Window Treatments for Sash Windows

Sash windows are one of the most beloved features of British period properties. Their elegant proportions and sliding mechanism define the look of Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes. However, their unique design, often featuring thin frames and deep recesses, can make finding the right window treatment a challenge.

 

While curtains and blinds are common choices, they often hide the very features that make sash windows so special. Plantation shutters are widely considered the best solution, offering a tailored fit that enhances rather than hides your home’s heritage.

The challenge with traditional curtains and blinds

Sash windows often sit within beautiful decorative architraves or deep wooden linings. Hanging heavy curtains over them can drown these details. Similarly, roller or Venetian blinds can often rattle against the glass when the window is open or interfere with the sash cords and weights.

 

Shutters, by contrast, are fitted within a bespoke frame that sits neatly inside the window recess. This allows the window to function perfectly while keeping the decorative woodwork visible.

 

Image credit: @making_meadowview

 

 

Best shutter styles for sash windows

Because sash windows are typically taller than they are wide, certain shutter styles work particularly well:

 

Tier-on-Tier Shutters

This is the "classic" choice for sash windows. The split between the top and bottom shutter panels can be set to align perfectly with the meeting rail (where the two sashes overlap). This gives you total flexibility: you can fold the top panels back to let in light while keeping the bottom closed for privacy.

 

Image Credit: @peppers_abode 4

 

Full Height with a Mid-rail

If you prefer a simpler look, full-height shutters are excellent. By adding a mid-rail at the same height as the sash meeting rail, you strengthen the shutter and gain independent control of the slats, all while maintaining the window's traditional lines.

 

Image Credit: @sistersrenovation

 

 

Improving insulation and reducing drafts

It is no secret that original timber sash windows can be drafty. Even with modern draught-proofing, large expanses of single glazing lose a significant amount of heat.

 

Installing solid hardwood shutters adds a powerful secondary layer of insulation. When closed at night, they trap a pocket of air between the shutter and the glass, significantly reducing heat loss and making your period rooms feel much warmer and more comfortable.

 

 

Preserving your view and light

One of the joys of sash windows is the amount of light they let in. To make the most of this, we often recommend larger slat sizes (like 76mm or 89mm) for sash windows. These allow for a clearer view of the outside and let more light flood into the room when tilted open, preventing the window from feeling "closed off."

 

 

Easy DIY measuring for period windows

Many homeowners are nervous about measuring sash windows, especially if the house has "settled" and the frames aren't perfectly square.

The good news is that our DIY shutter frames are designed to account for this. We provide specific measuring guides to show you how to measure for a "Recess” fit or a "Non-Recess" fit, ensuring a millimetre-perfect finish that looks like it was installed by a master joiner.

 

 

Ready to upgrade your sash windows?

Choosing a window treatment shouldn't mean compromising on the character of your home. With DIY shutters, you get a premium, permanent solution that respects the history of your sash windows while providing modern-day privacy and efficiency.