A Short History of the Window
The history of the window stretches back so far that our exact starting point is impossible to pin down. Although the ancient civilisations of the world might not have used windows as we would recognise them today, people have been adding “openings” to their homes for centuries.
Here, Bingley Windows & Glass we have put together the history of the window, explaining how the concept has developed and improved over time.
The Ancients
Previously on our blog, we reviewed some of the world’s most famous windows. Among our examples in that piece is the Pantheon, which is an excellent representation of what a window was to people living in the many centuries BC. Despite their pioneering reputation, it wasn’t the Romans who first used these simple holes in the walls or ceiling to provide them with natural light. That idea was taken much earlier.
Something the Romans were able to do, however, was to outdo their predecessors in terms of materials. Seemingly, they were the first to use glass for their windows, providing both cover and light to any inhabitants. In the Far East, people used paper, while other materials like marble and animal hide were also common alternatives.
The “middle-ages” and early modern Europe
Glass windows quickly became far more common throughout Europe as the middle ages progressed. By the time of the European Renaissance, large stained-glass windows dominated the majority of churches; many of these works would later be destroyed by Protestant iconoclasts.
By the seventeenth century, people began incorporating glass windows into their homes. While not exactly a close cousin of the double-glazing commonly found throughout English homes today, these features began to resemble something a little more familiar.
The modern-day window
There is no conclusive proof as to who first came up with the idea of double-glazing windows. Many believe that the concept originated in Germany or Switzerland during the nineteenth century. But it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that they entered the market. Nowadays, many homes’ windows are double-glazed, but that development has been relatively recent.
The history of the window takes us from the very beginnings of known civilization to the present day, reminding us of just how far the human race has come. While we don’t offer stained-glass or animal hide windows here at Bingley Windows & Glass, we can provide our customers with the very best in terms of modern styles.
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