the window. The cord or pole can then be removed and stored nearby.
Sash Ring Lift
Similar to sash hooks, sash rings are attached in a horizontal position, one on either side of the window’s interior frame. They are then used to lift up the bottom sash using both hands.
Sash Window Curtains
Although they are not actually a part of the window itself, sash window curtains are an essential accessory of an installation. The right type of curtain will provide privacy, improve thermal efficiency, and complement a room’s interior decoration and architectural style. Here are the main options of sash windows accessories.
- Voile Curtains
An excellent choice for living rooms or dining areas, particularly if the building is located on a busy street. Voile panels create privacy while allowing an abundance of natural light to enter the room. They are great for creating a light and airy living space and will perfectly complement the high-ceilinged design of many Victorian and Edwardian period properties.
2. Wooden Shutters
Embrace the continental style with café style wooden shutters. They can be installed on the interior or exterior of your property and can be painted any colour you like. They provide complete blackout when necessary, will improve your home’s heat retention, and add an extra layer of security to your windows. They’ll help to keep a room cool in the hot summer months and can be made with a stable door design to allow for half opening.
3. Heavy Duty Floor Length Curtains
An extremely popular choice for sash window furniture. They create an opulent feeling in any room and can be chosen to match your interior decoration scheme. They are also an excellent insulator, and when combined with a pelmet, they’ll be the perfect finishing touch to your sliding sash windows.
4. Blinds
Roller, Roman, Venetian, Vertical… Blinds are more popular than ever. It’s perhaps no surprise as they provide privacy and protection from the sun, and they also look great.
Limit Stops
Sash window limit stops are installed onto the sash window frame to limit its opening capacity and keep it securely closed. They act as both protection from forced entry and safety restrictions from window falls. Limit stops are key lockable and provide peace of mind for security conscious homeowners.
Sharkfin
Sharkfin stops protruding from the interior of the top sash window frame. They can be pushed in to allow full opening by operating on a spring release system.
Rola
Rola limit stops are small barrels fixed into the inside face of the top sash, which stop the bottom sash from moving beyond a certain distance. Typically, the restriction is set to 100mm (or four inches). They are disengaged by unscrewing them with an allen key and removing them from the window completely, and then screwing them back in to reengage them. This makes them less versatile than other types of limit stops, such as sharkfins.
We hope you have found this guide helpful and you now have all the information you need to accessorise your sash windows tastefully. If you live in a period property and you’re considering replacing your timber sash windows with uPVC alternatives, contact us today.
Alternatively, if you would like more information on our range of authentic uPVC double glazed sash windows, visit our website and design your own bespoke sash windows!
Categories: uPVC Sash Windows
