Astragal bars, like Georgian bars, are a type of glazing bar used in architecture for centuries to create the illusion of multiple glass panes. The key difference is that astragal bars are applied to the outer surface of a double-glazed unit, while Georgian bars are sandwiched between the panes.
Popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras, astragal bars first gained prominence in England between 1714 and 1830, where they held smaller, fragile panes in large sash windows. Their use continued into the Victorian era (1837-1901) on bay and decorative windows, helping create the illusion of multi-pane designs.
By maximizing window sizes and reflecting the vintage appearance of period homes, astragal bars added elegance to architecture. Today, modern astragal bars serve the same purpose, giving the look of several smaller panes while being functional within doubleglazed units. They remain a popular choice for homeowners wanting to enhance their windows’ aesthetic appeal.