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8 Types of Bay Window Styles
Monday, October 21st, 2024
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Bay windows are a classic feature that bring both beauty and elegance to any home. What you may not know is that there are several different styles of bay windows, each offering its own distinct look and benefits. These include:
We’ll cover the differences between each bay window style and their pros and cons to help you choose the best option for your home. But first, let’s take a quick look at what a bay window is.
A bay window protrudes out from the home, forming a rounded shape. The middle window is usually an inoperable picture window, while the two side windows are usually operable casement windows or double hung windows.
The two side windows are angled toward the center window, creating a slight curve in the wall. The angle of these windows can range from 30 to 90 degrees, depending on the bay window's overall design. The degree of the angle determines the style of the bay window, such as a box bay or circle bay window.
The unique architectural design of bay windows creates an extended area within the home. This area can be used for a wide range of functions, such as a cozy reading nook or a well-lit space to house your indoor potted plants.
As they evolved, bay windows became luxurious architectural details with ornate detailing and stained glass window panes. They were a sign of wealth among the upper class, used to create an extravagant display of art.
Bay windows are a beautiful design feature that has stood the test of time, remaining popular through centuries of architectural styles. No matter the changing trends, bay windows are seen as a fashionable choice for homes across the United States.
Whether they’re dressed down to fit a craftsman style home or finished with magnificent detailing for a Victorian manor, bay windows bring both beauty and natural light to any space. Even today, bay windows remain a charming feature, easily customized to complement your home’s unique design.
📏For tips on getting the perfect fit for your bay or bow windows, check out our article on how to measure windows. It's an easy step-by-step guide to make sure your new window fits perfectly!
Traditional bay windows feature large, straight-facing picture windows in the center, flanked by two smaller windows angled on either side. These side windows are often operable casement or double-hung windows, though they can also be fixed.
This type of bay window is typically found on the first floor of a building, with its architectural detailing varying based on the home's style.
Pros
Box bay windows vary in size, but are typically smaller and narrower than the other bay window styles. They can be used to create more interior space, like a traditional bay window, or they can serve a more functional purpose, like a garden window.
A garden window is encased in four window panels with the top part slanted at a downward angle for rain run-off. All four sides of the garden window are glass to maximize natural light.
Garden windows come with a deep-set shelf where you can place house plants, kitchen herbs, and other items within the window. Because their design captures an abundance of sunshine, they create a great environment for growing plants. While they’re most commonly found behind the kitchen sink, box bay windows are versatile and can be placed in any room.
Pros
We'll take a closer look at bow windows later and explain how they differ from bay windows. For now, just keep in mind that a "bowed bay window" usually refers to a bow window.
Pros
Pros
Cascading bay windows are typically in smaller rooms or bedrooms because they don’t require as much exterior wall space. On the inside, cascading bay windows don’t add as much extra space due to their subtle design—it’s often just a large shelf in the extended area. However, the overall impact can still be quite noticeable, depending on the size of the windows used.
Pros
This is the oldest bay window configuration, making it ideal for traditional and historic-style homes and buildings.
Pros
This type of bay or bow window configuration is typically a large and distinct architectural feature of the home. They usually have smaller transom windows above the picture windows or casement windows.
Pros
8 Types of Bay Window Styles
- Traditional Bay Window
- Box Bay Window
- Bowed Bay Window
- Polygonal Bay Window
- Cascading Bay Window
- Oriel Bay Window
- Circle Bay Window
- Fixed Bay Window
What is a Bay Window?
There are several different types of windows classified by their shape, function, and location. A bay window is unique because, unlike most windows that feature a single pane, it’s made up of three windows set together to create a distinctive look.History of Bay Windows
No matter what the space is used for, bay windows create an elegant design feature on both the interior and exterior of the home. They’re a classic, timeless design, dating all the way back to ancient Rome. However, the concept of bay windows fully emerged during the English Renaissance in the late 17th century.8 Popular Bay Window Styles to Boost Your Home’s Charm
Now that we’ve gone over what a bay window is, let’s talk about the different bay window styles available. We’ll describe how they look, function, and their pros and cons.1. Traditional Bay Window
A traditional bay window is also known as a canted bay window or a full bay window. These are the classic bay windows most people envision when they think of a bay window.Traditional bay windows feature large, straight-facing picture windows in the center, flanked by two smaller windows angled on either side. These side windows are often operable casement or double-hung windows, though they can also be fixed.
- Popular choice for Victorian homes
- Classic and traditional design
- Brings more natural light into the space
- Perfect for creating a cozy nook
- Expensive professional window installation required
- Has to be installed on the first floor
2. Box Bay Window
With a box bay window, the two side windows on either side of the central window are 90-degree, flat windows. This creates a box-like structure that extends out from the house.- Less expensive bay window option
- Small enough to sit above the kitchen sink
- Can be used as a garden window for house plants
- Larger box bay windows are great for a window seat
- Requires custom replacement windows if damaged
- Requires a custom-sized opening in the wall
- Not as architecturally detailed as other bay window options
3. Bowed Bay Window
A bowed bay window has a more rounded, curved appearance compared to a traditional or box bay window. The term "bowed bay window" is sometimes used to describe a bowed window, which is similar to a bay window but technically a different window structure.- Larger and more curved than traditional bay windows
- Abundance of natural light
- Creates additional interior space
- More airflow than other types of bay windows
- Perfect for large, open floor plans
- Expensive to install
- Heavier and harder to install
- Requires at least 80 inches of exterior wall space
4. Polygonal Bay Window
A polygonal bay window is technically a bow window, as it features five or more windows, creating a more angular look. As you might imagine, five or more angled windows extending out from the home create an extravagant architectural look. These windows can wrap around the corner of a home or serve as the main feature in a large, open living area.- Increases ventilation with an operable window
- Increases natural light
- Perfect for large homes with open floor plans
- Creates a central design feature
- Takes up significant exterior wall space
- May be too large for some homes
- Expensive and difficult to install
5. Cascading Bay Window
If you're looking for a gentler curve in your bay windows, consider cascading bay windows. In this style, the two side windows are set at a slight angle and don't extend far from the home, creating a softer, more subtle appearance.- Perfect if you want a subtle bay window
- Ideal for smaller rooms
- Adds natural light to the space
- Great space for an extended window shelf
- Less expensive and easier to install
- Doesn’t create as much storage or interior space
- Not as prominent as other bay windows
6. Oriel Bay Window
An oriel bay window is always located on an upper story, never on the first floor. Since it extends outward from an upper level, it requires additional structural support, often provided by decorative brackets or corbels. This added detail makes an oriel window a striking architectural feature in the home.- Perfect for Victorian or historic-style homes
- Beautiful exterior wall appearance
- Increases ventilation and natural light
- Expensive and difficult to install
- Difficult to clean and maintain
- Requires professional window replacement installation if damaged
7. Circle Bay Window
Circle bay windows are similar to polygonal bay windows in that there are usually more than three window panels. As such, they are technically a type of bow window, rather than a bay. Circle bay windows have a more rounded design that provides a classic, elegant look.- Large windows and additional transoms create abundant natural light
- Increased ventilation if window panes open
- Historic and elegant design
- Perfect for large homes with open floor plans
- One of the most ex
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