Astragal Bars and Georgian Bars: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing windows that complement the character of your home, especially period properties or traditional builds, it’s the detail that really matters. Astragal bars and Georgian bars are two popular styles of window glazing bars that often cause confusion amongst homeowners.

At Bluemanor, we understand how important it is to get these details right, both for aesthetics and functionality. In this article, we’ll explore what sets astragal bars and Georgian bars apart, helping you make an informed decision for your home improvements.

Understanding Window Bars and Their Purpose

Both astragal bars and Georgian bars are designed to mimic the look of smaller panes of glass within a window sash, reminiscent of classic timber windows before large sheets of glass were common. The charm of these bars adds authenticity and style, whether your home is a cosy cottage, a Victorian terrace, or a modern house looking for a touch of traditional elegance.

The key benefit of these bars is that they break up the glass area visually without compromising on modern double or triple glazing technology. This means you get the best of both worlds, beautiful aesthetics and energy efficiency.

What Are Astragal Bars?

Astragal bars are decorative bars that sit on the outside of the window pane. They create the effect of separate small panes, but are essentially an outer frame attached on top of one large glass sheet.

With astragal bars, you get the traditional divided look of smaller panes, but they are purely cosmetic and do not divide the sash into individual glazed units. Typically, astragal bars are fitted on the exterior side of the window, sometimes paired with internal bars to enhance the authentic look of a multi-pane window.

Because astragal bars are external, they are easier to clean inside, as you only have one large glass pane on the interior face. They can be made in a variety of widths and styles to match the bespoke design needs of your property.

What Are Georgian Bars?

Georgian bars, on the other hand, are internal bars fitted between the double or triple glazing panes. This means the glazing unit is actually divided into smaller sealed units, separated by thin bars sandwiched within the glass. These bars are usually thinner than astragal bars and give a more subtle, authentic replication of traditional windows.

Since Georgian bars are sealed inside the glazing unit, they offer the advantage of being totally maintenance-free, as there is no bar on the outside to clean or repaint. They also improve security to some extent, since they are part of the sealed glass unit.

Georgian bars work beautifully when you want a clean, neat look with the appearance of multiple panes but without the trouble of external bars. They are also commonly combined with astragal bars.

Key Differences Summarised

The main difference lies in their position and installation method. Astragal bars are external and fixed to the glass surface, while Georgian bars are internal, located between panes of double or triple glazing.

From a purely visual perspective, astragal bars tend to be wider and more three-dimensional, offering a more pronounced, traditional appearance. Georgian bars are thinner and more delicate, creating a classic look with minimal impact on light and view.

Maintenance is another important factor. Astragal bars require more upkeep as they are exposed to weather conditions, whereas Georgian bars are contained within the sealed unit and require little to no maintenance.

Which Is Best For Your Home?

Choosing between astragal bars and Georgian bars often depends on your property’s style, your budget, and practical considerations.

For period home renovations or conservation areas, astragal bars may be preferred to replicate the original window style closely. Their more tangible, robust appearance is suited to homes where authenticity is paramount.

If low maintenance and a cleaner aesthetic are top priorities, Georgian bars might be the better option. They provide the appearance of traditional glazing bars whilst ensuring easy care and modern performance.

In many cases, homeowners choose to combine both styles, with astragal bars on the outside and Georgian bars on the inside. This hybrid approach achieves the best of both worlds of classic style and durability.

Let Bluemanor Help You Choose

At Bluemanor, we pride ourselves on offering expert guidance for your home improvement projects. Whether you’re installing new windows, replacing outdated frames, or restoring historic features, our wide range of glazing bar options ensures you’ll find the perfect style for your needs.

Get in Touch Today!

Our team is happy to talk you through the differences in more detail and help you decide which bar style will enhance your home’s character while delivering energy efficiency and security.

If you want to explore our range of windows with astragal and Georgian bar options, get in touch with us today. We also offer free, no-obligation quotes on our easy to use online quoting tool to help you plan your next project with confidence.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your home’s windows, trust Bluemanor to deliver quality and style that lasts.