Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows

Whether you’re designing a new home or remodeling your current house, you might be thinking about installing a bay window or bow window. While they look similar, they do have their differences. Let’s take a look at how these windows differ.

A bay window has a fixed center window joined together with venting windows on either side. On the other hand, a bow window is made up of four or more windows joined together to form an elegant curve. The windows can be fixed, venting, or a combination of the two.

"Stained Glass Bay Window Sundial (3)" by John Carmichael / CC BY 2.0

"Groothaert Boulevard De Smet de Nayer bow-window" by Michel Detry / CC BY-SA 3.0

How do you choose between these two styles? There are many factors that need to be considered.

First, you must determine whether or not you need building consent. According to DoItYourself.com, “If your house is close to the street then you will need to check how far the window is permitted to project from the building without causing a problem.” Bay windows usually protrude further than a bow window because they are generally installed at 90, 135 or 150 degree angles. So if your home is positioned close to the curb, a bow window might be your best option.

Both bay windows and bow windows are great for adding a bit of floor space to your home. This space can be used to display furniture, artwork or even boxed window seats.

Bow windows will allow more sunlight into your room because they have more panes of glass and less paneling than bay windows.

As mentioned above, a bow window can feature any combination of fixed and venting windows, whereas bay windows do not offer that flexibility. If you’re looking for added ventilation, bow windows might be the right choice for you. However, if you do choose to create a bow window out of several venting windows, note that it will be more expensive to install the opening mechanisms.

Still not sure which window is right for your next project? Call Superior Windowland at (203) 948-7770 or reach out to us on Facebook today. Our expert staff members are ready to help you determine whether a bay window or a bow window is ideal for your home.