Bow windows cost $3,900 on average, depending on the size and quality. Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $15,000.
Bow window prices average around $3,900, but the project total can range from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on the frame material, custom options, size, and even brand. Bow windows are a series of windows angled to form a curve, perfect for bringing in more light and creating a cozy reading nook. If that sounds like your ideal vibe, we’ve got you covered with comprehensive cost data.
Bow windows can cost anywhere from $1,500 for simple replacements using a prefabricated window with no extra add-ons to over $15,000 for customized options with several glass panels and brand-new installations. The total cost depends on a number of different factors.
Standard-sized bow window prices start around $1,700, while customized options may cost over $10,000. Bow windows are made up of about four to six large glass panels, which is why the price is higher than standard windows, like picture or double-hung windows.
Bow window costs can vary by brand, ranging from $800 to $5,500, not including installation. These bow window prices will also fluctuate within each brand based on other factors, like material or number of panels. When shopping for bow windows, consider any product discounts or deals on installation costs to help compare costs and value between brands.
| Brand | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Andersen | $1,200 – $5,300 |
| Marvin | $800 – $4,150 |
| Pella | $700 – $5,500 |
| Simonton | $1,100 – $2,850 |
Installing a bow window costs about $300 to $1,900 just for the labor, not including materials. Replacing an existing window with a bow window of the same size will fall on the lower end of this range, while new installations that require creating new openings and making structural changes will cost closer to $1,900.
Windows typically come in single-pane-, double-pane, or triple-pane glass. The panes of a window are the layers of glass, with double-pane windows having two layers and triple-pane windows having three layers of glass. And as you might’ve guessed, more glass means a higher cost.
Few people opt for single-pane windows nowadays due to their decreased efficiency, durability, and security. Triple-pane and double-pane windows are both viable options for your bow window. Typical double-pane windows cost around $900 but can reach as high as $1,500, and since bow windows have multiple panels, you can expect to pay $1,500 or more for double-pane bow window glass.
Triple-pane windows, with their extra layer, cost up to 15% more than double-pane windows, but they offer increased energy efficiency due to the extra insulation, more security, and better durability overall.
Bow window costs highly depend on the material of the frame. The frame holds the window sash and glass panes in place and is also important for sealing the window tightly into an opening to keep high or low temperatures out of the home. Prices vary by material because some materials are more durable than others or more challenging to install.
Vinyl bow window frames cost around $950 to $2,100 and are a popular choice. That’s because they offer a good middle ground, balancing cost with durability. Vinyl frames last about 20 to 30 years and are easy to install and maintain. But vinyl can warp under extreme temperatures, which is why they don’t last quite as long as some other materials, like fiberglass.
Wood bow windows can range anywhere from $1,200 to over $6,000 per window. Wood is often considered one of the most attractive options for window framing. When well cared for, wood can last several decades. But it does require refinishing every few years to help protect it from moisture and extreme temperatures.
Composite bow windows are made from two or more materials and cost $1,400 to $4,600. The benefit of composite windows is that combining multiple materials can help improve the insulating properties and durability. Composite windows usually last around 40 years.
Fiberglass bow window frames cost about $1,400 to $3,800. This material is popular because it is easily customizable and very durable, lasting about 30 to 40 years. Because fiberglass is a more rigid material, it can be more challenging to install and may lead to higher installation costs.
Aluminum frames for bow windows cost about $2,400 to $5,300. You may save on the installation since aluminum is lightweight and easy to install. Aluminum is also easy to maintain. The drawback is that it isn’t great at insulating, so aluminum is best for homes in mild climates.
Aside from material costs and labor, other factors can influence the cost of your bow windows. You may need to pay for permits, depending on your project, or you may opt to spend more to customize the look or efficiency of your windows.
Installing a new bow window or making structural changes to your home to accommodate new or replacement bow windows may require permits. Building permits cost about $50 for windows but may be higher if you’re making changes to an older home.
Customizations can increase bow window prices to $10,000 to $15,000 or more. You may require custom sizes to achieve large bow windows in a double-height living room, or you may want customized fiberglass frames designed to look like wood. You can also customize the glass panes, adding tint, protective coatings, or gas fills for better UV-blocking or energy efficiency.
Low-emissivity, or low-E, glass blocks UV rays and prevents heat transfer, so it can help insulate your home and save you money on utility bills. Low-E glass will add about $300 to $1,000 to the bow window price.
Replacing an existing bow window costs about $2,000 to $4,500. Your bow windows should last 20 to 50 years if you stay on top of your window maintenance checklist.
You may need to make bow window repairs, which can range from around $75 to $200 for a simple hardware fix to $500 to $2,000 to repair a broken or warped window frame. For older bow windows, replacements may be more cost-effective than paying for the cost of multiple window repairs.
This project is best reserved for professionals, and you should only attempt to DIY if you have extensive construction experience. Installing a bow window could require you to work around electrical wiring, plus your work can affect the structure of your home.
Labor for bow window installation costs about $300 to $1,900 per bow window (not per panel). While you may save some money by DIYing, you’ll need a fully stocked toolbox and excellent carpentry skills to complete this project. That’s because installing a bow window, especially a new one, requires structural changes to your home. Any mistakes could be extremely dangerous, causing structural damage.
Instead, hire a window company near you to get the job quickly and safely. The pros will know how to obtain the proper permits, remove any old windows, create new openings, and install the glass panels securely.
Bow windows create a beautiful space begging to become a reading nook or cozy hang-out spot in your home. You can achieve this with some add-on projects, such as installing a window seat or custom window treatments. Here are the costs of common bow window add-ons:
Window seat installation cost: $500–$8,000
Blinds installation cost: $200–$1,350
Custom window treatment cost: $150–$1,650
Energy-efficient window installation cost: $330–$2,200
Window tinting cost: $325–$925
Weatherstripping cost: $130–$430
Window caulk cost: $50–$70
Bow windows are an investment that can add curb appeal to your home while also bringing in plenty of natural light. If you’re hoping to install bow windows for your kitchen or elsewhere in your home, consider these tips to lower the cost of this home improvement project.
Summer is a popular time to buy windows and schedule installations. You may come across off-season deals in late fall or winter, so don’t be afraid to shop around and plan for a winter installation. When shopping for bow windows, make sure to get at least three quotes to find the best value.
Adding special window coatings or custom designs can bring up the cost of your bow windows. Instead, choose prefabricated options for frame colors, casing designs, and other elements whenever possible to save money on bow window prices.
The more glass there is in your bow windows, the higher the price. Bow windows typically range from about four to six panels, so if you can achieve the look you want with just four panels, opt for that design to lower the project cost.
A bay window tends to be less expensive than a bow window. Bay windows are made up of fewer glass panels, making them lighter in weight and easier to install. These factors bring down the overall cost of bay windows. However, because a bow window has more glass panels, it can bring in more natural light, making it well worth the higher upfront cost.
Bow windows may require planning permission because they extend outward from the house. They are usually treated the same way as a home extension or addition. Although many window installation projects don’t require a permit, you should check with your local municipality or ask your window installation specialists about the requirements for a bow window.
In most cases, yes, you can replace a regular window with a bow window. However, this may involve more structural work to create openings for more glass panels. Another thing to keep in mind is that, unlike a standard window, bow windows will jut outward from the house. Because of this, you should avoid having your bow window installed close to walkways.
