But what are these features that givewindows the grid-like, multi-paned look?
And are they related to window stiles and grilles?
Understanding the word origin means going back a few hundred years to England, where both terms originated.
The Spruce / Yurle Villegas
Meanwhile, mullions are the single vertical supports used in two-pane assemblies.
Window Muntins
What Is a Window Muntin?
Muntin refers to the vertical dividers that separate glass panes in a window.
Early builders used muntins because they were structurally necessary.
“Mountayne” is a Middle English word meaning peak, mountain, or pile.
Styles are usually expressed today as “stiles.”
“Mutin” is not a word, and “mutton” only refers to sheep meat.
Window Mullions
What Is a Window Mullion?
Generally, mullions are the single vertical bars that separate two sides of a singlewindow.
Another way to think of them is that mullions are often heavier elements that divide larger window frames.
Sometimes they can appear to create two windows where one window would be expected.
Mullions are different from muntins, though they both act as supporting devices.
Another way to think of them is that mullions are often heavier elements that divide larger window frames.
Sometimes, they can appear to create two windows where one window would be expected.
Giant expanses of windows were achieved by holding smaller panes of glass together with supportive devices.
The Decline of Paned Windows
After World War II, mullions and muntins fell out of favor.
Muntins and mullions became old-fashioned and unnecessary.
Today, mullions are stylistically used but no longer needed for their functionality.
The distinction between the terms hardly matters and confuses the window-buying process.
This is a sufficient one-size-fits-all word for a component without a structural function.
Today, a mullion or grille is just there for aesthetic appeal.
They are usually offered as an add-on for an extra charge.
They only exist for cosmetic and visual interest.
Should You Get Window Grilles?
It’s easy toretrofit grilles to non-paned windows.
you could also get more expensive between-glass window grilles, which are permanent.
it’s possible for you to buy windows that have clip-on window grilles.
The grilles remain on the house’s interior and can be removed for cleaning.
Grilles sized for specific windows are available from the window manufacturer.
Kits range from $30 to $40 per window.
The difference between the two window terms is slight.
These were the vertical supports used to hold together panes of glass.
Muntins supported multiple panes of glass, while mullions supported two panes.
These terms are falling out of use since these parts are no longer used to support glass.
You may hear of the decorative vertical parts called “grilles.”
The grids in old-fashioned-looking windows go by many names: muntins, mullions, grids, and grilles.
They are also known simply as divided windows.
It’s very easy to add mullions, or in this case, grilles, to windows.
