Bay windows are a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. They can also boost your comfort by increasing natural light and providing a better view of the outdoors.
These window types are ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and master bedrooms. They also offer benefits that can boost your home’s value when you decide to sell it.
Natural Light
Natural light enhances your mood and boosts vitamin D levels, lowering your reliance on artificial lighting. Adding modern windows that let the sun in from multiple directions reduces energy costs while elevating your property’s value.
Window replacement options are available for every budget and style preference, from picture windows that allow expansive views with minimal maintenance to casement windows that open outward for ventilation. Some offer advanced features like double-glazed, UV-filtering Low-E glass to help keep interiors cool and bright, reducing glare and keeping out harmful UV rays that fade carpets and furniture.
Bay and bow windows are popular choices that create coveted interior nooks ideal for reading corners, cozy breakfast areas, or decorative accessories. Featuring three or more angled window panes, these windows add dramatic beauty to your home or business while offering ample sunlight throughout the day. This luminous design makes them especially well-suited to dark spaces, brightening rooms and increasing their overall value.
Aesthetics
Bay windows add visual appeal to your home’s exterior and create cozy alcoves on the inside. They offer improved natural light and panoramic views of your outdoor space and can increase your property value if you choose to sell your house in the future.
There are several types of bay windows to consider: angled, boxed, and canted. Angled bay windows are the most common and consist of a fixed center window with two side windows that angle out from your home’s wall. Boxed bay windows feature a square appearance and provide additional floor space that can be used for seating or storage. Canted bay windows have a semi-circular appearance and are typically installed above ground level to add a unique architectural touch without taking up valuable floor space.
If you’re considering installing new bay windows, it’s best to hire a professional for installation. Modernize can connect you with up to four local window pros to help you compare quotes and determine the best option for your needs.
Energy Efficiency
Bay windows offer improved ventilation by providing a wide open space for air to circulate, allowing fresh, clean air to enter your home. The side panels of the window often have operable sash, so you can strategically open them to allow more airflow as needed.
Bay window installation offers a variety of design options, depending on your space and preferences. For example, a living room or dining area could benefit from an expanded view and enhanced natural light, while a bedroom would benefit from the cozy seating nook that can be fashioned out of the extra space.
Many homeowners choose to use the ledge of their bay window for displaying artwork, family photos, and decorative items. These vignettes will create an attractive focal point and enhance your space’s beauty. You can also outfit your bay windows with Low-E glass, which minimizes energy loss by blocking out the sun’s glare and heat while letting in its warmth.
Seating
Few home improvement upgrades offer the same level of style and functionality as beautiful bay windows. Their unique curved design transforms interior space into cozy alcoves perfect for reading, dining, or entertaining guests. They also improve ventilation and insulation, reducing energy costs. Available in a variety of styles, including wood-clad finishes and custom grid designs, these specialty windows will enhance your home’s aesthetic while increasing its value and comfort.
Rather than incorporating a built-in banquette, create a cozy bay window breakfast nook by placing a comfortable settee in front of the bump-out and accenting it with colorful throw pillows. The result is a dining area that highlights the beauty of your bay windows while blending seamlessly into your decor scheme.
Located outdoors at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama, this Southern railway caboose features classic yellow bay windows and roof-mounted solar panels. Lettered #X201, it is one of only a few surviving service-era Southern cabooses that retains its older 4-digit number.