What is a Georgian bar?
The Georgian period spans the reigns of George I to George IV – from 1714 to 1830.
From an architectural perspective, it is characterised by symmetry and proportion, with clear influence from Roman and Grecian classical style.
Georgian glazing bars were traditionally used to hold a grid of glass panes, in order to create a grand and symmetrical suite of windows.
In the early days, window bars were often around 40mm in thickness to ensure they could securely hold the smaller, fragile glass panes of the time.
Today, Georgian bars endure in popularity for the stylish aesthetic they bring to a home. But nowadays the approach to making them, and the benefits they bring, have certainly moved forward.
Contemporary Georgian bars
Modern Georgian bar windows do not hold individual panes of glass. Rather, they are set inside the sealed unit, so that they are inserted between the layers of glazing.
Through their clean, vertical and horizonal lines, Georgian bars create the aesthetic of traditional architecture, whilst bringing other benefits to your home.
Through strengthening the window pane, they provide enhanced security, yet their slim profile ensures plenty of natural light. Georgian bars also increase the feeling of privacy within the home.
Half Georgian window bars
A stylish variation in design is the half Georgian window. Here, only one side of the window has bars integrated to create the grid of panes.
This design can be used to emulate an existing period design, to add interest or simply to increase a feeling of privacy for a particular room.
Georgian bars for French doors
Georgian bars are a popular choice for French doors. They are the perfect way to break up a large expanse of glass, to create a design feature.
They subtly interrupt the eye line to limit the view from the outside in, whilst retaining natural light and the view from the inside, out.
They are used to achieve a more traditional architectural style.
Astragal bars vs Georgian bars
In essence, both Georgian and astragal bars are vertical and horizontal bars, which are applied to one piece of glass to give the impression of multiple panes. However, there is a key difference in the way each is constructed.
Astragal bars are sometimes referred to as stick-on window bars.
As well as being inserted internally, between glazing panes within the sealed unit, astragal bars are additionally fixed onto the glazing externally. This gives an authentic impression of the panes being held by the bars.
Georgian bars are purely an internal bar within the sealed unit.
Both styles of window bar perform similar functions; they enable you to mirror period styling, create a pleasing character aesthetic, improve security of your home, whilst increasing a feeling of privacy.
Choosing the right window bars
Understanding the particular characteristics of Georgian and astragal bars will help you choose the right approach for your home.
Georgian bars
With Georgian bars, because they do not sit outside of and therefore proud of the glass, they are able to give the impression of a traditional grid of windows, whilst being much easier to clean. This is particularly beneficial for larger expanses of glass.
As Georgian bars have been designed to create a modern twist on traditional window design, they may not be the most appropriate choice for some period homes, or if you live in a conservation area.
Astragal bars
Astragal bars may be a fitting choice for certain period properties. The fact that the bars sit inside and outside of the glazing means that they more closely emulate traditional timber windows.
If you live in a conservation area or have specific stipulations for replacement of your windows, astragal bars may be the most appropriate route.
Read more about choosing windows for period homes.
With contemporary homes, both Georgian and astragal bars can be fitting choices. The most important aspect is to choose a style that best enhances the architecture of your home – there are a wealth of options to enable you to do this.
If you would like to see some inspiring examples of Georgian bars set in PVCu, timber and aluminium windows, we would be pleased to welcome you at our showroom.
To discuss your specific requirements or book a design consultation, please call us on 01444 45 71 45.