Bay windows 101: All you need to know about Bay windows

What is a Bay Window? The Bay Window Meaning:

Bay windows are basically made up of one big window or series of windows that protrude outwards to form one large unit. The central window is fixed parallel to the wall. It has two side windows which are linked to the mainframe and are set at 30, 45, 60, or 90-degree angles depending upon the size to simulate the feel of a patio. Modern bay windows usually have casements or double-hung styles which act as the active windows. Sometimes, the side windows remain stationary and are installed to create a panoramic result.

Types of Bay Windows

1. Canted Bay Windows

A canted bay window design has the definitive and traditional bay window. It has a flat front with angled or curved sides and is only found on the first floor of houses and residential buildings.

Styles of Bay Windows

While bay window design ideas are profoundly rooted in traditional architecture, they are equally incorporated in modern house construction. You can visit an old district in your neighbourhood and you’ll find bay window ideas featured prominently in the house design of century homes. With numerous bay window design ideas and bay window grill design known, you can build a customised bay window exterior to fit the distinctive features of your house’s architectural fashion.

1. Victorian Bay Windows

The classic canted bay window is a descriptive element of Victorian architecture. Victorian homes also feature oriel windows with elaborate details. The straight front and bent sides spiked in rage after building codes changed in the 1800s, letting houses extend windows outward past their walls.

2. Tudor Bay Windows

Small oriel bay windows may adorn one or both floors of two-story, Tudor-style houses. Tudor bay windows are frequently supported by wood brackets that fit the exposed timbers on the rest of the facade. Casement windows were a common thing in Tudors, usually used in groups of two or three. A casement bay window complements Tudor-style architecture.

Bay Window Configurations

• If looks and light are something you are more inclined to, you can simply use three fixed picture windows of identical size. Or a bigger middle picture window with two smaller fixed windows on each side.
  
  
• If you desire some additional functionality in your bay window plan, then you can surround a picture window with two flanking windows that serve the purpose. When you open up the side windows, it grabs airflow at different angles to boost the ventilation in your house or bring in a calming and cooling breeze.
  
  
• The most common choices for bay window design configurations use either double-hung windows or casement windows.
  
  
• Casement bay windows let you open the entire panel with the turn of a crank.
  
  
• Double-hung bay windows supply ventilation in a distinct way. You can only open half the window, however, you can decide to open the top, bottom or both sashes to get added air circulation.

Bay Window Design Ideas: Decorating Ideas Bay Window Ideas
 

1. Reading Nook

Bay windows offer a nice view, and they can add to the charm of any room. But, some people prefer them for their functionality, not just their aesthetics. Modern bay windows ideas living room present an excellent way to take in the sight, and with a small effort, you can twist them into your own personal retreat. One can use different bay window seat ideas, bay window curtain ideas or have a wooden bay window to create a cosy reading area. Modern bay window seat ideas include:

• A couple of chairs or a custom built-in bench with storage. You can also add cushions and gorgeous pillows to make this area bright.
  
  
• You can install a seat or a cosy sofa next to your bay window, snuggle under a blanket with a good book and a warm cup of coffee and read.
   

Regardless of which scenario appeals the most to you, one thing is clear – bay windows can help you create a cosy retreat that you, your family or your friends can enjoy.

2. A Place to Dine

Isn’t it dreamy to be dining with a view? You can convert your bay window seat to a smart dining space. The window space can be used as additional seating space and can replace chairs. But do make sure to have complimentary bay window curtains as per your bay window dimensions for a cohesive look.

3. Add Plants for Décor & Freshness

You can personalise your bay window sea to add comfort and life to it in your own way. Just throw some cushions and plants for décor and freshness! You can personalise it in your way by experimenting with different bay window ideas living room such as photo frames, décor elements etc.

4. Cosy Workspace

Don’t have a dedicated work-from-home office? You can put your desk and have a bay window seat. However, make sure to explore some modern bay window curtain ideas or shields to block the sun’s harsh light.

5. Cosy Corner to Relax & Rejuvenate

A bedroom bay window idea is totally worth It. A bay window seat in a cosy corner provides a spot to relax or have wine, read, or unwind. You can also use bay window curtains. Light can travel through the gauzy white drapes while maintaining intimacy and privacy. Simple white upholstery gives a comfortable environment without appearing messy.

FAQ for Bay Windows
 

1. What is the difference between a bay window and a bow window?

• A bay window exterior has three openings, available in angled projections. A bow window usually has four or five.
• A bay window's general structure consists of a picture window with two other windows, generally smaller, on either side. A bow window's structure is curved, forming a rounded appearance.
• The exterior modern bay window protrudes farther from the wall out into the exterior space, adding a bit more floor space on the inside.
• Bow windows often allow more light to come into the room since they have more glass panes than bay windows.

2. What are the advantages of bay windows?

1. More Natural Light: Not only does a bay window exterior offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the outside world, but a living room with bay window practically invites the sun into your home.
   
   
2. Bay Windows Add Style and Volume to Any Space: A squared bay window is a popular choice for its panoramic views, elegance, and energy efficiency bonuses.
   
   
3. Good Ventilation: Because they are a group of two or more windows, one can enjoy a pleasant breeze from two or multiple directions instead of just one.
   
   
4. Versatility: Bay windows are a wonderful addition to contemporary houses. You can install them as a kitchen bay window, bedroom bay window or a living room bay window. You can also find multiple big and small bay window ideas.

3. Why is it called a bay window?

If you look out for a bay window meaning you will discover that in architecture, a bay is a space between architectural components, a recess or a compartment. The word itself really comes from the old French word ‘baee’, which means an opening or hole. Square bay windows are a group of three or more windows that angle out past a square bay window exterior, hexagonal or octagonal shape. Because they angle out beyond the exterior wall, this creates a compartment. As a compartment falls under the bay category in architectural terms, the bay window meaning is justified.

4. What style of house has bay windows?

Most contemporary house styles seek to modernize an existing home by refining walls and adding box bay windows. Most townhouse, cottage and colonial-style houses feature a variety of bay window dimensions on the ground and upper floors.

Let’s Build your Picture-perfect Window Space with Beautiful Homes

Bay windows make for gorgeous interior design elements in a home. They provide beautiful architecture, and ample natural light and the space around them can be used in many innovative manners. It’s effortless to see why it’s a space many interior designers enjoy outfitting.

From cosy reading corners to stylish dining nooks, there’s no shortage of ways to embellish your space. But it can still be a challenge figuring out how to go about it in your own home. Should you have a UPVC bay window or a wooden square bay window exterior? Should the space serve as more of a secondary seating area or reading nook that provides escape? Those are big questions to tackle and we at Beautiful Homes are just the experts at it. We’re here to help you with the best bay window decorating ideas, different bay window curtains, the right bay window elevation or the perfect box bay window framing.

If you wish, you can book your 3D consultation call to understand the project's process, design, and execution or walk into any of our stores across India. Our current stores are spread across Amritsar, Tumakuru, Raipur, Jaipur, New Delhi, Kochi, Karur, Coimbatore, Bengaluru and Nashik. In addition, we are in the process of opening up state-of-the-art stores across several cities.