As you explore cities in the United States or abroad, you might notice iron bars on windows. Typically, these bars are straight, running directly from the top to the bottom of the window, or forming a small box with straight lines around it. However, in certain areas, particularly historic towns and cities, you may encounter grills with an outward curve at the bottom.
These are commonly referred to as window belly bars due to their rounded, belly-like shape at the base. Window bars are usually crafted from wrought iron or cast iron—two robust materials that can be shaped to match homeowners’ stylistic preferences. Curved window grills can range from intricately decorative to relatively simple. While aesthetics play a role, these rounded window bars were initially designed to enhance security by deterring break-ins. Although straight bars might appear more practical, curved window grills offer several benefits, such as providing space for items on the windowsill and creating a larger area for homeowners to lean out.
Practical reasons for the curved design
The primary reason for the curve is to ensure security for windows with windowsill plants. Homeowners desired space for planters and other decor without compromising safety, leading to the curved design that accommodates windowsill items. This approach offers the best of both worlds—adding beauty to the space while enhancing home security. Though air conditioning units weren’t around when this style emerged, the belly design is ideal for protecting units that hang over windowsills. Additionally, the style is necessary for certain window types, such as tilting windows that protrude at the bottom, as curved bars allow ample space for opening.
The curved bottom also enables individuals to lean out windows for a better view of the ground while remaining safe. Homeowners gain more space to maneuver and achieve a good viewing angle, while the additional space between the bars and the window makes it more challenging for potential intruders to reach inside or approach the window.
Aesthetics of window grills
Even if window bars are considered an outdated feature that some designers, like the Property Brothers, tend to avoid, they can enhance the appearance of older homes or buildings. For instance, in Charleston, South Carolina, iron window bars became a popular medium for displaying palmetto shapes and other designs. Curved window bars, in particular, add a stylistic element and effectively evoke an old-world European, Mediterranean, or Latin ambiance, as these regions are known for this shape. For those seeking a home with distinctive details and a specific architectural style, they are an excellent choice, even if space for a planter or air conditioning unit isn’t required. Not only do they offer a unique shape, but they also provide more dimension for craftspeople to work with, such as the semicircles formed by the curve of belly bars.
Iron window grills have cycled in and out of fashion over the years as architectural trends have evolved. While they may seem out of place on modern buildings—leading some to opt for clear burglar bars for added security—they beautifully enhance the historical charm of older homes and intricate architectural styles. By combining practicality with elegant style, their purpose becomes clear.
