A Beginner's Guide to Bay Windows

Originally an element of Gothic architecture, bay windows have been a popular choice with homeowners since the 1870s.

Two of the biggest reasons why bay windows remain so incredibly fashionable today are because they not only increase the amount of natural light that can enter a room, but also provide the feeling of increased space.

What is a Bay Window?

Instead of being set flat in the wall of your home like a traditional picture window, bay windows project outward from the wall of the building, forming a bay or box-seating area inside the room. Used extensively in Victorian architecture, bay windows feature panes of glass placed at angles varying from 30 to 90 degrees.

Why Install a Bay Window?

Many homeowners choose to install a bay window solely for the dramatic natural light and the increased interior seating space. But by choosing to install a bay window, you can also dramatically change the exterior appearance of your home, giving it more character.

Window Dressing

Depending upon the existing architecture of your home, as well as your budget, choosing a bay window to install could be your biggest challenge. They can be large affairs that reach from floor to ceiling, encasing a small room or study area entirely in glass, or they can be small projections that house pots of herbs and flowers over your kitchen sink.

Who Should Install Your Bay Window

Because installing a bay window requires specialized knowledge, it's a good idea to hire a company or contractor who has extensive experience specifically in this area. This is important whether you are redesigning an existing window, or if you are installing a bay window for the first time and need to plan for window support or constructing the necessary eave.