Glossary

Welcome to our wooden window restoration glossary page! Here you will find definitions for all the technical terms used in relation to sash windows refurbishment. We hope you find this helpful! We've collected a list of common sash window terms and their definitions to help you better understand the specific content thought-out our website and blog. The Glossary section of the website can be useful for you to quickly understand the meaning of unknown terms about wooden windows. The sash window glossary is a list of terms and their definitions, which can help you understand the content of our website. In addition, the Glossary can provide you with links to related articles from our window restoration blog, so you can explore the subject in more depth. If you're ever unsure about a term or concept, be sure to check the Glossary first.

Fanlight wind

Fanlight wind

A fanlight is a semi-circular window that can sometimes be found above other windows but is more commonly placed above doors.

The common design has traceries or glazing bars radiating from a single point like the spokes of a wheel with glass in between.

This wooden window typical design is what gives it its name as it resembles an open fan. Before the invention of electricity, hallways and entranceways were typically dark and unventilated.

The fanlights were introduced into architecture in the 1720s to provide these areas with much-needed lighting and ventilation. Although not as necessary in modern buildings, they are still a great way to introduce natural lighting to any area of a house. The extra light also allows a room to feel more open and spacious.

Fanlights are also a great piece of decoration to accentuate doorways and windows, especially as their designs have gained some variation and complexity as their practical purpose has become secondary.

Other terms

  • Graining

    Graining

    Graining is the process of creating an artificial hardwood grain on a surface. Graining can be used on wide range of materials including non-wood surfaces such as MDF or dry wall, as well soft wood that has a small grain. Graining has very little practical use so is solely for aesthetic purposes. If done properly […]

  • Architraves

    Architraves

    Architraves | Arcs are words that originate from the ancient Greek word epistyle used to describe the plaster feature at the top of columns. In modern architecture, an Architrave | Arcs is used to describe the moulding that rounds of walls, doorways or even windows. While Architrave is the correct team they can also go […]

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