A Brief Guide To French Windows
A Brief Guide To French Windows
If you’ve been looking for a beautiful new addition to your house, you may want to consider French windows. Here at Ecostar, they’re one of our more popular types of windows, and we feel they add a subtle touch of elegance to Australian homes. Our French windows are available bespoke to your tastes, and we are very proud to offer them.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term though, you may be asking what a French window is? We love a history lesson, so allow us to explain. Read on to find out more about French windows; what are they? When were they invented? And what is it that makes them French?
What Is A French Window?
French windows are hinged, double-pane units that open inwards or outwards, usually the latter. Unlike casement windows, they have a central mullion that allows the two sides to be operated independently. French windows offer wide, unobstructed views of the outside world and are renowned for letting lots of light into a room, which is why the style has persisted for so long.
French windows come in all sizes and the larger ones can even function like a door. Consequently, they’re sometimes referred to as ‘French doors,’ but this is technically a different type of installation. Both open from the centre and have lots of glazing, but French doors are bigger, floor length and are clearly designed to function as doors. A true French window is narrower and more elegant.
Where Did French Windows Come From?
Contrary to what their name suggests, they’re not actually French. They originated in Italy during the 1490s, so ‘Italian windows’ would be a more accurate name. When the French army returned home following the Italian wars of 1494-1559, they brought the design with them. French architects increased the number of window panes in the structure and the style soon spread across northern Europe.
The windows were tall, rectangular, well-proportioned, and easily adapted into doors. The fashionable elite used them to access balconies and separate internal rooms. The taller ones also made houses look bigger and grander. They were a common feature of 16th Century architecture, and if you stroll through older neighbourhoods in France, Switzerland and England, you’ll see them everywhere.
Today’s French windows are made of modern materials like UPVC or aluminium, but they retain a classical look. They offer unparalleled views and are a great way to help light up your house. French windows are sometimes dismissed as old-fashioned, but we’ve adapted them to contemporary styles, providing a touch of renaissance sophistication with a modern twist. They’ve been popular for hundreds of years and we can’t see that changing anytime soon.
If you’re interested in installing a striking set of French windows in your home, why not get in touch with Ecostar today? You can contact us to find out more, or start your project with a free online quote. Our experts are on hand and we can’t wait to hear from you.
