Even if you could close them, they are not nearly large enough to cover a window. But they might be intrigued at some of the new materials used to create the authentic look. The authentic colonial window was made of wood. Today's more energy-efficient windows have two panes of glass. A muntin wide enough to hold them, however, is unacceptably big for most people, as well as unacceptably expensive.
Some upscale houses have wood windows with snap-in plastic muntins to create the look.
Either way, these windows are easier to clean. Palladian windows have been transformed in look as well as manufacture. Historically, the Palladian window, common in the Georgian period, was a triptych type of window opening. On many of today's houses, the Palladian window has morphed into one large, fixed opening above the front door that brings light into a two-story entry foyer. Vinyl strips are sandwiched between the two panes of glass to create the divided-light look.