Sash windows
Victorian sash windows
We handcraft bespoke Victorian sash windows that capture the elegance of traditional Victorian architecture — the classic two-over-two arrangement with its slim central glazing bar — while delivering modern energy efficiency, security and performance. Made to order for period terraces, townhouses, listed buildings and conservation areas across London and the surrounding counties.
Victorian sash windows became popular across Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria, between 1837 and 1901. As advances in glass manufacturing allowed larger panes to be produced, window designs evolved from the multi-pane Georgian style to simpler configurations with fewer glazing bars — most recognisably the classic two-over-two.
The two-over-two sash, with two panes in each sash separated by a central bar, became synonymous with Victorian architecture and remains one of the most popular period window styles today. It is especially common in London terraces, townhouses, villas and period cottages.
Whether you are restoring a Victorian terrace, renovating a townhouse or replacing ageing timber windows, our bespoke Victorian sash windows are made to order using premium timber and traditional joinery — authentic in appearance, modern in comfort.
The classic two-over-two — the window that defined Victorian London, faithfully remade.
What matters
Designed around the rules for your home
Authentic Victorian configurations
The classic two-over-two is our most requested layout, but we also make one-over-one, two-over-one, asymmetrical, margin-light and custom heritage glazing-bar arrangements — matched to your property and street.
Period detailing
Traditional box sash construction, slim timber glazing bars, authentic Victorian mouldings, traditional sash horns, putty-line detailing, decorative frame profiles and mortise-and-tenon joinery — built with careful attention to proportion.
For listed and conservation properties
Many Victorian homes are listed or sit within conservation areas. We make sympathetic replacements with traditional sightlines, authentic glazing-bar profiles, traditional frame dimensions and conservation-approved detailing, working with conservation officers where needed.
Specification
The detail, documented
Specification options for victorian sash windows. Final specification is confirmed at survey and tailored to your property and conservation requirements.
Victorian configurations
| Two over two | The classic Victorian arrangement — two panes per sash with a central glazing bar |
|---|---|
| One over one | A single large pane per sash, made possible by larger glass |
| Two over one | Two panes above, a single pane below |
| Margin lights | Slim border panes framing a central pane — a decorative Victorian detail |
| Custom heritage layouts | Asymmetrical and bespoke arrangements matched to your property |
Glazing & performance
| Slimline double glazing | Improved insulation with elegant Victorian proportions — whole-window U-value approximately 1.6–1.9 W/m²K |
|---|---|
| Vacuum glazing | Outstanding thermal performance in a slim profile that preserves original aesthetics — whole-window U-value approximately 0.8–1.0 W/m²K, ideal for listed buildings |
| Glazing bars | Slim timber bars or our popular 20mm timber-masked bars; true bars for the most stringent settings |
| Sightlines | Traditional sightlines and authentic timber sections throughout |
Timber species
| Engineered redwood pine | With hardwood sill — our most popular option, chosen for stability and value |
|---|---|
| Full hardwood meranti | A durable hardwood throughout |
| Accoya® | Modified timber with exceptional stability and longevity |
| European oak | A premium, characterful hardwood |
| Certification | FSC® certified timber |
Operation
| Traditional weights and cords | Authentic operation and appearance for period renovations and heritage projects |
|---|---|
| Spiral balance system | Smooth modern operation with reduced maintenance, keeping traditional aesthetics |
Security
| Locking | Key-locking sash fasteners and enhanced locking systems |
|---|---|
| Safety | Child-safety restrictors and toughened safety glazing options |
| Ventilation | Secure night-ventilation positions |
Finish
| Paint system | Factory spray-finished before delivery; microporous system that lets the timber breathe |
|---|---|
| Colours | Single or dual colour, with a wide choice of RAL colours. We can also colour-match heritage brands such as Little Greene and Farrow & Ball |
| Coating warranty | 3 years on the factory-applied paint finish, subject to the recommended maintenance; recoating intervals depend on exposure and location |
Guarantee
| Component | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Timber frame | 8 years |
| Glass & sealed units | 3 years |
| Hardware & ironmongery | 5 years |
| Paint finish | 3 years |
| Conditions | Timber and paint guarantees are subject to the recommended maintenance schedule. Guarantees cover manufacturing defects, not damage, neglect or normal wear. |
How it works
From first survey to aftercare
- 01
Initial quotation
We provide an initial quotation within 1–3 days of your enquiry.
- 02
Site survey
Within 1–2 weeks we measure and document the openings on site, recording profiles, sightlines and any conservation status.
- 03
Drawings & approval
We produce production drawings and a specification for your approval — and to support any planning or listed building consent.
- 04
Manufacture
Once your specification is approved, each window is crafted to your approved specification. Typically 5–8 weeks; 7–12 weeks for larger or bespoke conservation work.
- 05
Installation
Our fitting teams install with minimal disruption — typically 1–5 days depending on project size.
Questions
Listed building windows: your questions answered
What is a two-over-two Victorian sash window?
A two-over-two sash window has two panes in the upper sash and two in the lower sash, separated by a central glazing bar. It became the defining Victorian window style as larger glass panes became available, replacing the multi-pane Georgian look. We also make one-over-one, two-over-one and custom configurations.
What is the difference between Georgian and Victorian sash windows?
Georgian sash windows (1714–1830) use many small panes — typically six-over-six — because glass could only be made in small sections. Victorian windows (1837–1901) use fewer, larger panes, most commonly two-over-two, as glass manufacturing improved. We make both, matched to your property's era.
Can Victorian sash windows be double glazed?
Yes. Slimline double glazing achieves a whole-window U-value of approximately 1.6–1.9 W/m²K while keeping elegant Victorian proportions. For listed buildings, vacuum glazing reaches approximately 0.8–1.0 W/m²K within a slim profile that preserves the original appearance.
Are Victorian sash windows suitable for conservation areas?
Yes. We make Victorian sash windows with traditional sightlines, authentic glazing-bar profiles, traditional frame dimensions and conservation-approved detailing. We regularly work with homeowners, architects and conservation officers to achieve sympathetic, consent-ready replacements.
Which areas do you cover?
We work across London and the Home Counties, including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with nationwide supply also available.
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Discuss your project
Tell us about your property and we’ll advise on the most appropriate, consent-ready specification.
01527 590 776