Bay windows create a sense of depth within a room, letting in more light and a softer view of the outdoors. You can even add a seat or window bench to make a cozy reading nook.
Energy-efficient bay windows can significantly lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. Look for windows with low U-factors and high visible transmittance (VT) ratings.
Natural Light
Natural light floods your home through bay windows in a way that can transform your interior. They also add depth and dimension to spaces that would otherwise be limited by wall space. They’re a great choice for kitchens or living rooms, and they can even be used to create an intimate nook for a window seat or cozy reading area.
A bay window is typically comprised of a central fixed window with two flanking windows that open for ventilation. The windows can be rectangular, polygonal, or arc-shaped (also called oriel).
Since they protrude outward, they provide more sunlight to areas of the house that may not receive much natural light through traditional walls. This type of lighting can brighten a room with less power, and it will help reduce your energy costs. When opened, the flanking windows can also provide refreshing cross-breezes to cool your home without cranking up the air conditioner. You can also incorporate blinds between the panes of glass to filter the incoming sunlight as needed.
Extra Seating
Bay windows often include a bench or other seating area to create a cozy reading nook or space to enjoy the view. You can customize your bay window seat with pillows and blankets for extra comfort. The seat is also a great place to display plants or other knick-knacks.
Because of the multiple panels and how they reflect light, bay windows make a room appear larger. This makes them popular in kitchens, but they can be installed in other rooms as well.
The two end windows in a bay usually are working windows, such as casement windows that crank open or double-hung windows that slide up and down. This allows you to bring in fresh air on a hot day without having to worry about rain or humidity soaking your home’s interior. The open windows also provide good air flow during the winter when you want to keep your house warm. This can help reduce energy costs.
Built-In Blinds
Bay windows consist of a central, stationary window flanked by side windows at 30 or 45-degree angles. The side windows can be fixed or movable. This design allows you to open the windows in a variety of configurations to maximize ventilation.
You can add even more function to your bay window by including custom-built window seats, a cozy nook where you can sit and enjoy the light and scenery outside. You can also turn a bay window into a breakfast nook or a reading nook in your bedroom.
Since these windows allow natural light to crisscross your space, you won’t have to use as much artificial lighting which helps reduce energy costs. You can boost efficiency by choosing windows with a Low-E glass coating that slows conduction and reduces solar gain during the winter and summer. This will help keep your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills year-round.