Quick Answer
Georgian bar glass is window or door glass with a grid of thin bars. The bars sit between two panes of glass or on top of the glass. They copy the look of Georgian windows, which used many small panes. Most modern versions use one large pane.
Why Is It Called Georgian Bar Glass?
The Georgian era ran from 1714 to 1830, and the name comes from that period.
At that time, glassmakers could not make large sheets of glass, so windows used many small panes held in place by bars. These early bars were often made from hardwood such as oak, and some were up to 40mm thick.
The classic example is the 6-over-6 sash window, which has six panes in the top half and six in the bottom half. Original Georgian windows often had nine or twelve panes in the main rooms, while upper floors usually had six panes.
As glass-making improved, larger panes became possible, and Victorian windows began using fewer bars. Today, one large pane with bars gives you the Georgian look for less money.
What Are the Types of Georgian Bars?
There are three main types: internal Georgian bars, astragal bars, and true divided panes. Each gives a different look, cost, and level of upkeep.
What Are Internal Georgian Bars?
Internal Georgian bars sit inside the sealed double-glazed unit, between the two panes of glass.
Because the glass surface stays flat, cleaning is easy. This is usually the lowest-cost way to get the Georgian look, although the bars appear flat and do not create shadow lines.
What Are Astragal Bars?
Astragal bars are fixed to the outside and inside faces of the glass. They are often paired with a matching bar inside the sealed unit, creating a three-part setup called a duplex bar.
This arrangement gives astragal bars a raised look and creates real shadow lines, making them look closer to original windows. However, they cost more than internal bars.
What Are True Divided Panes?
True divided panes use many separate small panes of glass, just like original Georgian windows.
This makes them the most authentic option, but they are also the most expensive.
Georgian Bar Types at a Glance
| Type | Look | Cleaning | Cost | Best for |
| Internal Georgian bars | Flat and simple | Very easy | Lowest | Modern homes, tight budgets |
| Astragal or duplex bars | Raised, with shadow lines | Medium | Mid to high | Period homes, curb appeal |
| True divided panes | Most authentic | Hardest | Highest | Listed buildings, full restoration |
What Is the Difference Between Georgian Bars and Astragal Bars?
Georgian bars sit inside the sealed glass unit, while astragal bars sit on the glass surface. This difference affects their appearance, cleaning, and price.
- Position: Georgian bars sit inside the unit, while astragal bars sit on the glass.
- Look: Georgian bars appear flat, while astragal bars are raised.
- Cleaning: Georgian bars are easy to clean, while astragal bars need more effort.
- Cost: Georgian bars cost less, while astragal bars cost more.
If you want easy care and good value, choose Georgian bars. If you prefer a more authentic look, astragal bars are a better choice.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Georgian Bar Glass?
Georgian bar glass gives you a classic look at a lower cost than using many small panes. However, it costs more than plain glass and slightly reduces your view.
Pros
- It gives a classic, elegant look.
- It costs less than windows made of many small panes.
- Internal bars are easy to clean.
- It works with modern double or triple glazing, so you keep the warmth.
- Bars come in many colours and designs.
Cons
- It costs more than plain windows with no bars.
- Bars block a small part of your view and the light.
- Internal bars look flatter than real divided panes.
- Stuck-on bars can lift off the glass if they are fitted badly.
Which Georgian Bars Should You Choose?
Choose the type that matches your home, your budget, and how much cleaning you want to do.
- Internal Georgian bars: Choose these if you want a classic look, easy cleaning, and a lower price.
- Astragal or duplex bars: These suit period homes where you want a raised, more authentic look.
- True divided panes: These are suitable for listed buildings or full restorations.
- No bars: Choose plain glass if you want the biggest view and the most light.
Here are three quick tips to help you choose:
- Slim bars suit period homes, while wider bars suit modern looks.
- Match the bar colour to your frame, both inside and outside.
- Check your local rules first if you live in a conservation area.
Some councils accept internal bars, while others require duplex astragal bars. Bright, non-traditional colours are unlikely to be approved in these areas.
FAQs
What is a Georgian bar window?
A Georgian bar window has a grid of bars that divides the glass into a pane pattern. This design copies the look of windows from the Georgian era.
What is the difference between Georgian bars and astragal bars?
Georgian bars sit inside the sealed glass unit, while astragal bars are fixed to the glass surface. Astragal bars look more raised and traditional, and they cost more.
Are Georgian bars more expensive?
Yes. Georgian bars cost more than plain windows, but internal Georgian bars usually cost less than astragal bars.
Are Georgian bars easy to clean?
Internal bars are very easy to clean because the glass surface is flat. Stuck-on bars need a bit more care.
Do Georgian bars reduce natural light?
Slightly. The bars block a small part of the view and the light, but slim bars keep this to a minimum.
Is Georgian wired glass the same as Georgian bar glass?
No. Wired glass has a metal mesh inside and is used for fire resistance, while Georgian bars form a decorative grid.
Final Thoughts
Georgian bar glass gives one large pane the look of many small panes. Internal bars are the easiest to clean and usually cost the least, while astragal bars look more traditional and cost more. If you want a classic look without the cost of many small panes, internal Georgian bars are a good place to start.
Looking for Georgian bar glass for your next window project? WinGlass can help you find the right glass solution for your home or building. Contact us to discuss your requirements and choose an option that suits your design.
