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Thursday 24 October 2024

Window sightlines and why they matter

Window sightlines can make a big difference to the aesthetics of your home.  They can mean the difference between a home that looks smart and beautiful and a home where the windows look out of place.

What are window sightlines?

Window sightlines look at whether the horizontal lines on the window match up across the different windows of a property, when viewed externally.

Equal sightlines are formed when each section of the window is balanced and in harmony with the others.  This includes the placement of the window, the window frames, glass panes, and glazing bars.  Depending on the property, this can also include the alignment of any doors on the same elevation.

This is especially noticeable on Georgian homes, where windows are likely to have multiple glazing bars.

Below is an example of well-aligned equal window sightlines on a Georgian property, with newly replaced timber sash windows.  Note the uniformity of the glazing bar heights across the windows and even the front door.

Window sightlines on a period property

Do I only need to worry about sightlines if I have a Georgian property?

As a simple answer, no.  Whilst grand Georgian mansions are often more associated with having a symmetrical design, meaning that it is more noticeable when the sightline is not equal, a well-thought-out sightline is important for any property.

Architects and designers will often carefully consider the sightlines for a property, as many people view equal sightlines as desirable.

Equal sightlines on a period home - windows by The Sash Window Workshop

Why do well thought out window sightlines matter?

If your windows don’t have equal sightlines, it is likely to be noticeable when viewing the external appearance of your home and, on some properties, this can reduce the value.

Although not everyone will worry about having equal sightlines on a property, well thought out window sightlines can make a home appear more elegant and in proportion.  In period homes this can help ensure that the windows look in keeping with the character of the property.

How can I check that my new windows will have equal sightlines?

The most important thing is to choose a company who will design and manufacture your new windows to a high level of attention to detail.  To check this, you can visit where the windows are manufactured or ask to see examples of work that the company have done previously.

If you are replacing existing windows and there is not a problem with the existing sightlines, check that the new windows are being made on a like-for-like basis, with everything from the number of glazing bars to the bar thickness being the same.

Alternatively, if you are looking for windows that are not made to the same design as the existing windows, ask the salesperson to check that the sightlines will still be equal.

At The Sash Window Workshop, we pride ourselves on providing beautiful, high quality timber windows for period homes.  We understand the importance of paying excellent attention to detail to enhance the look and feel of your home.

Whether you are looking for new windows to create equal sightlines, or something more modern for an extension, we can help provide a bespoke product to suit your needs.

For a quotation to replace your windows, contact our team today on 01344 868 668.

Equal timber window sightlines

Edwardian Casement Window sightlines

New timber windows in a listed building

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