4 Types of Bay Windows to Let the Light In
Learn your full bays from your box bays
Bay windows add visual appeal while bringing plenty of natural light into a living space. There are also many unexpected benefits of bay windows, like setting the scene for a cozy reading nook or fun breakfast dining space. But did you know there are different types of bay windows? Check out these four bay window types to choose which one is best for your home.
1. Full or Canted Bay Windows
When you imagine a bay window, you’re probably picturing a full bay window. Also known as canted bay windows, full bay windows have a middle glass panel that is positioned straightforward, and there is an angled glass panel on each side of the middle panel.
You’ll find full bay windows on the first floor of a home, and they are an especially popular choice for Victorian homes. Full bay windows cost $800 to $2,100 plus about $300 to $1,000 per window for professional installation.
Pros
Bring in plenty of light
Matches the design of Victorian homes
Ideal for reading or dining nooks
Cons
Can only be installed on a first floor
A more expensive bay window option
2. Box Bay Windows
Box bay windows are small, usually less than 4 feet by four feet, with a straightforward middle panel and two side glass panels that meet the middle at 90-degree angles to form a box.
Many homeowners install box bay windows as a decorative and functional garden window. You can add herbs to a box bay window in the kitchen or houseplants to a box bay window in the bedroom. This type of bay window costs about $700 each, plus the labor fees.
Pros
Less expensive bay window option
Great for growing plants or displaying knick-knacks
Typically small, taking up little space
Cons
Will likely require custom window treatments
Often requires a custom-sized opening in the wall
3. Circle Bay Windows
If you want to make a statement, circle bay windows are the way to go. These large bay windows usually stretch 6 to 8 feet tall and are angled to form a curve. Circle bay windows are less common today, but they were popular on Victorian-era homes and draw influence from the Gothic era.
Because these windows are large and intricate, circle bay windows are some of the most expensive bay window types to install. The windows cost about $2,500, and you’ll spend about another $1,000 for labor. If your home isn’t already structurally prepared to support a window of this size, you may need to spend an additional $500 to $3,000 for prep work.
Pros
Can be installed with double-hung windows for more ventilation
Huge windows offer more light
Offer a wide variety of molding and ornamental design elements
Cons
One of the most expensive bay window options
Difficult to install
4. Oriel Bay Windows
Oriel bay windows are the most historic types of bay windows. These windows date back centuries to the English Renaissance, around the 16th and 17th centuries. The intricate look of oriel bay windows is ideal for Gothic- and Tudor-style homes in particular.
Oriel bay windows often require additional support, especially when they are built on upper floors. Couple that with the additional design flourishes, and you can expect to spend $900 to $2,500 per window for materials, plus the $300 to $1,000 in labor costs.
Pros
Intricate, historic design
Can be built on upper floors
Versatile functionality
Cons
A more expensive bay window option
May require professional cleaning and maintenance
How to Choose the Best Types of Bay Windows
Now that you know the different types of bay windows available, it’s time to start considering which bay window type works best for your home improvement project. Maybe you’re looking for a pet-friendly window for your cat to watch the birds flying outside, and a box bay window is the perfect match for you. Or perhaps you’re looking for windows to match the Gothic style of your home. Here are some factors to consider when choosing bay windows:
Style
The style of your home can quickly determine the best types of bay windows for you. A Victorian home is the perfect slate for a new full or circle bay window. The circle bay, as well as the oriel bay, would also look great in a Gothic-style home.
Looking for something a little more modern? Try a box bay window, which has sharp lines better suited to contemporary styles.
Of course, you may also want to compare bay windows vs. bow windows. Bow windows are slightly larger and may be a better fit for your home improvement project, depending on the style of your home.
Budget
Budget can be a big factor in choosing bay windows. Circular and oriel bay windows may be larger, require more supports, and include more intricate details that can increase the cost of materials and installation.
Box bay windows tend to be the most budget-friendly, because they are the smallest. Installing full bay windows with smaller glass panels can also save you some money.
Size
Maybe you just need a little extra space to display the trinkets from your travels, or you’re looking for a nice, big window that lets natural light flood into the living room in the early morning. Box bay windows are a smaller option. Oriel and canted are bay window types that offer more of a middle-ground in terms of sizing. If you’re looking for a large window for plenty of light and drama, look into circular bay windows or even bow windows.
Installation
No matter which type of bay window you choose, it’s best to hire a local window contractor to install these windows. Bay windows jut outward from the home, so they need extra support. Many bay window types also require new openings, or you’ll need to enlarge an existing window, which can be complicated and may require added tasks, like repairing drywall and siding or rerouting electrical wires.
By hiring a pro for installation, you can be sure your gorgeous new bay windows are secure and will last many years to come.