Basic Shape

• Neoclassical architecture favors windows complement a building's geometric shape. Basic neoclassical windows are designed as pure rectangles; and they are often double hung, which means they open by sliding up and down. Embellishments to this basic neoclassical style depended on the overall embellishments used on the building and the actual placement of the windows.
  
  

The Palladian Style

• The Palladian style window is a neoclassical window shape designed by the Italian architect Palladio. This window shape was such a trademark of his design style that the window is commonly called a Palladian window. The standard Palladian window consists of two windows; the bottom is often a large square or rectangle, while the second window above the first features an arched semicircular design.
  
  

The Norman Wheel

• Another distinctive neoclassical window shape is the Norman wheel. This window is very distinctive because it is completely circular and often designed using stained glass. In private homes, the Norman wheel is often featured in stairwells for lighting, but it is often seen most in churches with a neoclassical design. An excellent example of a neo-classical building featuring a Norman wheel can be seen at the Singers Hill Synagogue in Birmingham, England, which was built in 1856.
  
  

Transoms & Sidelights

• In the neoclassical style, architects often embellished windows in the front and sides of the home with decorative transoms. Transoms are an additional window over the existing rectangular window. These transom windows are often decorated with stained or opaque leaded glass for decoration. Another neoclassical technique is to use windows called sidelights that are used on either side of the front door. The use of transoms and sidelights in neoclassical design is to allow more light into the home.
  
  

Stained Glass

• Stained glass in the 18th and 19th century was used only wealthy homes it was not until the early 20th century that transoms and sidelights were embellished with stained glass designs in home designed for the middle class. Stained glass designs ranged from traditional designs, as seen in the era's Tiffany lamps, to the more serviceable smoked or white glass panes accented by lead beveled edges. Complete stained glass windows were used for privacy in such areas as bathrooms, dressing rooms, and stairwells.