The following contribution is from another author.
Are you shopping for new living room windows and not sure what units will work best for your space? That’s understandable. The modern window market is overloaded with different windows that come with various options, features and designs to complement your exterior and interior. So how to decide on the best windows when doing home renovation for your living room?
We have done extensive research and found many valuable materials from Ecoline, Canadian bay and bow windows installation experts, and they claim that there is no better option for a living room than combination windows such as bay and bow units. Interested why? Keep reading to learn everything in detail!
Bay & Bow Windows Explained
While both window types are also known as combination or projection and share many similarities, their key differences are vital to know when deciding between these two window styles:
- Bay windows usually come with three windows. The combination typically involves one fixed non-operable picture window in the center and two operable windows on its sides for optimal ventilation. As for design – bay units feature more angular lines than bow windows, and hence bay windows are more often used in transitional and contemporary home architectural styles. Still, you can find these units at many traditional Victorian-style homes. Having only three units, bay windows are narrower than bow windows. And the two operable windows on the sides are usually casement or double-hung window types.
- Bow windows, also known as compass windows, usually feature four or more windows of the exact size and shape to show a more subtle curve, unlike bay units. Bow windows are very versatile and can even be installed to be wrapped around the corner of your home, creating a gorgeous turret shape on the outside and an attractive nook on the inside.
Bay & Bow Windows: Main Pros to Consider
Both windows are great options, so everything boils down to your home design and exterior, but when it comes to the main advantages, bay or bow units have many to offer:
- Amazing look. The combination windows always make your exterior look grand and elegant, conveying the wow effect within your neighbourhood.
- Great unobstructed views. Due to the huge glass area of your windows, the look outside is clear, so you are welcome to enjoy your picturesque outdoor view.
- High energy efficiency. Since both bay and bow windows share some non-operable units, you may be sure of high thermal performance and low energy bills. However, make sure that all windows are Energy Star rated and at least double-glazed.
- Property value boost. Installing bay or bow windows is a complex and expensive project, so it ultimately boosts your property value and curb appeal, perhaps even more than good concrete driveway companies can, making it more attractive on the market for potential buyers.
- Optimal ventilation. When going with bay windows, you enjoy not only great energy efficiency but also optimal ventilation since the side windows are operable and guarantee good air circulation.
The Best Locations to Use Bay or Bow Windows?
As previously mentioned, these units are usually installed as living room windows, but actually, bay and bow windows would be a great addition to any room in your home.
The windows’ sizes vary to fit numerous replacement applications, but both window types ultimately make a room seem bigger by allowing for more natural light and depth. You can use a little extra square footage for anything you can imagine, like:
- a reading nook;
- a display shelf;
- a window seat;
- an indoor garden;
- a bathtub alcove or other;
A bay window in the kitchen can be positioned in a breakfast nook for extra seating space, or add a bench by your bay window to serve you as a window seat. Above a kitchen sink, they also help to provide space for plants and an indoor herb garden.
Bay & Bow Windows: Prices Breakdown
Speaking of price ranges, bay and bow windows would cost much more in comparison with standard windows. It is understandable since these combination windows consist of 3-6 units; hence the price multiplies accordingly. In addition, the installation is more complex and requires extra time and labour force that ultimately adds to the final quote.
When it comes down to the comparison between bay and bow styles, bow windows would be more expensive than bay units since they feature a larger window surface area and are more complicated to install. A replacement bow window would typically cost 10 to 15% more than bay-style units. But at the end of the day, both window styles offer many considerable benefits, including a remarkable ROI if you are ever after selling your property.
