What is a Muntin?

A muntin (also known as a grille, sash bar, or glazing bar) is a narrow, vertical or horizontal element that divides a window or door into smaller sections or panes. It is typically made of wood, metal, or vinyl and is placed between the glass panels to provide structural support and aesthetic appeal.

Muntins are often associated with traditional or historic architectural styles and were commonly used in windows before the advent of large, single-pane glass. They were used to hold smaller individual panes of glass in place within a window sash. Muntins can be plain and functional, or they can feature decorative profiles, such as ogee or astragal shapes, to enhance the visual appeal of the window.

While muntins were traditionally used with individual glass panes, modern windows often use simulated or “divided lite” muntins. These are muntin-like elements that are applied to a single pane of glass, creating the illusion of multiple smaller panes. This provides the aesthetic appeal of traditional divided windows while maintaining the benefits of larger, uninterrupted glass surfaces.