Bay Windows | Bay Replacement Windows | Bay Window Replacement

Why Replacement Bay Windows Are Popular

Bay windows let natural light flood in, making interior spaces seem not only bright but also large and cozy. Bay windows elegantly frame pretty views and add a sense of realism. They bring the outdoors inside by extending the window beyond the limits of the structural plane. They provide a multifaceted view – you don't just look straight ahead, but to both sides, too.

By replacing conventional flat panes with multidimensional ones, bay windows create the sense of being surrounded by nature. Complemented by a window seat, bay windows offer a lovely, serene place to bird watch, read, nap, or just enjoy the view. Bay windows set a warm, welcoming tone.

Bay windows create a striking impact not only in a home's interior, but with the architectural flourish they present from the exterior. Bay windows can give a home a sense of balance and scale, depth and character.

With replacement bay windows, you can give added dimension to the exteriors of your home, introduce more natural light to your living spaces, and add drama and realism to your views. Bay windows make a view come alive!

What Are Bay Windows?

A bay window is a set of three windows that are joined to form a single large window that protrudes from the exterior wall of a home, creating a type of alcove. One of the three windows is set a short distance from, but parallel to, the structure's outside wall. The other two windows flank this window, usually at 45-degree angles, connecting it to the home's exterior wall. A boxy 90-degree bay window is also a design consideration, especially in more postmodern homes.

Typically the center window is wider and fixed, like a picture window, and the two side windows are narrower windows, such as casement or double-hung windows. The center window is separated from the flanking windows by vertical uprights known as mullion posts (they might also be referred to as muntins).

Advantages of Replacement Bay Windows

Bay windows open up a space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They let more sunlight in and make a room seem larger and friendlier. Bay windows emphasize scenic views, making them more personal, memorable, and profound.

Replacement bay windows enhance design flexibility and can help a homeowner make a powerful statement. When complemented by cabinetry, bay windows can help increase counter space or storage space, or create an intimate lounge area. (Bench seats are a popular feature of bay windows, and offer the best of both worlds with both storage and seating opportunities.)

Adding replacement bay windows to a home can effect a dramatic change from multiple perspectives. Replacement bay windows enhance a home's interior and exterior design by introducing more light and adding interest and character to a home's exterior.

On the inside, a replacement bay window can bring the outdoors in and make a room seem larger, brighter, and more inviting. They can create intimate spaces for relaxing and entertaining. Bay windows can help homeowners integrate more seating or more storage.

From the outside, bay windows increase a home's presence, adding both dimension and character.

Replacement bay windows generally help to increase a home's value.

Types of Replacement Bay Windows

There are many design options for replacement bay windows, as they are available in several styles. The angled bay window is the most common. This window extends outward from the house at a 30- or 45-degree angle.

The 90-degree (or right angle) bay window is also known as a box bay window because it is essentially square. On this bay window, the side sash of the flanking casement or double-hung window is perfectly perpendicular, intersecting with the house at 90 degrees.

Garden (or greenhouse) bay windows offer even more illumination as they have a glass roof. Many kitchens will incorporate garden bay windows, as they are an ideal location for a small herb or spice garden.

Replacement bay windows can be custom made, but most window manufacturers offer standard sizes with off-the-shelf inventory at national retailers in the most common measurements. Standard sizes are typically available in three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half-feet widths, and three-and-a-half to six-and-a-half feet heights.

Replacement Bay Window Designs

Replacement bay windows offer homeowners enormous flexibility. For the creatively minded, the design possibilities are practically limitless. The typical 3-window composition of bay windows means that virtually any configuration of double-hung, picture, awning, and casement windows is possible.

Homeowners can choose design consistency and make all three windows one type. Or they can opt for subtle variety and select one window type (such as a picture window) for the central window, and a completely different style for the two outside windows (such as casement).

An awning window over a central picture window presents another interesting arrangement. There's no right or wrong – any combination of window styles is possible, leaving the homeowner in the driver's seat. Replacement bay windows can help a homeowner make a distinctly personal statement.

Similarly, there's no ��rule' for the bay sash, either. In many homes, the sash of a replacement bay window matches the sashes found on the rest of the home's windows. Bay windows typically have different dimensions than the rest of the home's windows, though, and a sash that's tailored to those specific proportions might be a more suitable choice.

For instance, taller, narrower bay windows tend to look better with a casement sash. Shorter bay windows, on the other hand, generally look better with a double-hung sash. Many homeowners opt for a fixed center pane for their bay window, but even then an operable casement or double-hung sash in a smaller size can be ordered.

As far as the glazing on a bay window is concerned, most bay windows are outfitted with insulated glazing. This separates two panes with an air space. Other glazing options that offer increased energy efficiency and UV protection are also available.

Replacement bay windows can typically range in price from $800 to $1,100 for a standard 3x6 vinyl-clad, 30-degree casement bay window. Of course, bay window prices vary considerably depending on the size, style, and construction type.

Where to Place Bay Windows

Bay windows enhance views and lighting, and so are typically used in high-traffic rooms, rooms used for entertaining, or rooms with strong natural light and stunning views. Bay windows are a popular choice for living rooms and master bedrooms, where a greater sense of space and warmth are sought.

Angle bay windows can be used to replace most large windows, such as a picture window in a living or dining room. Replacement bay windows in the kitchen, such as over sinks and counters, are often box or garden bays.

Bay windows can be used to replace any type of existing window, but it is important to remember that the replacement bay window should be the same size as or smaller than the existing window, no matter what type of window is currently there. It's easier and cheaper to match the sizes; otherwise the wall itself has to be resized to accommodate the replacement bay window, and that introduces significantly more expense.

Replacement Bay Window Summary

Increasing the size of your living area and the amount of available light are popular homeowner projects. Both goals are easy to accomplish – without involving any cost- or labor-intensive changes to the footing or foundation – just by installing replacement bay windows.

Replacement bay windows can utilize the existing window opening to add light, space, and drama to a room without extensive renovations. Adding bay windows can result in a significant transformation that's similar to a costly room addition, but at a fraction of the price and with minimal time and effort. Simple, efficient, and effective – adding bay windows is an affordable, efficient, and attractive option that also boosts a home's resale value.