4 Bay Window Types Perfect for Modernizing Your Home
Mar 14 2024 Posted By Ontario Window Reviews
Bay windows provide multiple benefits to a modern-style home—more natural light, fresh air flow, and extra interior space. It’s a popular window type often mistaken for bow windows for their similar appearance and purpose. Still, a bay window has three panels projected outward from a building’s exterior wall, while a bow window has four or more glass panes forming a curve.
While bay window types are known to have Renaissance or Gothic designs, many modern bay window styles are well suited to contemporary homes. We’ll walk you through the different types of bay windows and explain why they’re perfect for a modish makeover. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Canted Bay Windows
Image Source: Canva
When you think of bay windows, it’s typically the canted type that comes to mind. It has a flat front with side panels angled at 45 degrees and is installed on the first floor in Victorian-style homes. Inside, it makes space for a comfortable reading nook with lots of natural light.
Modernize the canted custom bay windows by installing them in an area of your home with high ceilings. You can even turn them into floor-to-ceiling windows that fit perfectly in contemporary homes.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Can be installed in any living space
✔️ Perfect space for dining and lounge areas ✔️ Allows natural light and air to flow inside ✔️ Increases property value |
✖️ Can only be installed on ground floors
✖️ Complicated installation process |
2. Circle Bay Windows
Image Source: Canva
Circle bay windows have round edges with three glass panels. Often installed on upper floors, these types of bay windows protrude significantly out of the exterior, enhancing your home’s visual appeal. Aside from that, a circle bay window creates additional space in your interior, but it also requires more financial investment upfront for installation.
Traditional circular bay windows originate from the Gothic style with lots of exterior detail and dramatic flair. Modernizing it would mean keeping a minimalistic look with clean lines and expansive glass panels that cover the entire wall. Conversely, you could divide the curved glass into three window panes to enhance your home’s contemporary look.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Added interior space
✔️ More natural light and stunning outdoor views ✔️ Increased curb appeal and house value ✔️ Can be installed on the upper and lower floors |
✖️ Complex and costly installation
✖️ Limited wall space and furnishing options |
Read more: 7 Fenestration Market Trends to Watch
3. Box Bay Windows
Image Source: Canva
Box bay windows are the complete opposite of the circular type because of their rectangular and angular shape. A box bay window has a flat front with two side panels angled at 90 degrees to emulate a boxy silhouette.
Among all the bay window types, this design is the most compact and affordable option. It doesn’t take up a lot of space but provides ample area for displaying plants and household ornaments.
A timeless craftsman motif on a box bay window can add depth to your home exteriors, elevating its overall look. Revamp this idea with a modern approach by choosing picture windows, allowing you to see nature without obstructions.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Most affordable bay window type
✔️ Boxy shape adds dimension to the house exterior ✔️ Takes up less space than other bay window types ✔️ Allows natural light and air to flow inside ✔️ Can be installed on the upper and lower floors |
✖️ Difficult to maintain
✖️ Requires custom opening on the wall |
4. Oriel Bay Windows
Image Source: Shutterstock
Oriel bay windows are canted bay windows but on the upper levels. They extend out of the exterior walls and are supported by corbels, brackets, or cantilevers. It’s one of the oldest window types with ornamental details that you’ll find in Art Deco, Tudor, and Victorian architecture styles.
Its modern twist requires clean angles and lines with few decorative elements, if any. Casement windows or double-hung windows with large glass panes are a must.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Increased property value
✔️ Its added space offers versatility in furnishing ✔️ Allows natural light and air to flow inside |
✖️ Expensive to buy and install
✖️ Difficult to maintain ✖️ May raise issues with sidewalks ✖️ Can only be installed on upper floors |
Read more: 6 Tips For Choosing The Right Window Design
Find the Right Window Company for Your Custom Bay Window
All the different types of bay windows can emphasize the contemporary theme you plan to achieve for your home. All you need to do now is find the right window company to help you realize such a vision!
Ontario Window Reviews offers consumers a comprehensive directory of window manufacturers based in Ontario. We’ve compiled their company backgrounds, specialties, and customer feedback in one place to make your selection easier. If you need modern bay window styles done right, we have the sources to help you find the right window provider for the job!
Contact our team for more information about the best Ontario window and door manufacturers.
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