Divided Lites

Rustic ADU exterior with folding patio glass doors folded open to outdoor terrace, showcasing seamless indoor‑outdoor living and natural wood detailing

Divided Lites for Opening Glass Walls

Divided lites use horizontal and vertical bars across glass to create diverse grid patterns and added architectural detail.

NanaWall offers both simulated divided lites (SDLs) and mullions, providing customizable options to complement traditional and contemporary designs while creating a cohesive look across any project.
 

What’s the Difference?

Simulated Divided Lites vs Mullions

Simulated divided lites (SDLs)

*SDL and mullion profile for NW Aluminum 640

Simulated divided lites (SDLs) are surface-applied to the glass, creating the appearance of individual panes within a single continuous pane.

Mullion profile for NW Aluminum 640

*SDL and mullion profile for NW Aluminum 640

Mullions are horizontal profiles that divide a panel into two or more distinct glass or infill sections, often for added structural support.
 

NanaWall Simulated Divided Lites Pattern

Choose the Ideal Pattern

From classic Colonial and Craftsman grids to clean contemporary patterns, simulated divided lites and mullions can be customized to complement a range of architectural styles.

Explore different patterns and proportions with the NanaWall 3D Configurator to find the right look for your project.
 

Understand Your Options with Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs)

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A man sits on a suspended outdoor bench while a man and a woman walk through an open folding glass door into a bright, modern hotel lobby area.
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SDLs create the look of individual panes without breaking up the insulated glass panels. The continuous glazing helps maintain energy-efficient thermal performance while achieving the look of traditional divided lites. SDLs are available for aluminum, wood, and aluminum clad opening glass walls.

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Restoration Hardware rooftop restaurant in Raleigh NC featuring NanaWall SL70 bifold glass doors fully opened to expand the modern outdoor dining area with city views
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For a more authentic true divided lite appearance, a spacer bar is applied between the glass panes. It creates the appearance of separate glass panes while maintaining a continuous, energy-efficient insulated glass system.

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NanaWall at The Factory, Wareham, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls with slim black aluminum frames, thermal break, and urban loft design
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From traditional Colonial and Craftsman grids to clean horizontal patterns, simulated divided lites provide design flexibility across a range of architectural styles. Customize the pattern and proportions to complement your projects’ architectural aesthetic.

Slimline Steel Effect

With the slim nature of Generation 4 products, NW Aluminum 640, NW Acoustical 645, and NW Aluminum 840 can be customized with popular SE colors and a unique contemporary glass stop for a truly classic steel look while benefiting from the superior performance of an aluminum folding glass wall. 

Simulated divided lites can be specified in patterns of your choice.

Understand Your Options with Mullions

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Partially open stacking glass doors by NanaWall creating flexible meeting spaces in a commercial interior
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Modern school hallway with moveable glass walls on the left, creating classrooms that blend seamlessly into the open, brightly lit area.
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Mullions make it possible to combine different glazing and infill options within a single panel. Mix clear or frosted glass with solid infills like wood to create privacy, add visual interest, or meet project-specific design needs.

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WD65 Restaurant wood folding glass designed for harsh weather
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Interior living space with folding glass doors opened to the deck, part of a Houzz-featured project highlighting warm wood finishes and indoor-outdoor living
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NanaWall thermally broken mullions provide added design flexibility while reducing heat transfer. Improved energy efficiency ensures interiors remain comfortable year-round.

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Beyond adding visual appeal, mullions provide additional structural reinforcement for very tall opening glass walls. Mullions add strength to the overall system, allowing opening glass walls to meet structural requirements and aesthetic standards.

Inspiration for Your Next Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to true divided lites, simulated divided lites, or SDLs, are bars applied to the surface of the glass to create the look of individual panes without dividing the glass panel itself. NanaWall SDLs offer a spacer bar to give an authentic appearance.

While simulated divided lites are applied to the surface of a continuous glass unit, mullions physically divide the glass into separate sections.

Yes. Simulated divided lites maintain a continuous insulated glass unit, supporting energy-efficient performance while achieving the look of divided glass.

Yes. NanaWall SDLs can be configured in a variety of grid patterns and layouts to complement traditional and contemporary designs. From Colonial to Contemporary patterns, explore the various customizable options and find the ideal gird pattern for your project in the NanaWall 3D configurator.

NanaWall offers simulated divided lites with NW Aluminum 640, NW Acoustical 645, NW Clad 740, NW Wood 540, SL45, SL70, and WD65 folding glass walls and HSW60 and HSW66 stacking sliding glass walls. SDLs are also possible with our Tilt Turn and Fixed window options.

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