M. Gerwing ARCHITECTS

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muntin v. mullion - architect's glossary

muntin versus mullion

This distinction is often confusing for architects, not to mention contractors and homeowners.

muntin

A muntin is a small bar that separates two pieces of glass, aka "glazing bar" or "sash bar":

muntins

mullion

A mullion is a bar or post that separates two window units. In fact, it also has a verb sense, as the act of having two windows attached to each other - the windows are mulled together.

mullions

astragal

To add some confusion and a bit more complication, an astragal is the the same as a mullion except it sits between doors (it is the annoying fixed post you see between some pairs of doors that people often walk in to).  Sometimes these are the projecting vertical bar or trim that is on the outer edge of one of a pair of double doors and is attached to the door.

astragal

grilles

And finally, a grille is a group of fake muntins.  It actually does not separate anything but creates a pattern that simulates traditional muntins.  These are usually plastic and below contempt.

grille