10 Modern Bay Window Ideas

Susan McGoldrick | Poppy Style

The most tried and true bay window is the canted bay window consisting of three panels with the two side panels angled in. A true canted bay window will always be found on the ground floor as it is a part of the structure. These larger bays were a defining feature of Victorian architecture and are still quite popular as they make for lovely window seats.

This canted bay window is a perfect example of how to transition this more traditional architectural feature into a modern piece. Built-in millwork with integrated storage is a great way to make use of the extra square footage that a bay window provides. A plush cushion and a few throw pillows make this an excellent place to sit and relax.

Architecture & Interior Design: Daniel Boddam | @danielboddam
Photographer: Pablo Veiga | @pabloveiga

One way to add modern flair to a traditional canted bay window is to swap out the traditional frames for a more modern design such as casement windows. These gray frames add a more industrial mid-century touch. Paired with a sculptural wood table and simply-detailed banquette, the combination creates a crisp and clean dining nook that maintains the warmth and coziness that a bay window provides.

Architects: @marshkeene
Photographer: @annastathakiphoto

The oriel-style bay window resembles the canted bay window in that it’s three panels with angled sides. Unlike the canted bay, however, the oriel isn’t part of the structure, instead acting as an adornment on the side of a building, making them a common choice for windows on upper levels of a home. Oriel bays are the oldest type of bay window and are often found on tudor-style homes with decorative wood brackets to support them and tie into the homes’ style.

Not all oriel bays are old-fashioned, however. This ultra-modern box-bay window is in fact an oriel bay window. Although less suited to window seats and reading nooks than their large canted bay cousins, oriel bays such as this are excellent for displaying favorite objects or arranging a gaggle of plants to soak up the sun.

Architecture & Interior Design: De Rosee Sa | @deroseesa
Photographer: Alexander James | @Alexanderjamesphotography

An excellent way to blend your bay window into its surroundings is to build it out with custom millwork. This moody example ties the minimal and bold tongue and groove cupboards with a matching window seat. The sleek lines keep the design crisp and refreshing while anchoring the window to the rest of the space, maximizing those few extra square feet for an elegant design solution.

Design: Tamara Magel Interior Design | @tamaramageldesign
Photographer: Rikki Snyder

When executed on a larger scale, a bay window can create a beautiful and inviting room. A wide round table will fit perfectly in the hexagonal space and creates ample square footage for folks to pull up a chair while still being able to get around easily. This stunning ceramic chandelier is also well-suited to the curving space, accentuating the height and adding some handcrafted charm to the more modern pieces.

Designer: Brownlow Interior Design
Photographer: Christine Francis

Similar to the canted bay window, a box bay window is simply a bay window with the side panels at right angles. They can be deployed as smaller oriel-style windows or as more traditional bay windows on the ground floor. Melding the clean angles of modern design and traditional architecture, box bay windows are a great choice for any transitional or modern space.

In this example, the sleek steel and glass unit allow for thin frames and expansive glass, a true modern staple, while also complimenting the more traditional trim details. A mix of modern and transitional furniture and accessories continues the theme of blending old and new for a fresh and enthralling space.

Photo Credit: @redbrickrenaissance

Box bay windows were particularly popular in mid-century and craftsman-era homes for their clean aesthetic and ability to add more square footage to a space. Oftentimes, these windows were a combination of large expansive picture windows and thinner casements for the side panels.

Another popular feature was the transom windows along the top, which could be used to feature interesting stained glass like in this stunning example here. When styling such a bay, leaning into the minimal but funky styles of mid-century furniture is a great place to start. The quirky shape of this floor lamp and mix of large leafy house plants contrast the crisper lines of the bay and call attention to the more organic shapes of the stained glass.

Architects: WT Architecture | www.wtarchitecture.com | @wtarchitecture
Photo Credit: Matt Laver

This box bay screams modern with its thin profiles and huge expanses of glass. Running the glass from floor to ceiling is a perfect choice to bring lots of light into your space and turn up the volume on a modern design. The addition of two leather Eames lounge chairs also adds to the mid-century vibes.

Photo Credit: @terranelsonhome

While box bays are common for larger bay windows, because of their ease of construction, they can still be found in smaller footprints. This little box bay is the perfect depth to tuck away a reading nook. A sleek integrated sconce is both a modern and practical touch that compliments the thin black window frames. The warm putty color for the trim and casings, plush pillows and a fuzzy friend also keep things warm and inviting.

(Note: Product details are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)

Interior Designer: Elnaz Namaki Studio

The bay windows’ often mistaken cousin is the bow window. Similar to a bay window, a bow window consists of four or more panels arranged in a gently curving shape, rather than the hexagonal or octagonal shape of a bay window. Because of their curvature, bow windows are also frequently used in bringing a bit of light into curved spaces such as this bow window here.

The circular footprint of this bow window is well-suited to the small dining table. Keeping the profile of the table and chairs minimal also keeps the space from feeling to ornate or stuffy. The darker tones, on the other hand, pair with the dramatic Roman shades to create a feeling of intimacy that is still inviting.

We hope these ideas will help you bring your own modern flair to your bay window and create a space that perfectly suits your style.