Fixed light and picture windows
More glass, more light, more view.
Fixed light and picture windows are the purest expression of glazing – no handles, no hinges, no moving parts. Just an unobstructed pane of glass that frames a view, floods a room with natural light, and delivers outstanding thermal performance. Increasingly specified across London for extensions, stairwells, contemporary new builds, and large open-plan living spaces, fixed windows are one of the most versatile and cost-effective glazing solutions available – whether used on their own or combined with opening lights to balance light, ventilation, and design.
What are fixed light and picture windows?
A fixed light window is a non-opening window sealed directly within its frame. It has no hinges, no locking mechanism and no moving parts – its sole purpose is to admit natural light, provide a view and contribute to the thermal envelope of the building. Because there are no operable seals or moving hardware to degrade over time, fixed windows typically achieve better airtightness and thermal performance than equivalent opening windows of the same size.
A picture window is a large-format fixed light with a deliberately slim, low-profile frame designed to maximise the visible glass area and create an expansive, unobstructed view of the outside. The term is used most commonly for large statement windows in living rooms, kitchen-dining extensions and open-plan spaces where the window itself becomes an architectural focal point. Picture windows are typically wider and taller than standard fixed lights, and the frame is designed to recede as much as possible so the view takes centre stage.
In practice, the two terms are often used interchangeably in the UK market, and the distinction lies primarily in scale and intent. Both are non-opening, both maximise glass area, and both are frequently combined with opening lights – casement, tilt and turn or sash – to provide ventilation alongside the fixed glazed areas.
Types of fixed and picture windows
We work with leading manufacturers and specialist brands to supply a full range of fixed light configurations for London homes and projects:
The brands we work with
Benefits of fixed and picture windows
Fixed light and picture windows offer a distinct set of advantages, particularly well-suited to London homes and extensions:
When fixed and picture windows are the right choice
Fixed lights and picture windows are particularly well suited to:
Contemporary rear extensions and kitchen-dining rooms – where a large picture window or wide fixed glazed panel brings the garden into the living space and creates a visual connection between inside and outside.
Stairwells, landings and hallways – where natural light is needed at height but ventilation is not a priority and where a fixed light can be positioned to wash the staircase in daylight.
Loft conversions and vaulted spaces – gable-end fixed lights and rooflights flood large open spaces with light from above and from the end wall.
Living rooms facing gardens or green space – where a wide picture window frames a view and becomes the focal point of the room.
Combination glazing arrangements – where a large central fixed light is paired with smaller opening casements or tilt and turn windows on each side to balance light, view and ventilation.
Architectural feature windows – arched heads, circular porthole lights, triangular gable windows and other bespoke shapes that would be impractical to make openable.
Rooms where security is a priority – fixed lights cannot be opened from outside, making them inherently more secure than any opening window in the same position.
Passivhaus and low-energy projects – where the combination of fixed construction and triple glazing achieves the demanding airtightness and thermal performance targets these standards require.
Finishes, hardware and security
Finishes & colours
Fixed light windows are available across a full RAL colour range in all materials. Because there are no handles or visible hardware on the face of the window, the frame itself becomes the only visual element – making colour choice particularly important in picture window installations. Dual colour finishes, slim frame depths and flush-fitting options all contribute to the architectural quality of a well-specified fixed light.
Glazing options
All fixed light and picture windows we supply are available with:
Double glazing – the standard choice for most London homes, meeting current Part L building regulation requirements.
Triple glazing – triple glazed window units for maximum thermal and acoustic performance. Fixed construction combined with triple glazing achieves some of the lowest U-values available in residential glazing.
Acoustic glass – laminated acoustic units for noise-sensitive urban positions, particularly useful for large picture windows facing busy roads or rail lines in London.
Hardware & security
Fixed light windows do not have handles, hinges or locking mechanisms. Security is inherent in the construction – a sealed fixed light cannot be opened from outside.
FAQ
Yes. Fixed lights, particularly in timber or composite with heritage slim-profile glazing, are widely accepted in conservation areas and for listed buildings. Shaped fixed lights such as arched heads and circular windows are particularly valued in conservation settings where original architectural features are to be retained or replicated. We can supply documentation to support planning and listed building consent applications.
Yes, generally. Because fixed windows have no operable seals, hinges or hardware that can degrade over time, they provide better long-term airtightness than equivalent opening windows.
Yes, fixed construction is well suited to large-format glazing because there are no hinge or handle loadings to consider. Aluminium picture windows in particular can be specified in very large formats with ultra-slim frames, delivering near-frameless expanses of glass for contemporary extensions and open-plan living spaces. Solar control glazing should be considered for south or west-facing large-format installations.
Fixed lights are often more cost-effective than equivalent opening windows of the same size, as there is no hardware, mechanism or complex weather-sealing to factor into the price. For large picture window installations, the main cost driver is the glazing unit itself. Contact us for a tailored windows installation price.
Quality fixed light windows in aluminium or composite typically last 40 years or more. Timber fixed lights with quality factory finishes and periodic maintenance can last 50 years or more. All fixed windows we supply come with a manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind.