Beautiful, timeless, contemporary? You might not think it, but bay windows can be all of the above. A bay window is an architectural feature that expands your living space, enhances curb appeal, and elevates your home's aesthetics by helping bring in abundant natural light. Read along to explore various bay window options to perfectly complement your home's style and functionality.
A bay window carves out an interior space by combining at least three windows into one combination unit that projects out from the walls of a home. From the exterior, it has a roof on top and either brackets beneath it or wall framing that extends all the way down to the foundation. The former style will create a shelf on the interior that’s a favorite spot for sun-loving house plants and cats alike. The latter style goes all the way to the floor and expands the home’s square footage, creating a bump-out that can accommodate furnishings and makes a cozy reading nook.
Are you a pro? You can find information about sizing and joining among our technical documents.
Bay windows come in different shapes, styles, and types. Here is a guide to a few of the most common bay window styles:
If you order one of our bay windows, it will be the type that’s supported by brackets. This type of window is available through our 400 Series and E-Series product lines and can work in any type of project — new construction, replacement, or remodel.
If you’re building a new home or undertaking a large-scale remodel, you’ll have more freedom to create a bay window that goes all the way to the floor and is supported by the foundation. You can still use our windows if you’re creating this type of bay window, and you’ll be able to choose from any of our product lines. With this type of bay, joined windows are often included in the center. This means the windows can fit together without the need for wall framing.
Technically, a bow window is a type of bay window. The difference is in the angles of the windows. A bow bows out in a gentle curve while a bay has windows at sharper angles to one another.
Our bay windows feature a picture window at the center flanked by either double-hung or casement windows at 90°, 45°, or 30°.
Our bow windows are made of a minimum of four casement windows set at 10° angles to one another.
We offer bay and bow windows through our 400 Series and E-Series product lines.
With its combination of windows that extend beyond the exterior walls, a bay window has some unique advantages. Here are a few you’ll want to note:
Bay windows are hallmarks of certain classic home styles. Your home’s architecture and space constraints might play a role in whether a bay window is the right choice for you. Here are some selections to keep in mind:
Within the home, bay windows are typically featured in more public rooms where their beauty and benefits can be fully appreciated. However, they can also be a great addition to a bedroom where they add storybook-sweet charm. Keep in mind that more traditional styles will likely have more ornamental and decorative features, whereas modern homes will keep it minimalist.
Our 400 Series Bay Windows and E-Series Bay Windows are available with flanking windows at 30°, 45°, or 90° angles. When deciding on the right angle for your windows, take the following into consideration:
As you consider the ideal angle for your bay window, don’t forget to consider which type of flanking window will be most practical. Remember that casements are crank operated, making them easy to open when you’re reaching. A double-hung can work well in a bay where you’ll have easy access to the windows.
If you think you want a bay window in your new construction home, there are a few challenges to take into consideration when preparing for installation, and the installation itself:
If you’re replacing a bay or bow window, you will need to think about some different challenges, including whether you want to match what’s already existing (cable or wall support) or if you want to change it. If you want to change it, you’ll need to know whether you have the proper structural support for the project type you have in mind. For example, if you want a bay that goes to your foundation, you need to know if you have the ability to open up a wall and frame it out to support it.
Both bay and bow windows include large expanses of glass since they’re made of at least three windows. Glass will never be as energy efficient as a wall, but here are some selections you can make to improve the energy efficiency of your bay or bow window:
Find out more about how to pick out energy-efficient windows.
Finally, if you are looking for a more energy-efficient solution, you could consider a picture window rather than a bay or bow window. Picture windows are the most efficient window type because they don’t open, and their large sizes could create a similar feel to a bay or bow. Just keep in mind that the bigger you go, the less energy-efficient it will be since glass is less efficient than a wall. When trying to strike a balance between windows and energy efficiency, your architect or builder will be able to help.
Yes, you can customize a bay window to your home through considered selections. While bay windows might seem more fitting for a traditional home, and are classic features in Tudor and Victorian homes, for example, they’re also more dynamic than you might think.
Here are some selections that can give your bay window a more modern flair:
Remember: Your architect or designer can help you through window selections that will fit your home. If you need a place to start, check out our Home Style Library.
The charm of a bay window is that it offers more than an architectural element to the home. It’s also a great opportunity to create an interior space with a unique use. Consider these projects for inspiration:
Because bay windows include multiple windows facing various angles, they offer ample opportunity to add natural light to your home. There are a few ways to maximize this advantage:
What’s a double-hung window? Casement window? Picture window? We’ll explain all these types of windows and more.
Want to know what your future windows will look like? See what a window will look like with different colors & options.
