Window History

The design of the window throughout the ages

Windows are an essential part of an attractive and happy home. The windows that we have today have come a long way since their humble beginnings as simple holes in walls. Below you'll find information relating to the history of window design through the ages, from the first century AD to the modern day and the windows that we now commonly use.

Early Windows

There's substantial evidence to show that the first manufactured glass windows were produced during 100AD. The Romans wouldn't have used these for simple homes, they would have been used in churches and monasteries, when Christianity was being spread to the masses. These first glass windows would have been like the beautifully coloured stained glass windows which remain in some churches today.

The Romans would create these windows by first blowing the glass like you would if you were to create a glass vase or bowl. These rounded items would then be flattened out and cut into pieces that could be transformed into larger items like stained glass windows. The pieces were connected together with cement and lead strips and have become some of the most well renowned and admired pieces of craftsmanship the world has ever seen.

17th Century Windows

It wasn't until the late 17th Century that windows as we have them today became more wide spread. At first windows were only part of Manor houses and religious buildings. The sudden surge of popularity of windows in homes was not missed by the then reigning monarch William III. He introduced a window tax that charged those dwelling at the property extra taxes depending on how many windows the home had. To the relief of many poor Britons, these taxes were later repealed and they were later free to have as many windows as they liked without the fear of being charged for each one.

Up until this time crown glass windows were being imported from France, as glass production had ceased in the UK. These windows came in the form of blown plates. The windows were made from ground up broadsheet glass that was later melted down and blown into plates. These windows were nowhere near the quality of the windows we have today. They all had bubbles, imperfections and had thick outer corners, but at the time were the most impressive windows that had ever been seen in Great Britain.

18th Century Windows

Things moved on during the 18th Century, polished plate glass was made by blowing glass on a table and was later polished to produce a clear, light transferring window. This was the biggest development of the period. It would be the next century before any more developments would take place.

19th Century Windows

During this period large glass window panes were produced by steam generated grinding machines. By the end of the 19th century glass panes were instead being wire cast. This manufacturing technique was invented by the Pilkington family around 1898 and would remain as the main process until the following century.

Modern Windows

At the start of the 20th Century, new glass techniques were developed to include plastic film. These windows were known as laminated windows and were made to improve window security. These windows were harder to break, because the plastic film would help hold the glass together.

Previous to this the most popular windows had been the sash windows. These windows were impressive because the Pilkington press glass that they used had no visible imperfections and could be opened and closed to air a room out. However concerns arising from the actual safety of these fragile glass windows sent developers into a frenzy to discover new ways that they could develop and improve.

During the second half of the 20th Century, steps were taken to improve window energy efficiency. During this time we were first introduced to the double glazing window units. These windows were designed to insulate the home and help reduce the costs of rising fuel bills.

An insulated home doesn't require such a high temperature on your thermostat. Modern windows also offer you all sorts of choices, they can be made in a number of different styles to suit whichever purpose you need.

To name but a few, you can install awning windows, bay windows, casement windows, double hung windows, hopper windows, jalousie (or louvered) windows, picture windows and sliding windows. The window panes in our homes are typically made by introducing molten glass to a molten tin and then polishing it with pressurised nitrogen. This process for producing glazing glass is known as the '‘float-process'.

Future Windows

As we develop as an environmentally conscious society it is more than likely that the ways that windows are made and the way in which we use them will evolve.

If you have enough money you can currently buy double or triple glazed windows that include inbuilt blinds that disappear when they aren't in use. This shows that we haven't exhausted all of the options here just yet.

You only need to watch an episode of Grand Designs to realise there's more to modern windows design than UPVC. The future still looks bright for window design. Self cleaning windows are already purported to be in development, but as it's in the early stages, I'd keep that information from your window cleaner for now. People are also experimenting with new techniques inspired by older window making techniques.

Environmentally conscious recyclers have started breaking up coloured glass bottles to produce their own unique stained glass windows. Doing this presents an interesting opportunity to customise your home whilst saving money and retaining your environmental conscience. This is why insulation has become a hot topic with regards to windows and their design. Who wouldn't want to save money and save the planet at the same time?

The main concerns of window designers and architects is no longer about making things as opulent as possible, it is instead to leave a mark on the world without leaving it scarred. They realise that enough has been taken away and we must now give something back instead.