Bay Window vs. Bow Window: What’s the Difference?

If you dream of a cozy reading nook for your home, you’re probably envisioning expansive bay or bow windows. While both are great options for bringing in natural light and adding seating or storage space, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Plus, depending on the layout of your house, one may be more suitable than the other in terms of cost and construction. 

Find out the key differences between bow windows vs. bay windows, from what they look like to how much they cost.

Bay Window vs. Bow Window: Key Differences

Bay and bow windows both offer scenic views and more storage space for homeowners hoping to add a reading or dining nook or small work or craft space. Aside from their differing appearances, there are many other characteristics to consider when choosing between bay and bow windows.

Appearance​

Both bow and bay windows extend out from the side of the home’s exterior wall, but bow windows jut out less. The key difference in appearance for these window types is the number of panels. Bow windows have four to six glass panels, while bay windows always have three.

Most visually appealing: It’s a close call, but we’ll give the edge to bow windows because the extra glass panels create an attractive, curved exterior.

Options and Customizations​

You can customize both bow and bay windows in many ways, including size, color, and even shapes. Both windows are usually offered with vinyl frames and panes, but many homeowners also opt for custom options, like wood. Bow window panels are installed at the same angles for a curved look, but you can choose different angles for bay windows: 25 degrees, 35 degrees, or 45 degrees.

Most customizable: Bay windows

Price​

Bow windows tend to cost 1.5 to 2.5 times more than similarly sized bay windows. New bow windows can cost $3,000 to $10,000 per window, while new bay windows start at $1,000 each and can go over $7,000 for customized options.

Most affordable: Bay windows

Ease of Installation

Installing bow or bay windows isn’t exactly a task for you and a few friends to tackle. Both options require you to widen existing window openings and ensure the wall can support the added weight of these window styles, which are heavier than flat windows. Between the two, bow windows are heavier and harder to install.

Easier to install: Bay windows (though this isn’t a job for most DIYers)

Ease of Repair

While the multiple glass panels and panes of bow windows may offer picturesque views and a charming look to your dining or living area, the additional parts make repairs more difficult than fixing bay windows. If you need to replace your window, bow windows are more difficult to replace because they are heavier.

Easiest to repair: Bay windows

Maintenance

Keeping up with window maintenance is important if you want your windows to last, regardless of if you go for bow or bay windows. 

• Cleaning: For both styles, you’ll want to do a deep cleaning for the glass panels, panes, and frames about once a year. 

• Maintenance: When it’s time for cleaning, also do an annual inspection to check for warping, cracking, or other signs of damage.

• Hardware: Check that the opening mechanisms are in working order for bay windows or operable bow windows. Clean hardware with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. Grease moving parts once per year to prevent sticking or squeaking.

Easiest to maintain: Bay windows (if only because there are fewer glass panels)

Longevity

Bow and bay windows will last 20 to 25 years, depending on if you buy high-quality windows. Improper installation can shorten your windows’ lifespan, so hire a local window installation professional. Keep up with cleaning and proper maintenance to ensure you get many years out of your window investment.

Better longevity: Tie

Pros and Cons of Bay Windows

A bay window has three glass panels. Typically, the center window is the biggest, with two smaller windows on each side. It protrudes extensively from the house, making it great for a spacious reading or dining nook. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of bay windows.

Pros

Here’s why you should consider a bay window for your home:

• More affordable. If you’re working with a tighter budget, bay windows may be right for your home improvement project. Replacing bay windows costs about $1,800 each, including $100 to $300 for labor. The cost to install new bay windows, however, ranges from $1,000 to over $7,000, depending on how much construction is needed to make your walls ready for this style of window.

• Easier to install. Because they have fewer panels, bay windows are smaller, lighter, and easier to install.

• Curb appeal. Bay windows have many unexpected benefits, too, like boosting your home’s beauty and resale value. 

• Better ventilation. While the larger middle window of a bay window is fixed, the side panels are usually casement windows that can be cranked open or shut for ventilation as desired.

Cons

But there are some drawbacks to bay windows. 

• They take up a lot of space. Both bay and bow windows extend past the house, but bay windows tend to jut out farther and take up more space. 

• Limited view. You’ll still be able to stare out at your favorite tree in the front yard, but views will be more limited than what you can get from bow windows.

• Less natural light. Fewer glass panels also mean less sunlight streaming through a bay window than a bow window.

Pros and Cons of Bow Windows

Bow windows are similar to bay windows in that they extend past the house, although they don’t protrude as far as bay windows. One of the most notable characteristics of a bow window is that it has four to six glass panels and offers panoramic views. The panels are usually all the same size. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of bow windows.

Pros

Here’s why you should consider a bow window for your home:

• Better view. Bow windows are wider, so they can offer more extensive views of your surroundings.

• More light.  The multiple panels of glass also bring in more natural light, so you can sit in a bow window nook while comfortably reading your favorite book until sunset.

• Takes up less space. While both types of windows protrude from a home's exterior, the curved shape of a bow window is more compact than a bay window.

Cons

Here’s why you might want to consider a different type of window instead:

• More expensive. Bow windows often have double the number of glass panels, making them more expensive than bay windows. Bow windows cost $1,500 to $15,00 each for replacements.

• Harder to install. They are wider and heavier than bay windows as a result, which also makes them harder—and again more expensive—to install. Adding new bow windows to your home costs $3,000 to $10,000 per window, including labor costs.

• Lack of ventilation. While you can customize bow windows to be operable, they are often sold without the ability to open for natural ventilation. In the end, a bow window is a picture window that is more expensive and difficult to install than other windows. 

Barbara Bellesi Zito contributed to this piece.