A History of Windows
Humans have always made apertures in their walls to permit air and light to enter their homes. There are many different words in many different languages, but whatever you call them, people have always wanted windows even at the cost of comfort. In antiquity, windows were simply holes with no glass; these opening let in light and air, but also, heat, insects and rain. And of course, cold air would come in freely in the winter. From these simple openings to modern windows, the progression went roughly along these lines:
The earliest window coverings were generally animal hides, followed by cloth and then wood. It is the case that shutters actually came before glass windowpanes; it was only later that shutters were employed to protect glass.
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.
The mass production of glass made possible by the industrial revolution led to the creation of a variety of window styles. The most common type of windows seen in the UK is the double hung sash window. These windows consist of two panes which have a slight overlap and slide up and down in the window frame. While the methods used to balance the panes have been improved, the construction remains much the same as ever. These windows were typically balanced with weights and pulleys, but now springs are more commonly used. While still the most common type of window, there many other types used. You may see bay windows, skylights and picture windows in use - demonstrating the great progress which has been made since the first person made a hole in their walls to let in the sunlight. These are necessities in our homes are also a part of our home dcor.
No matter what style is in your home you more than likely have or want coverings over them, that is unless you live hundreds of miles from a neighbor. Just like the window itself, coverings have also come a long way since their inception. There are drapes, curtains, and blinds to choose from just to name a few. A favorite is the Roman Shade. They come in so many colors and textures and really give a room an elegant feel.
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