Bay vs. bow windows (2024 guide)

Key points

• Bay windows have three connected windows, while bow windows feature four to six.

• Bay and bow windows protrude past a home’s exterior wall, creating an interior nook.

• Bay window installation prices start at $1,000, and bow window installation prices start at $1,500.

Adding a bay or bow window to your home can increase natural light, maximize interior space and improve curb appeal. Both options contain multiple window sections that extend beyond the home’s exterior wall. The biggest difference between bay and bow windows is the number of window panels they contain and how they project from the wall. Their subtle differences can make one the better choice, depending on your needs.

“Both bay and bow windows are valued by homeowners for their added storage capacities,” said Andy Lindus, COO of Lindus Construction in Baldwin, Wisconsin. “Their design allows for extra seating or display space without changing the room’s footprint.” 

Lindus added that bay and bow windows’ different structures impact visual appeal, with bow windows having a softer, rounded look and bay windows featuring more angular lines.

Bay vs. bow windows: What’s the difference?

Bay and bow windows differ in the number and size of joined windows they contain and the angles at which they extend from the wall. Both allow for operable or fixed windows and offer varying degrees of customization.

Bay windows

Bay windows feature three panels — a large center window and two smaller windows set at an angle on each side. This creates an angular design that protrudes past the home’s exterior wall, creating enough interior space for a window seat or a place to display decor, such as a Christmas tree or houseplants. These windows can be an asset in almost any room if you desire extra light, more floor space or a window seat.

The most common setup for a bay window includes a fixed picture window in the center flanked by two operable panels on the side — usually double-hung windows or casement windows. Still, bay window types are customizable. All window panels can be operable or fixed, depending on your preferences.

Bow windows

Bow windows contain four to six identical windows that protrude from the house in a gentle curve. These windows are common in Victorian-style homes. Depending on the number of glass panels, they’re called a 4-lite, 5-lite or 6-lite bow. A bow window protrudes less than a bay window but may still offer enough space for a window seat.

These windows offer panoramic views of the outside and allow for abundant amounts of natural light. They can feature fixed or operable panels, although fixed panels are more common.

“While bow windows can also have opening mechanisms, many homeowners avoid this option to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the curved design,” said Lindus.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Both windows can add visual interest to your home’s interior and exterior, but each has its own pros and cons. Your available space, budget and personal preferences should dictate the best fit for your home.

Bay windows advantages and disadvantages

Bay windows are generally less expensive than bow windows and provide more interior usable space. However, their angular protrusion may pose energy-efficiency concerns and create awkward outdoor angles.

Bow windows advantages and disadvantages

Bow windows offer panoramic views and are more customizable than bay windows, but their bowed shape makes them challenging to install. They’re also not a great fit for small spaces since they require a wall area of at least 80 inches wide.

How much do they cost?

Pricing for bay and bow windows depends on the frame and glass choice and any added structural support your home or roof may need for proper installation.

You’ll find average costs below, but a professional window installation company can give you a more accurate estimate based on your desired window specifications and home.

Bay window costs

Bay window installation prices start at $1,000 for smaller basic windows with vinyl frames and exceed $7,000 for higher-end options, according to Infinity Exteriors, a contracting company in Wisconsin.

The price will be affected by factors such as frame material, window size, glass type and installation difficulty.

Bow window costs

Installation prices for a basic bow window generally range from $1,500 to $4,000, according to Infinity Exteriors. But they can exceed $10,000 for custom work, expansive designs, large window sizes or difficult bow window installation.

“Bow windows, while providing more light and a panoramic view, are typically more expensive to install because of their complex curved structure and additional panels,” Lindus said.

What materials do they use?

Bay and bow windows are available in various frame materials, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, aluminum-clad and composite. Material availability varies by brand, and frame material can greatly affect cost.

When adding a bow or bay window to your home, match the frame type to your other windows for consistency. If you are replacing your other windows and adding a bay or bow window, choose whichever frame material you desire.

You can also choose the glass type for your bay or bow window. Double-pane and triple-pane glass — also referred to as double-glazed and triple-glazed glass — are common energy-efficient options.

A double-pane window features two sheets of glass separated by a spacer, which can be filled with dense gas to increase insulative properties. Triple-pane glass features three sheets of glass separated by spacers.

Depending on your climate, you may also want to opt for a low-emissivity coating (low-e), which can help regulate solar heat gain. Low-e coatings can reduce energy loss by as much as 30% to 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

What are their customization options?

Bay windows come in various styles, while bow windows are customizable by the number of windows in the unit. Both windows can be equipped with operable or fixed panels, although it’s most common to see a bay window with a fixed center panel and operable side panels.

Bay window types 

A canted bay window is the most common type and what you probably picture when thinking of a bay window. It features two angled windows flanking a central, flat window and is found only on the bottom floor of homes. A box bay window is similar, though the flanking windows meet the center panel at a 90-degree angle, creating the shape of a box.

Oriel and circle bay windows are two less common types. Oriel bay windows are installed on the side of a home or building. Since they are supported by brackets or corbels, they aren’t limited to first-floor installation. Circle bay windows feature large panes of glass and are installed at more of a curve than other types.

Bow window types

The three common types of bow windows are 4-lite, 5-lite and 6-lite. The digits refer to the number of windows in the bow configuration. For example, a 4-lite bow window has four connected equal-size connected windows, and a 5-lite bow has five connected windows.

Bow window curvature also varies. Depending on the manufacturer and number of windows in the setup, windows can angle from 10 to 15 degrees.

What’s next?

Talk to a professional window installer about the best options for your home. They can help you determine whether a bow or bay window would better suit your space, discuss any necessary structural changes and offer an estimate.

Before proceeding with a company, consider getting quotes from some of our top window brands and checking consumer reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings for each provider.