News from the Block, Innovate Building Solutions Blog
News from the Block, Innovate Building Solutions Blog
Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block
Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block

Using a Bay Window to Open up a Master Bedroom, Kitchen or Living Room

Family room bay window picture window center casement side windows
Family room bay window picture window center casement side windows
Outside view of bay window with operable double hung side windows
Outside view of bay window with operable double hung side windows
 

Does your master bedroom, living room, kitchen or dining room feel dark and closed in? If so your home could benefit from the addition of a bay window. In this article you’ll learn the definition, advantages and disadvantages, options, and places to use a bay window:

Definition – A bay window is a 3 section window with a larger center window (usually a non-operable fixed window) and two equal sized side windows (usually they are operable crank out casement or double hung styles). The side windows are set at angles (30, 45, 60 & 90 degrees are most common). The window sizes can vary from 30” to 144”.

Advantages of Bay Windows

 

  • Additional Light & Space – Since the windows protrude they capture light from multiple directions. Bay windows usually have a window seat to provide additional room to read a book or enjoy something to eat.

 

  • Increase views, vision and resale value – Take advantage of panoramic views of your front, back or side yards with this angled window design and increase the market value of your home as well.

 

  • Improve breezes and air flow– Using operable casement or double hung windows the angled portion of the bay window can capture breezes – which will help you to get rid of cooking smells quicker or make the air in any room fresher.

 

Disadvantages of Bay Windows

  • Window treatments are more difficult to install – The angled windows make it harder to mount hardware. This problem can be solved by adding blinds inside the windows.

 

  • Higher cost window – Since the bay window has a roof and a seat (window box) it’s construction is more extensive making it more expensive than a standard window.

 

  • Windows are more exposed to the elements – Since the grouping of windows included in the bay stick out from the home they have increased exposure to rain, heat and the cold.

 

Popular Options

 

Dress up your bay window with these options:

  • Insulated window seats
  • Hip or concave roof styles made of shingles, aluminum or copper
  • Recessed lighting
  • Mini blinds inside the windows
  • Decorative and energy star windows.

 

Where to use Bay Windows

 

You’ll find bay windows most frequently used in kitchens, dining room, breakfast nooks, living room and master bedrooms. They can be designed to work with any decorating style from Frank Lloyd Wright to Modern to Victorian.

Do you have any questions or advice about using a bay window? If so please comment below.

To learn more about wood or vinyl bay windows or to get free consultation contact Cleveland Window Company (216-531-4118) or Clear Choice Window & Door in Columbus (614-545-6886) or in Cincinnati (513-744-2184) – divisions of Innovate Building Solutions.

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Mike Foti

President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels

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