Bay windows can add floor space to the interior of your home and are an excellent choice if you want to add a window seat or bench. In most installations, the window panes in a bay window are far enough apart to allow for each window to open.

What are Bow Windows?
Bow windows are a made up of four or more casement windows fitted together to create a rounded window structure. Bow windows were a popular feature in Victorian homes and can lend a classic appearance to any space. Most window companies will agree that bow windows are often more complicated to install than a regular casement window, and need to be well insulated to keep out the cold.

Bow windows are a great option if you’re looking for a way to let more light in or want to create a corner window. Bow windows can also be fitted with window seats, but because of the number of glass panes and their proximity to each other, the windows in a bow window construction typically can’t be opened.

What are the Key Differences?
The main differences between bay windows and bow windows are the number of glass panes, and their ability to open. While bay windows are typically made up of three panes—all of which can be made to open, bow windows generally consist of four or five panes of fixed glass which don’t open.