Choosing Windows for a Victorian Terrace

Most Victorian terraces (1830–1901) had timber vertical sliding sashes with six-over-six or two-over-two glazing patterns, deep bottom rails, projecting sill horns and slim glazing bars. Colour was typically off-white or dark green. Modernising these details is what makes '80s replacements look wrong.

Timber sash windows with slim double glazing (14mm units) are the most authentic replacement. Modern uPVC sashes (Roseview, Bygone, Timeless) reproduce the deep bottom rail and horns convincingly. Aluminium is rarely appropriate — the sightlines aren't right for the period.

Off-white, Chalk White or Cotswold Cream for a traditional appearance; heritage dark green or black for a bolder statement (often original on higher-status Victorian streets). Bright white uPVC almost always looks wrong on a Victorian terrace.

Original Victorian windows had glazing bars between separate small panes of glass. Modern replacements can have applied astragal bars (glued to a single sealed unit), integral bars between the panes of a sealed unit, or true divided lights (rare and expensive). Astragal bars on the outside face give the best appearance from the street — check the specification carefully.

Many Victorian terraces are in conservation areas. Check whether Article 4 applies — that determines whether you need planning permission for replacement windows regardless of material. Bay windows on Victorian terraces are usually load-bearing and need structural care during replacement.