Georgian-Style Casement Windows: Period Charm with Modern Performance
Updated: Oct 16
Georgian casement windows bring together two things homeowners love: the elegant grid of the Georgian era and the everyday practicality of a hinged casement. With modern aluminium, you can have that period charm without the draughts and upkeep of old timber.
Here our team explains what each term means, how the two combine and what to consider when specifying them for your home.
Georgian casement windows: style meets function
Georgian describes how a window looks. The style is known for symmetry and proportion, with small panes divided by slim glazing bars into a grid, classically six-over-six. The small panes began as a necessity, because glassmaking limited the size of individual panes. Today the grid is chosen for its beauty.
Casement describes how a window opens. Each sash sits within an outer frame and is hinged at the side or top, while fixed panes, sometimes called dummy sashes, can sit alongside the opening ones.
Put the two together and you get Georgian character with casement convenience.
Casement or sash for a Georgian look?
Both have a place on period homes. Sash windows slide vertically, while casements swing open on hinges.
Choose based on how you want the window to open, how much ventilation you need and what suits your property's architecture. If you are unsure, it helps to look at original windows on similar houses in your street. Our article on Georgian windows in a period home looks at this in more detail.
Why aluminium Georgian windows work so well
Aluminium is strong yet light, so frames and glazing bars can be slim and precise, which is exactly what a Georgian grid needs. It will not rot or warp and needs no repainting.
Georgian styling can be applied across casement, picture, bay and French window configurations, so the whole façade can match.
True divides or astragal bars?
True divides physically split the window into separate glass panels, the most traditional option.
Astragal bars are fixed to a single large pane of glass, giving the grid look with one sealed unit.
Which Origin system should you choose?
The Origin windows we install come in two main systems:
OW70 Slimline puts slim sightlines first and offers either true divides or astragal bars.
OW80 Premium has a flush casement finish inside and out and superior thermal efficiency, and is available with astragal bars only.
Both can be specified with double glazing and can accommodate triple glazing for extra comfort. Replacement windows in England need a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better, and we will confirm the figure for your chosen specification.
Pros and cons of Georgian style windows
Pros
They turn a plain window into an architectural feature.
They help new windows sit comfortably in older buildings.
They add classical character to extensions and new builds.
Cons
Glazing bars interrupt the view slightly.
They can add a little to the overall cost.
A good way to decide is to mock up the grid with masking tape on an existing window and live with it for a few days.
Colour and design tips
Origin offers over 150 RAL colours, from classic whites and soft heritage tones to deep greens, warm neutrals, contemporary greys and bold blacks. Dual-colour frames let you choose one shade inside and another outside.
A few tips from our design conversations:
Keep proportions balanced. Traditional Georgian panes tend to look slightly taller than they are wide, so ask to see the grid drawn to scale.
Match the grid across the house. Consistent bar patterns make the façade feel planned.
Consider the street. If you live in a conservation area, check with your local planning authority before changing window style or colour.
For more on choosing a style, see our comparison of Georgian vs Victorian windows.
Frequently asked questions
Can Georgian casement windows be triple glazed?
Yes. Modern aluminium systems can be specified with double glazing and can accommodate triple glazing without spoiling the look. We will talk you through the difference in comfort and cost.
Do Georgian windows suit modern homes?
They can. Georgian-style casements suit period and Victorian properties, but they also work on modern extensions and new builds looking for a more classical finish.
Are astragal bars the same as real Georgian bars?
Not quite. True divides split the glass into separate panes, while astragal bars sit on a single pane to create the same grid effect.
Design your Georgian casement windows with us
The right Georgian casement windows depend on your home's age, your street and how you live. Our team will help you choose the system, bar layout and colour, and you can explore our window range for inspiration.
Book a free consultation to start designing your windows.
Prefer uPVC? REHAU uPVC casement windows can take Georgian bars too. See the uPVC range or read uPVC vs aluminium windows.
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