Bay windows are windows that protrude or extend out of the normal structure of a house, usually for aesthetic purposes.They usually have three openings, and are constructed at such an angle that there is one central opening, as well as two side openings. The central opening or window is parallel to the wall of the house, while the side windows are placed in a different, viable angle.
Practical utilization of bay windows
Even though bay windows are usually for aesthetic purposes or to match home decor, they also serve some practical uses. Firstly, they add extra space to the room in which they are installed. These extra spaces can, and are often used to provide additional seating. They are especially useful for flats, apartments and other houses that have small built-up areas, as their design has the ability to make a room look bigger than it actually is. After all, they have three angles as opposed to the usual limited dimension of normal windows.
Secondly, bay windows, when placed in larger rooms, like master bedrooms or living spaces, can be used for a comfortable lounging space, complete with cushion, pillows and even blankets. They have a deep sill area, which many people often use to grow various plants, as they receive natural light and perfect ventilation.
Another bonus point is that your house receives plenty of natural lighting and ventilation, which means that you do not have to rely heavily on electric lighting, especially during the day. You get to cut down on your energy consumption, which translates to lower electricity, and heating and cooling bills. Plus, bay windows offer a beautiful panoramic view.
Different types of bay windows
Bay windows, in a way, are like an extension of a house. They protrude outward from your walls and usually have angles of 90, 135 and 150 degrees. They come in different heights depending on the height of your ceiling, while they are mostly constructed in the shapes of squares or polygons.
Today, the two most popular variants of bay windows are the classic ones, which are the bow window and the canted bay window. A bow window is curved and usually, has four or five openings. On the other hand, a canted bay window has a flat opening at the center, often considered the front, and two-angled side openings.
Some bay windows also come with a roof made from glass. These are called greenhouse windows or garden bays, as they are commonly used as small gardens, allowing the maximum amount of natural light to ent
What are the materials used in bay windows?
Usually, bay windows are made from wood or vinyl. For the exterior of bay windows made from wood, primed wood is used. This gives the best finish and looks amazing, but it also requires a lot of maintenance work like repainting in order to prevent the wood from rotting, and regular scraping.
Bay windows are usually made from vinyl, and even though they may bot look as natural compared to wooden bay windows, they are much easier to maintain and do not require regular attention. Plus they are more affordable and durable.
When it comes to glass, bay windows usually have two glass panes, filled with air space in between; although triple glass panes are available and help increase security and improve energy efficiency.
