Bay & Bow Windows
Buildmart bay & bow windows expand views and let in more natural light, even in small spaces. Learn more about our product options.
Bay and Bow Windows
Buildmart bay and bow windows expand views and let in more natural light, even in small spaces. Bay and bow windows are part of a prominent architectural style that expands a room’s space and light. A picture window at the center is flanked by smaller operable windows, like awning windows, allowing for ventilation and fresh air to circulate in the room.
These windows create extra floor space, often used as a seating area or a cozy reading nook outfitted with pillows and a bench, and add visual interest to a room’s design.
What Are Bay & Bow Windows?
Bay and bow windows are constructions that combine various designs (both operable and fixed windows) to create a curve that protrudes beyond the exterior wall. This outward extension implies that these windows create more interior space in your home.
Since they are expansive, they allow more natural light and airflow into your home, enhancing the natural feel of your house with panoramic depth and views. However, while bay and bow windows are usually used together, these window units have slight differences.
Bow Window
Three Panel Bow Window
Bay Window
The construction of bay windows includes three window units (one fixed window at the center and two operable ones at an angle). There are more angular lines in bay windows compared to in bow windows. Therefore, bay windows are commonly installed in contemporary and traditional homes.
On the other hand, bow windows are composed of four or more window units that join to create a smooth curve. Technically, all these window units are of the same shape and size.
Bow windows have wider construction than bay units and are commonly used in exterior corners with 80 inches or more space. They are widely installed in traditional and Victorian houses in Ottawa.
5-Panel Bow Window With Colonial Style Grilles
Explore the product selection of the Buildmart company and get bay and bow windows inspiration below.
Difference Between Bow Windows vs. Bay Windows
Although they are similar in nature, these are two different window types: they both have unique window designs that protrude outward from the main walls of a building, creating an extra space inside and offering a wider view of the outside.
A bay window typically consists of three windows: a large, central picture window that’s flanked by two smaller windows (usually double-hung or casement) at an angle, forming a trapezoid shape.
In contrast, bow windows consist of four or more windows that are of equal size and shape, forming a more gentle and rounded curve that looks like an arc. While bay windows have sharper angles, bow windows provide a smoother, circular appearance.
Both designs allow plenty of light to enter the room and offer expanded views, but the choice between them often comes down to aesthetic preference and the architectural style of the building.
Bay and Bow Windows Require Proper Insulation
Bow and bay windows, with their distinct outward protrusion from a building’s main walls, offer aesthetic beauty and extended views. However, precisely because they extend beyond the primary line of the home, they are exposed to external temperature fluctuations on multiple sides, both from above and below.
This means that they can be vulnerable points for heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer if not properly insulated. Ensuring adequate insulation at the top (roof of the window structure) and bottom (the window seat or platform) is crucial to maintain energy efficiency and interior comfort.
If not appropriately addressed, these windows can become a source of discomfort due to drafts and temperature variations, negating their appeal. Proper insulation, therefore, is essential not only for energy conservation but also for optimizing the comfort and functionality of these architectural features.
The Benefits of Bay and Bow Windows: Design & Ventilation
Many aspects make bay and bow windows in Ottawa similar. For instance, they are made up of several window units. The only thing that differentiates them is their shape and the number of window units. As the name suggests, bow windows look like a bow and are curved while bay windows are angled.
When it comes to the number of window units, bay windows have only three windows of different sizes, while in bow windows, the number of units can range from four to six, all of the same sizes.
The installation process for these styles of windows is the same. They are all installed projecting out from the wall to create more interior space in your home. Since bay and bow windows are made of several window units, they offer more glass surface than other window constructions. This provides an unobstructed view of the outside, along with allowing more light and airflow into your house.
Bow Windows Provide a Better View
While they are more preferred for sitting rooms, these windows can also be installed in other rooms such as the kitchen and bedroom. Bay and bow windows are great in a bedroom to create a cozy nook with pillows. If installed in the kitchen, the additional space can be transformed into a breakfast corner — enjoy a bright kitchen that offers a superb scenic view.
Bay and Bow Window Replacement and Installation
Can you DIY bow and bay window replacement? Well, we don’t want you to give up on your DIY skills, but the answer is no! You should not try to DIY bow or bay windows because of the complexity of their structure.
Replacing windows, especially bay and bow windows, is a delicate process that can go wrong and cost you a lot of money to repair the mess. Instead, we recommend that you look for a professional service installer in Ottawa to do it for you.
Our company professionals have been installing bay and bow windows in the Ottawa region for decades and know how to install these windows perfectly and within a short time while paying attention to all the details to ensure a perfect installation.
Manufacturers of Bay and Bow Windows
We understand you want your bay and bow windows to come from a leading supplier with a rich history of supplying windows in Canada. Buildmart windows selection is top-notch, and all the windows featured in our catalogue come from industry leaders such as STAGE, WindowPro, Ostaco, Gentek, and others.
Colours of Our Bay and Bow Windows
Today’s bay and bow windows are never boring. When looking for windows, we know that you want something unique. With a selection of colours for your bay and bow windows, your window will complement your existing colour palette perfectly.
Bay and Bow Windows Come in the Following 12 Colours
If you need a custom colour, send a request to Buildmart. We will customize it to your liking. We provide weather-proof and fade-resistant finishes and every bay and bow window is made custom to order.