Finding The Perfect Heritage Style Windows for Period Homes
- July 7, 2025
- General
Heritage style windows for period homes are a puzzle for renovation projects. How do you maintain the authentic appearance that planning authorities and conservation areas demand whilst achieving the thermal performance and security standards required?
Luckily for homeowners or trade professionals looking for heritage style windows for period homes, today’s manufacturing techniques and innovative materials mean that you can enjoy classic heritage style while benefiting from modern thermal insulation, security and durability.
At Lightfoot, we are proud to offer a wide range of Crittall windows and doors that offer outstanding performance and heritage style, and we have all the expertise necessary to find the perfect solution to suit historic properties.
Why period properties need the right heritage windows
Every period property has a unique character defined by its architectural details, and none are more important than its windows.
From the original flush sash or sliding sash windows of a Victorian home to the sleek steel frames of an art-deco property, these features are fundamental to a building’s identity.
However, original features often fall short of modern performance requirements, leading to poor thermal performance, poor security, and high maintenance demands.
Additionally, conservation areas often have strict planning requirements that demand windows maintain the traditional look of the original features. This means careful attention to details such as colours and finishes, glazing bars and proportions of sashes to replicate historic designs.
The challenge lies in finding heritage windows that respect the home’s style whilst delivering contemporary benefits.
Why choose steel?
Steel windows first gained popularity in the early 20th century, becoming the material of choice for those looking to support large expanses of glass with minimal framework.
The Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s particularly embraced steel windows for their clean lines and industrial aesthetic, with many iconic buildings from this era showcasing the dramatic glazed facades made with steel.
During the post-war reconstruction period, steel windows became synonymous with modern living, appearing in everything from social housing projects to luxury apartment blocks.
Today, steel remains an outstanding choice for heritage homes because it combines this rich architectural heritage with contemporary performance benefits.
Slim profiles & natural light
The inherent strength of steel allows for slimmer profiles than other materials whilst supporting larger glass areas, maximising natural light – a key characteristic of period properties.
Thermal performance
Modern steel windows (like those we offer at Lightfoot) incorporate advanced thermal technology and high-performance glazing systems that deliver the energy efficiency and comfort standards today’s homes require.
Long lifespan
A robust material, steel’s durability makes it a practical long-term investment for heritage property owners seeking both authenticity and modern performance.
Low maintenance
Modern steel windows offer significant advantages over traditional timber windows. They require considerably less maintenance than timber frames, which historically needed regular painting and repair. Steel’s inherent strength allows for fewer glazing bars (if desired), creating cleaner sight lines whilst supporting larger windows without compromising structural integrity.
Steel windows: the foundation of art-deco-inspired design
Steel windows remain unmatched for recreating authentic Art Deco inspired designs. The material’s inherent strength allows for the characteristic slim profiles and geometric patterns that define this iconic architectural style.
Whether you’re looking to replicate the bold horizontal lines of a 1930s modernist home or the dramatic floor-to-ceiling glazing of an Art Deco apartment block, steel windows provide the perfect foundation for these timeless designs.
Lightfoot’s range of Crittall windows and doors
At Lightfoot Windows, we specialise in authentic Crittall steel windows and doors that perfectly capture the essence of heritage architecture. Our extensive range includes the Homelight series, Corporate W20 windows and doors, and Innervision® sliding doors, all designed to complement various architectural styles whilst delivering outstanding modern performance.
Our Crittall external steel windows are crafted from high-grade, recycled steel, offering exceptional thermal performance and energy efficiency. Available in the iconic black steel finish that has become synonymous with heritage properties, these windows suit both traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
For internal applications, our Crittall internal steel windows and doors create stunning room divisions whilst maintaining visual connectivity between spaces. These products showcase the beauty of Crittall steel profiles with custom configuration options, including bespoke RAL colour finishes that complement your design vision.
Our years of experience as a Crittall Specialist Partner ensure that every installation maintains the highest standards of quality and performance. From traditional casement windows to sophisticated sliding door systems, our range offers comprehensive solutions for period property renovations.
Customisation options for the perfect heritage look
We offer extensive customisation options to ensure your new windows perfectly match your property’s style. Our bespoke windows are crafted to meet specific requirements, whether you need to replicate original circular steel window designs for a commercial project or create dramatic art-deco-inspired configurations.
Our glazing bar options range from slim contemporary profiles to more traditional patterns, allowing you to choose the most appropriate decorative feature for your property’s era. Whereas historic window designs incorporated multiple individual panes of glass, we can recreate this look with our glazing bars.
From traditional six-over-six arrangements popular in Georgian properties to the four-over-four designs common in Victorian homes, our customisation options allow you to create your perfect look.
Colour customisation extends beyond standard options, with RAL colour matching available to replicate original paintwork or complement specific architectural details. This attention to detail ensures that your heritage windows become an integral part of the building’s style rather than an obvious modern addition.
Do I need planning permission to replace windows in my period property?
Planning permission requirements depend on your property’s location and listing status. Conservation areas and listed buildings typically require consent for window replacements, while some non-listed homes have Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights. Always check with your local planning authority first – our experienced team can guide you through the application process.
Can I use heritage style windows in a modern property?
Absolutely! Heritage style windows aren’t exclusively for period properties – they’re increasingly popular in new builds and modern renovations where homeowners want to add character and architectural interest. Our Crittall steel windows, in particular, have become a sought-after design choice for contemporary homes, offering clean lines and industrial aesthetics that complement modern architectural styles. The slim steel profiles and large glass panes create a striking contemporary feel whilst nodding to classic Art Deco design.
The perfect heritage style windows for heritage homes: contact Lightfoot today
Whether you’re restoring original features or creating sympathetic new installations, at Lightfoot we provide tailored steel window supply and installation solutions that respect your property’s heritage whilst delivering contemporary benefits
Our London showroom showcases our complete range of heritage windows and doors, allowing you to experience the quality and craftsmanship firsthand.
Ready to discuss your period property renovation? Contact our expert team today for personalised advice and a free quote. Complete our online contact form, call 020 8662 9090, or email general@lightfootwindows.co.uk to start your heritage window journey.
Want to get a quick estimate on new Crittall windows? Simply visit our ‘Get An Estimate’ page and fill out the required information, and one of our friendly experts will get back to you within 48 hours.