Bay Windows vs Bow Windows

Bay Windows vs Bow Windows: Bay windows and bow windows are often mistaken for each other, so what is the real difference between these two similar window styles?

A bay window features 3 (and only 3) window openings typically mulled at 25 to 45-degree angle. At its core structure a bay window consists of a picture window with a smaller window on each side. The side windows are usually either casement windows or double hung windows. Each window within the bay window configuration is typically designed to open to allow free flowing fresh air.

A bow window, on the other hand, consists of 4 or more windows generally set at 10-degree angles. The multi-window design is for homeowners that want more sunlight in their house and better views of the outside. Bow windows are typically placed in living and dining rooms. Bow windows allow for a magnificent view from two sides of the home.

Included in this bay windows vs bow windows article, we highlight the main differences between these two popular types of windows so you can make the ideal choice when looking to purchase new and/or replacement windows for your home.

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Bay Windows vs Bow Windows

Highlighted below we take a look at how a Bay Window compares to a Bow Window across several key window categories. Our Bay Windows vs Bow Windows analysis is designed to give window buying homeowners an easy way to determine which style of window they should consider when purchasing replacement windows.

What is a Bay Window?

A bay window features 3 (and only 3) window openings typically mulled at 25 to 45-degree angle. At its core structure a bay window consists of a picture window with a smaller window on each side. The side windows are usually either casement windows or double hung windows. Each window within the bay window configuration is typically designed to open to allow free flowing fresh air and plenty natural light.

Bay Window

What is a Bow Window?

A bow window consists of 4 or more windows generally set at 10-degree angles. The multi-window design is for homeowners that want more sunlight in their house and better views of the outside. Bow windows are typically placed in living and dining rooms. Bow windows allow for a magnificent view from two sides of the home.

The Difference Between Bay and Bow Windows

Bay Windows

Security:

Because of the number of windows involved in a bay window configuration, bay windows would be considered less secure than say a more standard window style such as a casement or single hung window.

Energy Efficiency:

A bay window can be purchased with excellent energy efficient characteristics, though in comparison to other standard (non-bow) windows the energy efficiency would be less.

Maintenance & Cleaning:

Bay windows are fairly easy to clean and maintain.

Ventilation:

Bay windows consist of a picture window in the middle usually flanked by a casement or double hung windows. The flanking windows provide ventilation and air flow when needed.

Installation:

Bay windows and bow windows are commonly installed in new construction homes, as it is easier to determine the structural considerations at this stage. Bay window installation in general can be a little tricky.

Bay Windows Price:

Because a bay window consists of less window panels then a bow window (3 vs. 4+), bay windows on average cost less than bow windows. Bay and bow windows may be a little trickier to find than say single hung or double hung windows, but they are manufactured by the majority of leading window companies on the market. Of the 10 leading window brands highlighted on this site, 7 carry bay windows. Generally, you can expect to pay between $2500 and $3800 for quality bay windows. For the most current Bay Window pricing simply click on the button below for an instant Bay Windows Price quote.

Bow Windows

Security:

A bow window would be considered less secure than a bay window due to the greater number of window panels.

Energy Efficiency:

A bow window can be purchased with excellent energy efficient characteristics, though in comparison to bay windows the energy efficiency would generally be considered less.

Maintenance & Cleaning:

Bow windows are fairly easy to clean and maintain.

Ventilation:

In general bow windows do not include any windows that open or close thus providing no ventilation.

Installation:

Bay windows and bow windows are commonly installed in new construction homes, as it is easier to determine the structural considerations at this stage. Bow window installation in general can be a little tricky.

Bow Windows Price:

Bow windows consist of more window panels and as such tend to cost more than bay windows. If a window company manufactures bay windows they more than likely manufacture bow windows as well. Of the 10 leading window brands highlighted on this site, 7 carry bow windows. Generally, you can expect to pay between $3200 and $4500 for quality bow windows. For the most current Bow Window pricing simply click on the button below for an instant Bow Window Price quote.

Bay Windows vs Bow Windows | Pros and Cons

Bay Windows Pros and Cons

Bay Windows Pros:

Bay windows expand a room thus adding space to your home.
Bay windows generally enhance the look of your home
Bay windows cost less than bow windows
Increase the value of your home

Bay Windows Cons:

Bay windows are expensive (but less expensive than bow windows)
Bay windows can be complicated to install
Window treatments for bay windows can be expensive as well

Bow Windows Pros and Cons

Bow Windows Pros:

A bow window protrudes from the house but not as much as bay windows
Typically provides more natural light to a room vs a bay window
Increase the aesthetic and value of your home.

Bow Windows Cons:

A bow window costs more than a bay window
A bow window is less likely to have windows that can open to let fresh air in
Installation of a bow window can be complicated.

Other Window Comparison Reviews

Below are some of the other window comparison guides similar to this Bay Windows vs Bow Windows analysis that we have completed:

Single Hung vs Double Hung Windows

Bay Windows vs Bow Windows FAQ

Below is a list of the frequently asked questions, comments and testimonials about our Bay Windows vs Bow Windows review:

What’s the main difference in bow window vs bay window cost?
Which is more expensive bay or bow windows?
Are bay windows outdated?
What are the pros and cons of bow or bay window?
Bay window replacement vs bow window replacement?
How energy efficient are both bay and bow windows?
What are the more energy efficient windows, bay or bow windows?