What is a bay window?
Beautiful, timeless, contemporary? You might not think it, but bay windows can be all of the above. Find out the advantages of this type of window, where it works best, and more need-to-know details. Plus, we’ll explain the difference between bay and bow windows.
What is a bay window?
A bay window combines at least three windows into one combination 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.
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 walk-out bay, or the type of 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.
Are you a pro? You can find information about sizing and joining among our technical documents.
What's the difference between a bay and bow window?
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. If you order one of our bay windows, the center picture window can be flanked by either double-hung or casement windows set 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.
What are the advantages of a bay window?
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:
- Curb appeal! A bay window is memorable, and in some cases, it’s the signature feature on a home’s exterior.
- Natural light: With multiple windows in one unit, there’s a large amount of glass set at a variety of angles, which allows in more light overall.
- Panoramic views: The projecting design with windows facing multiple directions allows you to take in more of the landscape.
- Living space: The bay creates additional space on the inside — either through a shelf that’s perfect for pets and plants or actual square footage, depending on the style chosen.
Which home styles have bay windows?
Bay windows are hallmarks of certain classic home styles. Here are some selections to keep in mind:
- Victorian: Consider double-hung windows with cottage sashes (shorter top sash), reddish brown wood stains or warm white painted interior frames, and forest green or warm brown exteriors. Consider a Queen Anne grille pattern on the top sash. Transoms (windows above the main windows) are also typical in a bay window combination. Get more details on picking out windows for a Victorian home.
- Tudor: Consider either casement or double-hung windows with a colonial or diamond grille pattern and stained wood frames. Transoms are also typical in Tudors. Get more details on picking out windows for a Tudor home.
- Other home styles: Craftsman Bungalows, cottagecore homes, and East Coast brownstones also popularly feature bay windows. In addition, we’re seeing more new construction homes featuring contemporary twists on the bay window — more on how to achieve an updated look in the next section.
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.
Can I customize a bay window to fit my home’s style?
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:
- Right angles: 90° flanking windows create a rectangular shape that’s sometimes called a box bay window.
- Window type: Casement windows have clean lines and an elegant single-sash design. (The sash is the glass and framing around it.)
- Frame finish: Black is a go-to, but don’t forget about dark bronze for a warmer shade. And if you prefer stained wood, try a blonde or honey colored one, like white oak or maple.
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.
Bay and bow window FAQs answered
Are bay or bow windows more energy efficient?
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 there are selections you can make to improve the energy efficiency of your bay or bow window, including window type, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, and skipping grilles. Find out more about how to pick out energy-efficient windows.
In addition, the energy efficiency of bay windows can be improved by adding insulation at the header and below the seat board (the shelf built into a bay). This is something your builder or contractor can do during installation.
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.
Can bay windows or bow windows increase the resale value of a home?
They can! Bay and bow windows add curb appeal to a home. They’re hallmark features that stick in the mind and can charm potential home buyers. In fact, realtors agree that homeowners will pay a premium for a house with Andersen® brand windows and doors.* So we think it’s fair to say your investment in this type of window won’t be for naught.
*2024 Andersen brand survey of U.S. realtors
Are bow windows still in style?
While bow windows may not be at the top of trends lists, there’s been an embrace of curves and circles in the home design space recently with the rise of biophilic design. Shapes that remind us of the natural world support this approach, and the bow, with its gentle arc, is a great example of this. Want to learn more about biophilic design?
Does Andersen sell replacement bay windows?
Yes, our bay windows can be used in a replacement project. You will find options through the 400 Series and E-Series product lines. In addition, Renewal by Andersen, our full-service window replacement division, also offers bay windows.
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