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 versus 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.

What Are 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.

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.

What Are 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.

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. Replacements for bow windows cost $1,500 to $15,00 each.

• 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.

Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows

Appearance​

Both bow and bay windows extend outward from a home’s exterior, but bow windows have a more subtle projection. However, the biggest difference in appearance is the number of panels—bow windows have four to six glass panels, while bay windows always have three. The extra glass in bow windows creates a more seamless, curved look, making bow windows the more visually appealing option for many.

Winner: Bow windows

Options and Customizations​

Both window styles offer plenty of customization options in terms of size, frame material, and color. However, bay windows offer more shape options. Bow windows always have uniform panel angles, but bay windows allow homeowners to choose from different angles—typically 25, 35, or 45 degrees—making them the more customizable choice.

Winner: Bay windows

Price​

Bow windows are generally more expensive, costing 1.5 to 2.5 times more than similarly sized bay windows. All told, installing new bow windows usually ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 per window, while bay windows typically cost between $1,000 and $7,000.

Winner: Bay windows

Ease of Installation

Installing either window type requires widening the existing window opening and reinforcing the wall to support the additional weight, so it’s not the easiest project. However, bow windows are heavier and require more extensive support, making them the more difficult option to install.

Winner: Bay windows

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. Bay windows are also heavier, which can add to the challenge of repairing them.

Winner: Bay windows

Maintenance

Bay windows are easier to maintain simply because they have fewer glass panels to clean and seals to inspect. However, both styles benefit from a deep cleaning at least once a year, including the glass, frames, and panes.

During cleaning, it’s important to check for warping, cracks, or other damage that could lead to seal failure. If the windows open, the hardware should be wiped down with a microfiber cloth and lubricated annually to prevent sticking or squeaking.

Winner: Bay windows 

Longevity

Both bow and bay windows last 20 to 25 years provided they’re properly maintained and installed. Improper installation can shorten your windows’ lifespan, so it’s always best to hire a local window installation professional to handle this job for you.

Winner: Tie