Sliding Sash Windows – Victorian Home Style
Sliding sash windows were characteristic to Victorian homes, during the reign of Victoria (1837-1901). Many themes appeared in homes during the era. This was a consequence of the Industrial Revolution, which introduced new techniques, some of which influenced the lifestyle of populace of that time. Let’s have a look at the influence the Victorians have had on our homes today and what architectural features distinguished a classic Victorian home.
In the Victorian period the families preferred to display their riches and status in society through their homes. Once you visit the famous grave monuments and structures in High Gate cemetery in Archway you won’t miss this sense of competitiveness by way of family plots. It is also reflected in the Victorian buildings that we see today. Victorian homes are renowned for rooms that had high ceilings with intricate detailing and attractive sliding sash windows.
Sash windows formed an essential feature of Victorian homes and they had many of such windows allover the place. Consider yourself lucky if your present home has those. It’s more than worth retaining those windows with glass. You will be delighted on getting them restored. Victorian glass has many imperfections, which are responsible for creating such a beautiful shine as light shines falls on them.
Plate glass was introduced just fifty years before Queen Victoria occupied the throne. Until that time The Georgian style frequently comprised of small panes and the Victorians altered that style to four and six-pane vertical sliding sash windows. Window shutters were enormously common and doors were usually made of four panels.
If you were living in a Victorian home today, you perhaps would like to maintain the style of the time. The Victorians liked their rooms to be dark in rich colors often filled with huge pieces of furniture and knick-knacks. Ceilings would typically be decorated with ceiling mounds and even if riches were short these would still form a highlight in the reception room and master bedrooms. Pine was a favorite for floors, but was generally stained to get a darker shade and give the appearance of a more expensive wood.
These days you have many options for decorating a Victorian home as the lofty ceilings and big sliding sash windows go to create an airy feel for even the darkest of color schemes. Fireplaces formed centerpieces of many rooms and to find a striking untouched fireplace in a Victorian home today is a real treat that should be maintained and renovated.