Bay Windows vs Bow Windows

In this blog, you will learn the difference between Bay and Bow windows, and discover that either style can enhance the value and comfort of your home.

Have you ever seen a boxy window sticking out of a house and wondered, “What the heck is that thing?” The answer is a projection window — a unique type of window that can enhance the comfort of your home and help inspire a healthier lifestyle. Though unusual, projection windows can deliver a number of benefits that other window styles cannot. If you are looking to expand your home’s square-footage, or to capture additional sunlight, they are a perfect solution.

Projection windows protrude from the home to brighten rooms and deepen their connection to nature. Like most window styles, they capture sunlight and provide outdoor views; unlike other windows, they open additional space to help you live more comfortably. Usually, projection windows are composed of multiple panels. The number of panels depends on the type of projection window, of which there are two: bow windows and bay windows.

It is important to understand the difference between bay windows and bow windows before deciding which style is right for your home. In this blog, we walk through everything you need to know.

What is a bay window?

Bay windows combine beautiful views with increased ventilation. They are composed of three or more panels, positioned at angles such that the centerpiece is always the widest. Usually, that center panel is a large picture window — stationary, and existent only to offer elegant views. However, bay windows also feature casement or double hung windows on their sides, which include operating sashes that slide up and down. That allows bay windows to open, providing ventilation and airflow to the home.

Those casement and double hung windows are a major selling point. Not only do they position the picture window to capture a perfect view, but they allow the bay window itself to open and close. As a result, bay windows can be fully operational — a tagline bow windows cannot boast. That in mind, bay windows are a great choice for homeowners who want to not only add depth to their home, but maximize its ventilation.

• 3 panels
• Angled curve
• Can be operational
• More protruded than Bow Windows

What is a bow window?

Bow windows are wider and more intricate than bay windows, making them better equipped to capture sunlight. Composed of four to six panels positioned side-by-side, bow windows protrude from the home in a curve to achieve a rounded exterior appearance. The angles are sharp, making their protrusions less steep than those of a bay window. However, the panels offer a broad view that captures more natural light than any projection window.

The key differentiator is that bow windows are not operational. None of their panels can be opened to allow fresh air into your home. The windows are portals in spirit only — able to connect your home to nature symbolically, but not via physical elements. That in mind, bow windows are not the right choice for homeowners looking to increase ventilation. Though they can capture sunlight and add physicality to your home’s exterior, they cannot be opened or closed.

• 4-6 panels
• Rounded curve
• Non-operational
• Wide, expansive view
• Less protruded than Bay Windows

Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows: What’s the difference?

So, bay windows vs. bow windows — what’s the difference? Both window styles can enhance the value and comfort of your home by increasing its square-footage, deepening its connection to nature, and capturing additional sunlight. In fact, bay windows and bow windows probably have more in common than they do differences.

The differences between the styles are critical, though. On the one hand, bay windows are operational, making them a great choice for folks looking to increase airflow and ventilation in their homes; on the other hand, bow windows have wider panels that capture more natural light. As a result, both styles deliver distinct advantages to the home where they are installed.

Deciding which window is right for your home can be a challenge, but remember: there is no right or wrong answer. The best window for any home depends on its homeowners’ lifestyle, location, and budget. Simply follow your instincts and you cannot go wrong. At least, not when you are shopping at WindowRama.

We at WindowRama have an in-house shop where you can come and build custom bay and bow windows. Allow our professional window experts to guide you through the process making it easy on you and cutting down the time needed to do all the research on your own. Our team of craftsmen are experts with years of experience, so you know you’re getting a job done right.