Types of Bay Windows for Homes of All Styles
Different Types of Bay Windows
Home design trends come and go, but one has remained constant: bay windows. Homeowners have used bay windows to add elegance and aesthetic values since the 15th century.
Architects used first bay windows purely as ornamental. Later, they realized it could also be used to fill a room with natural light, allow extra space, and improve home ventilation.
With all these benefits, bay windows enjoy huge popularity even today. And therefore, in this article, we explore the different types of bay windows.
Bay Windows and Their Types
1. Canted Windows
Canted bay windows exhibit the traditional form typically associated with bay windows. They feature a level front surface and slanted sides and are exclusively found on the ground floor of houses and structures.
2. Box Bay Windows
The structure of box bay windows is similar to canted windows. The difference is sided windows adjacent to the main windows form a right angle (90 degrees), resulting in a box-like shape.
3. Oriel Windows
Oriel bay windows, the oldest form, first emerged in the English Renaissance period. They became widely favored in luxurious mansions of that era. These windows are integrated into the side of a house and do not touch the ground, making them adaptable to different building levels.
An oriel window is typically accompanied by a decorative bracket or corbel made of wood, stone, or masonry, which serves as support beneath the windows.
4. Circle Bay Windows
Circle bay windows are less common, but they have their unique characteristics. They are identified by their three-sided bays featuring larger glass panels, complemented by additional panels above the windows.
Generally, circle bay windows display the most intricate moldings and decorative adornments compared to other variations of bay windows.
Bay Window Configurations
Due to its multiple sections, a bay window offers flexibility in configuration. For aesthetic appeal and brightness, you can choose three equal-sized fixed-picture windows.
Alternatively, you can have a larger central picture window with two smaller fixed windows on each side.
To improve ventilation and comfort, homeowners add operable side windows next to a picture window. Opening these windows at different angles increases airflow and brings a refreshing breeze.
Bay windows can be configured with double-hung or casement windows. Casement windows open fully with a crank, while double-hung windows allow you to open either the top, bottom, or both halves for ventilation.
Different Styles of Bay Windows
The following are different styles of bay windows that you can consider for your home:
Victorian Bay Windows
Victorian houses have decorative oriel windows and distinctive bay windows that became popular in the 1800s when building regulations permitted windows to extend beyond walls. San Francisco’s rowhomes, known as “Postcard Row,” are famous for their charming Victorian bay windows.
Tudor Bay Windows
Tudor-style houses may include small oriel windows on one or both levels, supported by wooden brackets that match the exposed timbers on the front of the building. Groups of two or three casement windows are common in Tudor architecture, and a casement bay window would complement this style effectively.
Modern Bay Windows
Traditional bay windows are ornamental and adorned, yet they can also be incorporated into contemporary designs. Contemporary bay windows feature sleek frames and expansive glass panels devoid of grilles or coverings, allowing for optimal utilization of natural light.
A round bay window with tall, unobstructed glass panels can establish a prominent glass wall, lending a modern touch to a home.
Mid-century Modern Bay Windows
Mid-century modern design’s clean, minimalist style focuses on popular windows such as picture and casement windows. Creating a bay window by combining them enhances the linear appearance of Ranch or split-level layouts and draws attention to the outdoor environment’s beauty.
Craftsman Bay Windows
Craftsman bungalows used bay windows for aesthetic and practical purposes, providing additional seating or a display area to maximize the window space.
Bay windows can be found in various architectural styles, adding beauty and versatility to old and modern homes.
Advantages of Bay Windows
The following are the advantages of bay windows:
- Bay windows enhance a house’s aesthetics, reflecting the owner’s style, adding uniqueness, and offering practicality.
- Bay windows significantly boost property value with exquisite design and traditional embellishments, elevating the house’s overall appeal.
- Big windows enhance room lighting, and colored glass adds an irresistible ambiance, making the room stunningly beautiful.
- Bay windows enlarge the room, providing extra space for ornaments, furniture, and decorations.
- Bay windows offer an extensive view outside with their larger size, allowing owners to enjoy the scenic beauty more.
- Unlike the center part, the bay window’s sides are movable, providing increased airflow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are four bay window types: canted, oriel, box bay, and circle bay windows. The choice of window type depends on several factors, such as architectural style, functionality, personal preference, and the space’s specific requirements.
Consider the overall design and style of your building, the purpose of the window (e.g., view, light, ventilation, additional space), and how well the chosen window type complements your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are three-section bay windows?
Bay windows have 3+ glass panels like a picture window, while bow windows have 4-6 joined panels forming a curved shape, giving a semi-circular look to a property’s exterior.
2. What is a box bay window?
A box bay window is rectangular with flat sides, a flat front, and a roof, commonly seen in the UK. A window with an inclined or slanted surface instead of a flat one could be called a canted window.
