What is a bay window?

With its combination of windows that extend beyond the exterior walls, a bay window has some unique advantages. Here are a few you’ll want to note:

• Curb appeal! A bay window is memorable, and in some cases, it’s the signature feature on a home’s exterior.
• Natural light: With multiple windows in one unit, there’s a large amount of glass set at a variety of angles, which allows in more light overall.
• Panoramic views: The projecting design with windows facing multiple directions allows you to take in more of the landscape.
• Living space: The bay creates additional space on the inside — either through a shelf that’s perfect for pets and plants or actual square footage, depending on the style chosen.

Our 400 Series Bay Windows and E-Series Bay Windows are available with flanking windows at 30°, 45°, or 90° angles. When deciding on the right angle for your windows, take the following into consideration:

• How much space do you have outside? If you have a postage-stamp size yard, a 30° or 45° angle will likely be the better option, so you can preserve some outdoor space while still creating a pleasant nook on the interior. If you want a round window with a more subtle exterior protrusion, a 400 Series Bow Window is another good option.
• Is your home more modern or more traditional? Of course, there are always exceptions, but generally, a box bay, where flanking windows are at 90°, creates clean lines suiting a more modern home. The trapezoidal shape created by flanking windows at 30° or 45° suits a more traditional home.
• What’s happening on your interior? Will you be using the space created by your bay window to house furniture? If so, a box bay with flanking windows at 90° would better maximize your space. Think about how the window will function in the room and your goals for it when selecting the ideal angle.

As you consider the ideal angle for your bay window, don’t forget to consider which type of flanking window will be most practical. Remember that casements are crank operated, making them easy to open when you’re reaching. A double-hung can work well in a bay where you’ll have easy access to the windows.

If you think you want a bay window in your new construction home, there are a few challenges to take into consideration when preparing for installation, and the installation itself:

• How will the unit be supported? If your bay window is going to be cantilevered from the home without sub-unit support, you will need to use cables. These cables will have to be anchored to the home, typically into ledgers for floor joists. Another way to support the units is by building a supporting knee wall that follows under the path of the unit. This is usually the desired method for bay windows that extend to the foundation, because the seat board is no longer necessary to provide support. In this method, the wall itself holds up the unit, allowing for the walkout area.
• How will the cables be covered? If you have cables, they will need to be covered up, along with the head of the unit. Typically, this can be done using a hollow pseudo roof that the cables can pass through.
• How will you determine the size? Bay window sizing is unusual because the head and seat board are not calculated into the overall unit height. 

If you’re replacing a bay or bow window, you will need to think about some different challenges, including whether you want to match what’s already existing (cable or wall support) or if you want to change it. If you want to change it, you’ll need to know whether you have the proper structural support for the project type you have in mind. For example, if you want a bay that goes to your foundation, you need to know if you have the ability to open up a wall and frame it out to support it.