Window Furniture Explained: A Guide to Stays, Fasteners and Handles

Introduction

Window furniture is the collective term for the fittings used to open, close, hold and secure a window. It includes window stays, fasteners, Espag handles, sash fasteners, sash lifts, sash pulls, stops and specialist fanlight fittings.

Choosing the correct hardware begins with identifying the window and understanding how it opens. A traditional timber casement does not use the same fittings as a sliding sash window, while a window fitted with an Espagnolette mechanism needs a compatible Espag handle.

This guide explains the main types of window furniture and the job each fitting performs. You can also browse our complete window handles and hardware collection.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Window Furniture?
2. Which Window Hardware Do I Need?
3. Window Stays
4. Window Fasteners
5. Window Stays vs Window Fasteners
6. Espag Window Handles
7. Sash Window Furniture
8. Fanlight Window Furniture
9. Traditional Window Furniture
10. Materials and Finishes
11. Replacing Existing Window Furniture
12. Further Reading
13. FAQ

What Is Window Furniture?

Window furniture is the hardware fitted to a window so it can be operated and secured. The term covers several product groups, each with a different purpose.

On a traditional timber casement window, the main fittings are usually a stay and a fastener. The stay holds the open casement in position, while the fastener closes it against the frame.

A window with an Espagnolette locking mechanism uses an Espag handle to operate that mechanism. Sliding sash windows use dedicated fittings, including sash fasteners, lifts, pulls, stops and, on traditional cord-and-weight systems, pulleys.

Fanlights may also need specialist hardware. Depending on the window, this could include a catch, quadrant stay, roller-arm stay or screw opener.

Style and finish matter, but function comes first. Identify the window, establish what the fitting needs to do, check compatibility and measurements, and then choose the design and finish.

Which Window Hardware Do I Need?

The quickest way to narrow the choice is to identify the window type and opening method.

This is a starting point rather than a compatibility guarantee. Fixing centres, plate sizes, spindle dimensions, handing, keeper positions and frame details can all affect the final choice.

Window Stays

A window stay is commonly fitted to a traditional opening casement. Its row of holes locates over one of the stay pins, allowing the window to be held at a selected opening position.

When choosing a stay, check its overall length, fixing centres and the available space on the casement. Products described as the same nominal length may not have identical fixing positions.

Our window stays collection includes a range of sizes, designs and finishes. The Avon Window Stay is available in several sizes and finishes to coordinate with related Avon fittings.

For more guidance, read How to Install Window Stays and How to Measure Window Stays.

Window Fasteners

A window fastener holds a casement window against its frame when closed. The handle engages with a compatible keeper or plate, depending on the product and window construction.

Traditional fasteners are available in locking and non-locking versions. The correct choice depends on the window profile, keeper arrangement, available fixing space and whether the fastener is handed or reversible.

Browse our window fasteners collection. The Locking Avon Fastener is designed for casement windows and coordinates with related Avon window furniture.

If you are unsure about left- and right-handed fittings, read our casement fastener handing guide.

Window Stays vs Window Fasteners

A window stay and a window fastener perform different jobs. They are not normally alternatives on a traditional timber casement.

Many outward-opening timber casements use both fittings: the fastener closes the window and the stay holds it open. Windows fitted with an Espagnolette mechanism work differently, so check the existing system before adding or replacing hardware.

Espag Window Handles

“Espag” is short for Espagnolette. An Espag window handle operates a compatible locking mechanism fitted within the window. Turning the handle moves the mechanism and engages its keeps around the frame.

The handle is only one part of the system. Before ordering a replacement, check the spindle size, fixing centres, handing, handle position and compatibility with the existing mechanism.

Browse our Espag window handles collection. The Avon Espagnolette demonstrates how a traditional-looking handle can operate an Espagnolette system.

For more detail, read What Is an Espag Window Handle?.

Sash Window Furniture

Sliding sash windows use a different group of fittings from casement windows. A sash fastener closes the meeting rails, while lifts and pulls provide handholds for moving the sash.

Stops can restrict how far the window opens, while pulleys form part of the cord-and-weight system used on many traditional box sash windows.

Choose each fitting according to its purpose and the dimensions of the window. Check the width and alignment of the meeting rails before selecting a fastener and make sure all fixing points sit on sound timber.

Our sash window furniture collection includes fasteners, locks, lifts, pulls, stops and pulleys. The Brighton Sash Fastener is a traditional option for closing the meeting rails.

For more information, read How to Choose Sash Window Furniture.

Fanlight Window Furniture

A fanlight is a smaller window positioned above a door or another window. Some fanlights are fixed, while others open for ventilation.

Depending on the window, the appropriate fitting may be a catch, quadrant stay, roller-arm stay or screw opener. Consider the hinge position, opening direction, available access and frame dimensions.

Browse our fanlight window furniture collection and check the individual product specifications before ordering.

Traditional Window Furniture

Monkeytail, Peardrop and Shepherd’s Crook describe familiar traditional handle and stay shapes. These designs make it easier to coordinate stays, fasteners and compatible Espag handles across a room or property.

• Monkeytail: characterised by a decorative curled end.
• Peardrop: features a fuller, tapered handle shape.
• Shepherd’s Crook: identified by its hooked profile.

Choose the design only after confirming the functional requirements. Stay length, fastener type, keeper arrangement, spindle and fixing dimensions must still suit the window.

Browse our traditional window hardware collection for coordinated casement fittings.

Materials and Finishes

Once the type and measurements are established, you can narrow the choice by material and finish. Options include brass, bronze, black, pewter, chrome and nickel, depending on the product range.

Consider the location, level of exposure, surrounding hardware and expected maintenance. Products used in damp, exposed or corrosive conditions should be selected according to their material and performance guidance rather than colour alone.

For finish-led choices, browse our brass window hardware. For suitable projects requiring a higher-performance protective finish, explore Armor-Coat window furniture and check the individual product information.

Replacing Existing Window Furniture

Before removing existing window hardware, take photographs and record how the fitting operates, where the keeper sits and which components move when the handle is used.

Useful measurements include:

• Overall length and width
• Fixing centres
• Backplate or fixing-plate dimensions
• Spindle size and projection where relevant
• Keeper size and position
• Left- or right-handed operation

Do not assume that a fitting with a similar outline will cover the old holes or operate the existing mechanism. This is particularly important for Espag handles and fasteners where the keeper must align correctly.

For a practical checklist, read How to Replace Window Hardware.

Further Reading

• How to Choose Sash Window Furniture
• How to Install Window Stays
• What Is an Espag Window Handle?
• How to Replace Window Hardware
• How to Measure Window Stays
• Casement Fastener Handing Guide
• Window Hardware Ideas and Inspiration

FAQ

What is window furniture?

Window furniture is the collective term for the hardware used to open, close, hold or secure a window. It includes window stays, fasteners, Espag handles, sash fittings and fanlight hardware.

What is the difference between a window stay and a window fastener?

A window stay holds an open casement at a selected position. A window fastener holds the casement against the frame when it is closed.

Do I need both a window stay and a window fastener?

Many traditional timber casement windows use both. The stay controls the open position, while the fastener closes the window. Other window mechanisms may use a different arrangement.

What hardware is used on sash windows?

Sash window furniture can include fasteners or locks, lifts, pulls, stops and pulleys for traditional cord-and-weight systems.

What is an Espag window handle?

An Espag handle operates a compatible Espagnolette locking mechanism fitted within the window. Check the spindle, fixing centres, handing and mechanism before replacing one.

Can old window furniture be replaced?

Yes, in many cases. Compare the existing fixing centres, plate sizes, keeper position, spindle dimensions and handing before ordering a replacement.