Which Window: New Bay Windows or Bow Windows?

September 22, 2008

One way to make your home truly special is to update your house's windows. Replacement windows allow you to customize your home's facade and interior. Bay and bow replacement windows are an especially popular choice, as they can add space and maximize the natural light in your home. If you've already decided to add replacement windows, you first major decision is between a bay and a bow window.

New Bay Windows for Your Home

Popular since the Victorian era, bay windows are typically three-sided window extensions that project out beyond the footprint of a house, adding just a few feet of extra space. Many people choose to install a bench or padded seat in their bay windows. The bench can provides a place for houseplants or decorative accessories, while the seat makes for a comfortable spot to spend an afternoon reading or enjoying the view.

Bow Windows

Bow windows, simply put, are curved bay windows, sometimes made up of four or five window panels instead of three. These extra panels create a smooth arc to the window's surface, in contrast to the sharper, more defined lines of a classic bay window. While both bay windows and bow windows are a perfect choice for vintage and traditional homes, bow windows are also well-suited in modern architecture.

Before you make a commitment to add new bay or bow windows, be sure to research your local building code. Many municipal building codes have strict limits on the distance that bay windows can extend into public spaces like alleyways and streets. If your home is built with prohibitively little space separating it from the alley or street, a new picture window might be a better choice. While you may not enjoy the added space and expansive views that a bay window provides, you can still enjoy the added light.