Tips
Bay vs. bow windows: What you need to know
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
Your home’s windows are more than just, well, windows. They allow natural light to flood in, offer stunning views of the outdoors, help keep your home safe, and can significantly improve your home's curb appeal.
Two popular options often come to mind when selecting windows that bring even more light and character to your space: bay windows and bow windows.
While they may seem similar at first glance, these two window styles have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and architectural needs. In this blog, we'll compare bay windows to bow windows to help you make the best decision for your home. Find out the difference between a bay window vs a bow window, the pros and cons of each, and where they fit well in a home.
What is a bay window?
Before we get into too much detail, what exactly is a bay window? Bay windows are a classic architectural feature that add charm to both the inside and outside of your home. They typically consist of a central, sizable window flanked by two narrower windows positioned at an angle, extending outward from the house's exterior wall. This arrangement creates a multidimensional perspective, adding depth and dimension to the view.
A bay window is a group of three windows mulled together to form one unit. Bay windows that open can feature three double-hung windows or three casement windows. Bay windows also have seat boards where you can relax and enjoy the warmth of sunlight.
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
Advantages of bay windows
More Space: Bay windows create additional interior space, making rooms feel more open. The extended sill can be used as a seating area, a cozy reading nook, or even for decorative purposes.
Versatility: These windows are versatile in terms of design. Depending on your home's architecture and your taste, you can opt for traditional or modern styles.
Classic beauty: Bay windows add a touch of elegance and charm to the exterior of your home. They often become a focal point and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Ventilation: The operable side windows in bay windows provide good ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate within your home.
Natural light: The larger central pane and the angle at which bay windows stick out from the wall allow ample natural light to enter your space, brightening up the room.
What is a bow window?
Bow windows extend outward from a home's exterior, typically comprising four or more nearly identical windows. This configuration gives bow windows a gentle, curved appearance instead of the angular projection of bay windows, often requiring more space than their bay counterparts.
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
%3Afill(transparent)&w=2000&q=75)
Advantages of bow windows
Elegance: Bow windows offer a more gentle and continuous curve compared to the angular projection of bay windows. This gives them a unique and elegant appearance.
Maximum Natural Light: With their multiple windows, bow windows allow abundant natural light to fill your room. This can make smaller spaces feel more expansive and inviting.
Enhanced Views: The curved shape of bow windows offers panoramic views of the outdoors, making them a perfect choice if you have a beautiful garden or scenic landscape.
Versatile Design: Bow windows are available in various sizes and configurations, allowing you to customize them to suit your preferences and architectural style.
Ventilation: Like bay windows, bow windows often include operable casement or double-hung windows, offering ventilation options while maintaining the curve's aesthetics.
Both bay and bow windows have unique charm and advantages, making them excellent choices for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. The best choice for your home will depend on space, architectural style, desired functionality, and budget. Whether you prefer the classic angles of bay windows or the graceful curvature of bow windows, either choice is bound to bring a touch of elegance and personality to your home.
What’s the difference between a bay window and a bow window?
Shape: The biggest difference between a bay window and a bow window is the shape. Bay windows have flanking windows set at an angle for a geometric look. Bow windows have an arc that curves for a smoother look.
Design: Bay windows only have three windows, so they have a smaller footprint in your home than bow windows. Both window designs can have each window open and close. You can also choose to have the middle windows remain fixed or inoperable.
Size and space: Bay windows take up less space than bow windows because they have fewer windows.
Why you’d choose one over the other: Several home styles, like Victorian, Tudor, Mid-Century Modern, and Craftsman styles can have bay or bow windows. Choosing a bay window vs a bow window can come down to how much room you have available, your existing window, your home’s architectural style, and personal preference. Bow windows can work well in corners of a home to create a turret look.
Cost comparison: Bow windows typically have a higher cost than bay windows because they have more windows. Bow window installation can involve more work than bay windows, too.
| Bay vs. Bow Windows Comparison | Bow Windows | Bay Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Window Size | Bow window sizes can range from nearly 6-feet wide and nearly 2-feet high to 12-feet wide and 6-feet high with custom sizing available | Bay window sizes can range from nearly 4-feet wide and nearly 3-feet high, up to 11 3/4-feet wide and 6-feet high with custom sizing available |
| Number of Windows | 4, 5, or 6 | 3 |
| Ventilation | Casement | Double-Hung or Casement |
| Common Home Style | Victorian, contemporary, Mid-Century Modern | Victorian, Craftsman, Mid-Century Modern |
Bay window pros and cons
Bay windows have their advantages and disadvantages like other windows. When comparing bay and bow windows, you can find a little more flexibility with bay windows in terms of design and placement.
Bay window pros
Versatility: Small bay windows fit perfectly above a kitchen sink while large bay windows can create a cozy breakfast nook in your kitchen area. Homes often have large living room bay windows for curb appeal, natural light, and panoramic views. A bedroom bay window can capture scenic views.
Appearance: Bay windows have traditional appeal to give homes a stately look. Bay windows paired with window grilles add architectural appeal and make them a focal point of your home. You can see bay windows dot the landscape of homes where traditional home styles appear.
Light: When you combine multiple windows together, you get the benefit of increased natural light. Since bay windows have angled windows, you can capture natural light from different spots, too.
Ventilation: Whether you choose three operating windows or just two, a bay window provides ample fresh air. Two operating flanking windows can capture breezes to bring them into your home. Infinity Bay Windows can come as double-hung windows where the top sash can open to allow hot air to escape. You can also choose casement windows that open wide to allow air to permeate your home.
Bay window cons
Room: Though bay windows can come in a variety of window sizes, they do require enough space for installation.
Bow window pros and cons
Bow windows come in larger sizes than bay windows, which can allow additional natural light and fresh air into your home.
Bow window pros
Panoramic views: With four, five, or six casement windows assembled together, you get fantastic views with style. A bow window can give as wide of a view as a patio door without having to open an entire patio door. Bow windows fit in places where a patio door doesn’t make sense.
Ventilation: Bow windows typically feature casement windows, which means you can control the amount of air you want to enter your home by deciding how far to open the window. Bow windows can all have operating windows or just some operating windows.
Appearance: Bow windows fit into several home styles. They often appear in homes on the East Coast.
Bow window cons
Size: Starting with four windows mulled together means bow windows require a lot of space. Bow window sizes can range from six-feet wide to eight-feet wide.
Appearance: How a bow window will appear needs consideration since it will become a focal point of your home.
Bay and bow window replacement and how to get bay and bow windows
If you’re replacing a bay window, an Infinity consultant can discuss custom bay windows to fit your home. Since bow window replacement can be a bigger project, an Infinity expert can help you design the perfect custom bow window.
What would bow and bay windows look like on my home?
See how Infinity windows would look on your home with our Visualizer tool or schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a local Infinity expert today.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can replace a bow window with a bay window. You must think about the space where you’re putting a bay window because they have fewer windows. Though bay windows have fewer windows, you can use larger windows to fill the area where you had a bow window better. Careful window measurement needs to happen to ensure a proper fit. You also must think about the style of windows. Infinity Bay Windows can have double-hung windows or casement windows. Our bow windows only feature casement windows.
Bay and bow windows can add value to your home in several ways. You can value the sweeping views they provide. There is also value with bay and bow windows in the curb appeal they offer. Bay and bow windows often get considered as luxury items and there’s perceived value in them.
How far a bay window sticks out depends on the angle of the flanking windows. Bay windows with flanking windows set at a 30° angle can extend out about 13-14 inches. Bay windows with a 45° angle can stick out around 19 inches.