A blind is a part of a facade that looks like a window or opening but is actually bricked up or plastered shut. The term is used for both a blind wall (a wall without openings) and a blind window (a frame with masonry infill instead of glass).
Why a blind window?
- Symmetry — the facade appears balanced, even when a window is not desired on the inside
- Structure — in locations where load-bearing capacity is needed and a real opening would weaken the construction
- Loading — fewer facade openings means more load-bearing capacity for upper storeys
- Privacy regulations — when a window on the boundary line is not permitted, it is made blind
Blind window vs. blocked-up window
| Feature | Blind window | Blocked-up window |
|---|---|---|
| **Origin** | Designed as blind | Was once a real window, later filled in |
| **Frame** | Often present (for appearance) | Frame sometimes removed |
| **Infill** | Brickwork, plaster or panel | Brickwork, insulation or board |
| **Heritage** | Often part of the original design | Later alteration |
Blind wall
A blind wall is an entire facade side without windows, doors or other openings. This occurs with:
- Side walls on the boundary line
- Party walls (shared wall between two dwellings)
- Fire walls that seal off a fire compartment
Historical use
In the 17th and 18th centuries, blind windows were deliberately designed to balance the facade composition. Canal houses regularly feature blind windows that are virtually indistinguishable from real windows when viewed from outside.
Recognising a blind window
- The glass section is missing or replaced by a panel
- The frame is set slightly recessed into the facade, just like a real window
- Sometimes the blind window is painted to resemble glass (trompe-l’oeil)
Related terms
- Facade
- Jamb
- Frame
- Cavity wall
- Parapet
- Reveal