When you see a beautiful set of windows extending from a home or wrapping around a turret, you think, “What a lovely bay window.” In reality, however, about half or more of all the bay windows we see are actually bow windows.

When it comes to bow windows vs. bay windows, what is the difference? How do they look unique from one another, and what is the difference in installation, price, and efficiency? At Safer Window, we answer all your bow window vs. bay window questions to help you choose the best security windows for your home.

What Is a Bay Window?

A bay window is made of three panels. The center panel is a picture window that does not open, while the side panels extend from the house at a 90 or 45-degree angle and are of a matching window type that might open. Sounds pretty specific, right?

As we mentioned, many windows we assume are bay windows – extending around from the house – are not actually bay windows in the traditional sense. A true bay window is defined as three panels, two extending from the house and a central picture window.

When Is a Bay Window a Good Idea?

A bay window is a great choice if you are looking for a simple, elegant way to extend a room in your home. Bay windows extrude into the exterior space, creating a place to stand or sit in the room beyond the rectangular dimensions of the walls. Bay windows are still considered modern and stylish in the squared (90-degree side windows) and angled (45-degree side windows) styles.

What Is a Bow Window?

A bow window is an arcing window that extends from a room in a fashion similar to a bay window. However, a bow window consists of four or more panels, going up to as many as 10 individual panes. What defines a bow window is that the windows form a curve with custom molding to turn the row of identical narrow panels into a curve that can define a turret section of a home, curl around a home’s corner, or extend from a single wall.

Bow window panes are typically casement windows, meaning each window swings open on a small hinge to allow in the fresh air.

When Is a Bow Window a Good Idea?

Bow windows are considered classically Victorian and Neo-Victorian, giving a sense of elegance and grandeur. They are perfect if your home has a rounded tower or turret-style feature and are commonly used in elegant dining rooms, bedrooms, or (if you have one) ballrooms.

What Is the Difference in Cost Between Bay vs. Bow Windows?

The difference between bay and bow windows is the number of panes and the shape they form. Bay windows have three panes – a large central pane, and two angled panes on either side. A bow window is typically made of four or five identical panes, which makes the section appear rounded altogether.

Also, bay windows may have side windows that are single-hung and open vertically, but bow window panes are typically fixed or casement windows.

Popular Home Styles for Bay and Bow Windows

Bay windows have been popular for centuries and are still considered modern. A bay window can be a classic and stylish choice if you want a sunny window seat or an extension to the dining room.

Bow windows are most popular in historic and Victorian-style homes, but can also be attractive in many other styles. Bow windows can also create a window seat, sunny bedroom reading turret, or breakfast nook.

Comparing Benefits: Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows

What are the different or shared benefits of bow windows vs. bay windows? Let’s take a look at these two similar styles.

Appearance

Bay windows are more angular with a flat face, making them appear more in tune with angular modern architecture, but less ideal for rounded walls or turret designs. Bow windows are rounded and elegant, perfect for turrets and going around corners. The outer edge forms a curve instead of a flat front panel. Bay windows offer a picture-window view, while bow windows are broken up vertically between the panes.

Light

Both bow and bay windows are superb at bringing in light by creating additional angles for sunlight to pour in. Bay windows will get more direct sun, while bow windows will catch more total hours of sunlight due to the additional window pane angles extending from the house.

Ventilation

Bow windows typically feature casement windows, allowing a light breeze to enter without fully opening the pane. On the other hand, bay windows may have fully sealed windows that are not ideal for insulation or side windows that slide open vertically to capture stronger breezes.

Costs

Both bow and bay windows range in cost. The cost can be potentially higher for extra large or floor-to-ceiling bay or bow windows.

Energy Efficiency

Both bay and bow windows can be quite energy-efficient when properly sealed. The additional angles let you catch more of the sun during the day, and well-sealed, double-pane insulated windows are key to energy efficiency no matter how large or angled your windows may be.

Resale Value

Both bow and bay windows tend to charm and delight future buyers. The key is to match your choice of bow window vs. bay window to the home’s style, so buyers who love your house will also love your choice of windows.

Bow Window Installation Services in Georgia

Upgrade and Protect Your Home With Safer Window

SAFER WINDOW provides windows in all different styles with strong, high-security window glass, secure window frames, and a security-first approach to home improvements. Let us help you choose the perfect bow or bay window for your home with durable windows and a secure installation you can trust.

Bow vs. Bay Windows: What Is the Difference?