A Guide to Sash Window Hardware

What are Sash Windows?
What Sash Window Hardware do I Need?
Choosing a Sash Hardware Finish

Sash windows are a staple feature in many Period homes. It's important to dress them with the correct hardware to ensure they're as beautiful as they are functional.

In this blog, we explain the most popular types of sash hardware and when to use them.

Sash windows on a red brick period property from the exterior (left) and interior (right) views.

Above: sash windows as seen from the exterior (left) and interior (right) of a Period property.

What are Sash Windows?

Sash windows are windows made from two frames (or "sashes") with one positioned slightly in front of the other. Each sash can slide over one another vertically via a series of rods, weights, pulleys, and counterbalances which enable smooth movement.

Sash windows are commonly found in Period properties and stately homes, particularly those from the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. However, sash windows are seeing a modern-day revival as many new builds have begun incorporating sash windows into their design, thanks to their practicality and curb appeal.

Because the upper and lower sashes can be opened separately, sash windows offer excellent ventilation without having to be fully opened. This is an important feature for homes with young children or pets as it minimises the danger of wide, open windows.

With windows so beautiful, it's important to choose accents which enhance them.

Diagram of a sash window pointing to different types of sash hardware including fasteners, eye lifts, sash lifts, and pull handles, with a brief explanation of each type.

Above: a diagram explaining the different types of sash window hardware incuding sash fasteners, sash lifts, sash eye lifts, and sash pull handles.

What Sash Window Hardware do I Need?

Excluding the internal mechanisms, there are two main pieces of hardware to consider for your sash windows: the fasteners and the handles.

Sash Fasteners

Sash fasteners are used to add security to sash windows. They lock the window by holding the two sashes in place, preventing them from sliding apart. We currently offer four unique types of From The Anvil fasteners: Quadrant, Brighton, Fitch, and Hook fasteners.

Fitch, Hook, and Quadrant fasteners all work in a very similar way. Each fastener is made up of two pieces, with one fitted to each window sash. One piece is referred to as the receiver and the other is the arm, which swings into the receiver joint to lock the window and prevent movement of the sashes.

Coversely, Brighton fasteners have a threaded arm which lifts over the join and is secured by screwing a dom-shaped nut into place. This option is particularly useful for looser fitting windows.

From The Anvil's Fitch fasteners have a minimalist appearance whereas their Hook fasteners are available in a decorative Beehive, Prestbury, and Ball designs. Their Quadrant and Brighton fasteners are available in a variety of designs including Brompton, Beehive, Mushroom, & Prestbury to match their existing collections of ironmongery.

From The Anvil have recently expanded their collection of sash furniture to include narrow fasteners in matching designs which are ideal for use on uPVC sliding sash windows.

Sash Handles

There are three main types of handles used with sash windows: eye lifts, sash finger lifts, and pull handles.

Eye lifts consist of a solid ring on a backplate which screws onto the frame of either the top or bottom sash. If fitted to the bottom sash, the eye lifts can be operated with a finger, but if fitted to the top of a high window, a pole hook may be required to open/close the sash.

Sash finger lifts are like small, rounded hooks that sit on the lower sash and are used to lift the window open. These are typically fitted in pairs with one on either side of the window, though a single sash finger lift may be used in the middle of a small, narrow window.

Pull handles are long, slim handles which can be fitted horizontally to both the top and bottom sashes as an alternative to sash lifts. These are commonly fitted as pairs with one on the left hand side and another on the right to ensure the windows open smoothly.

Choosing a Sash Hardware Finish

From The Anvil's sash window hardware is available in an extensive array of finishing, allowing for complete coordination with the existing hardware in your home.

Aged Brass and Aged Bronze are a fantastic choice for Period properties and those looking to stay true to traditional looks. Conversely, Polished Chrome and Satin Chrome are excellent ways to bring a contemporary twist to your windows.