Sash windows are one of the most recognisable features of traditional British architecture. From elegant Georgian townhouses to Victorian terraces and Edwardian homes, their distinctive proportions and sliding design can add character to almost any property.
However, the right hardware is just as important as the window itself. Sash furniture needs to complement the proportions and period of the window while providing the security and functionality needed for everyday use.
Whether you're restoring original timber sash windows or adding period-inspired details to a newer property, there are several styles of sash window hardware to consider.
Contents
- What are Sash Windows?
- What Sash Window Hardware Do I Need?
- How to Choose a Sash Window Hardware Finish
Above: sash windows fitted with From The Anvil's sash hardware.
What are Sash Windows?
A sash window consists of two individual glazed frames, known as sashes, which sit within the window box and slide vertically past one another. Traditional sash windows use a system of cords, pulleys, weights and counterbalances to make the sashes easier to operate and hold them in position.
The design became particularly popular during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods and remains a defining feature of many historic British properties. You'll find sash windows in everything from townhouses and cottages to grand country homes and listed buildings.
While they're strongly associated with period architecture, sash windows aren't limited to older properties. Modern timber, uPVC and other contemporary versions have helped bring the classic style into new-build homes and modern renovations, combining traditional character with improved insulation, security and performance.
One of the major advantages of a sash window is its flexibility. Because the upper and lower sashes can be opened independently, you can create airflow through the room without having to open the entire window. Opening the top and bottom sections simultaneously can also encourage warm air to escape while drawing cooler air into the room.
This makes sash windows particularly useful for maintaining ventilation throughout the home while retaining their distinctive appearance.
Of course, the details matter. Carefully chosen hardware can enhance the proportions of a sash window, complement the architectural style of the property and make the window easier to operate.
Above: a guide to the different types of sash window hardware, including sash fasteners, sash lifts, sash eye lifts and sash pull handles.
What Sash Window Hardware Do I Need?
Once the internal sash mechanism has been taken care of, the external furniture is relatively straightforward. The two key categories to consider are sash fasteners and sash handles.
Fasteners secure the window and help prevent the two sashes from moving independently, while handles and lifts provide a convenient grip for opening and closing the window.
Sash Fasteners
Sash fasteners are an important combination of security and style. Positioned where the two sashes meet, they hold the window closed and help prevent the sashes from being moved apart.
There are several styles of sash fastener available, allowing you to choose a design that suits both the window and the overall character of your property. From The Anvil's collection includes Quadrant, Brighton, Fitch and Hook fasteners.
Above: different types of fasteners available for sash windows.
Fitch, Hook and Quadrant fasteners operate using a similar two-part design. One component is fitted to each sash, with the arm engaging with the receiver when the window is closed. Once secured, the fastener helps hold the two sections firmly together.
Brighton fasteners work slightly differently. They feature a threaded arm which passes over the meeting point of the two sashes and is secured with a domed nut. This style can be particularly useful where the window has a little more movement or where a greater degree of adjustment is required.
The style you choose will largely depend on the appearance you're looking to achieve. Fitch fasteners have a clean and understated appearance, making them well suited to simpler interiors. For a more decorative look, Hook fasteners are available in Beehive, Prestbury and Ball designs.
Quadrant and Brighton fasteners are also available in a selection of decorative styles, including Brompton, Beehive, Mushroom and Prestbury. This makes it possible to coordinate your sash furniture with other ironmongery throughout your home for a cohesive finish.
For modern uPVC sliding sash windows, From The Anvil also offers a collection of narrow sash fasteners. These have been designed with slimmer proportions while retaining the character of traditional sash furniture, making them particularly suitable where space around the window is limited.
Sash Handles and Lifts
Once you've selected your fasteners, the next consideration is how you'll open and close the sashes. There are three popular options: eye lifts, sash finger lifts and sash pull handles.
Above: different types of handles and lifts available for sash windows.
Eye lifts feature a circular ring mounted on a backplate and are fitted directly to the sash frame. When installed on a lower sash, the ring provides an easy point from which to operate the window. Eye lifts can also be fitted to upper sashes, although a pole hook may be useful for reaching windows positioned higher up.
Sash finger lifts are compact, curved fittings designed to give you a comfortable grip when raising the lower sash. They are generally installed as a pair, with one lift positioned towards each side of the window. On particularly narrow windows, however, a single central finger lift may be sufficient.
For a more substantial alternative, sash pull handles offer a longer grip and can be fitted horizontally to the top or bottom sash. They are commonly installed in pairs to distribute the force evenly when operating wider windows.
When selecting your handles, consider the size and weight of the sash as well as the proportions of the window. Smaller fittings can work beautifully on narrow windows, while larger windows may benefit from more substantial hardware.
How to Choose a Sash Window Hardware Finish
Choosing the right style of sash furniture is only part of the process. The finish can have an equally significant impact on the overall appearance of your windows.
When selecting a finish, think about the age and architectural style of your property, as well as the other hardware already used throughout the room. Matching your sash furniture with door handles, cabinet hardware and other metal details can help create a considered and cohesive interior.
For traditional renovations and Period properties, warm and characterful finishes such as Aged Brass and Aged Bronze are particularly effective. Their aged appearance complements natural timber, traditional paint colours and other period details without looking overly new.
If you're looking for something brighter or more contemporary, Polished Chrome and Satin Chrome can give sash windows a fresher, more modern appearance. Polished finishes reflect more light, while satin finishes offer a softer and more understated look.
You don't necessarily need to match every metal finish in your home exactly. Combining complementary finishes can create a more layered interior, particularly in homes where traditional architectural features are being paired with contemporary furnishings.
It's also worth considering the colour of your window frames. Darker finishes can create a strong contrast against pale-painted timber, while brass and bronze tones can sit beautifully alongside natural wood and warmer colour palettes.
Above: From The Anvil's sash hardware is available in a wide selection of finishes.
Complete Your Sash Window
The right sash hardware can make a surprisingly significant difference to the finished appearance of a window. Whether you're carefully restoring a period property or introducing traditional details into a contemporary home, choosing hardware that reflects the style and proportions of the window will help create a more cohesive result.
From classic fasteners and understated finger lifts to decorative pull handles and traditional-inspired finishes, there are plenty of options to suit different architectural styles and interiors.
Explore the full collection of From The Anvil sash window hardware to find the right combination for your project.