From the earliest times, humans have placed openings in the walls of their homes to let in light and air. The names of these openings have ranged from eyehole or eye door to more exotic sounding names like fenestra, which described a window with glass in it. Whatever it was called, it is clear that people wanted them even at the expense of comfort sometimes. You see early on windows were many times openings with nothing in them, a hole in the architecture if you will that not only let in light and air but heat and bugs as well. Not to mention cold in the wintertime. The progression to modern windows went something like this.
The first window coverings used were made from animal hide. These were later replaced by cloth and then more durable materials like wood. Wooden shutters were invented before glass window panes, indeed before the use of glass for any function became commonplace. In fact, it was long after the invention of wood shutters that they came to be used to protect glass windows.
After the invention of glass, glass windows came to be used in medieval Europe, at least in the homes of the wealthy. The better of would have windows made from mullioned glass - small pieces of glass bound together by leading. Poorer people would often have windows made of paper, something which was common in Japan and China. Windows were also made from flattened horn and even thin sheets of marble. Until the industrial revolution, the technology to create the floor to ceiling windows we know today did not exist.
Many types of windows were made possible by the mass production of glass. The traditional style of window in influenced by the United Kingdom is the double hung sash. This window consists of two panes, (sashes) that overlap slightly and slide up or down within the frame. This type of window is still in use today though the balancing method has been refined a bit. Older double hung sash windows were balanced with a counterweights and pulleys, today they are mostly spring function. Though this is the most common type of window, it is far from the only one. Bay windows, picture windows, and skylights are all examples of how far we have come in the invention and use of the window. Once windows were fully integrated into most homes, they became an item to decorate.
Regardless of your decorating scheme, you probably want some sort of coverings over your windows, unless you live in a remote area far from any neighbors. Window coverings have also made great strides, just as have windows themselves. There are curtains, drapes and blinds, among other options. The Roman Shade is one of my personal favorites. Available in many different colors and textures, they add a touch of elegance to any room. - 15252
The first window coverings used were made from animal hide. These were later replaced by cloth and then more durable materials like wood. Wooden shutters were invented before glass window panes, indeed before the use of glass for any function became commonplace. In fact, it was long after the invention of wood shutters that they came to be used to protect glass windows.
After the invention of glass, glass windows came to be used in medieval Europe, at least in the homes of the wealthy. The better of would have windows made from mullioned glass - small pieces of glass bound together by leading. Poorer people would often have windows made of paper, something which was common in Japan and China. Windows were also made from flattened horn and even thin sheets of marble. Until the industrial revolution, the technology to create the floor to ceiling windows we know today did not exist.
Many types of windows were made possible by the mass production of glass. The traditional style of window in influenced by the United Kingdom is the double hung sash. This window consists of two panes, (sashes) that overlap slightly and slide up or down within the frame. This type of window is still in use today though the balancing method has been refined a bit. Older double hung sash windows were balanced with a counterweights and pulleys, today they are mostly spring function. Though this is the most common type of window, it is far from the only one. Bay windows, picture windows, and skylights are all examples of how far we have come in the invention and use of the window. Once windows were fully integrated into most homes, they became an item to decorate.
Regardless of your decorating scheme, you probably want some sort of coverings over your windows, unless you live in a remote area far from any neighbors. Window coverings have also made great strides, just as have windows themselves. There are curtains, drapes and blinds, among other options. The Roman Shade is one of my personal favorites. Available in many different colors and textures, they add a touch of elegance to any room. - 15252
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