Bay windows are often an overlooked feature of the home, but they can add plenty of aesthetic value and function to your home. This helpful guide will teach you everything you need to know about bay windows. In it, you’ll learn how to decorate, modernize, and care for your beautiful bay windows.
What Is A Bay Window?
For many homeowners, some confusion exists between bay windows and bow windows. They look similar, though they do have some differences that set them apart from each other. A bay window consists of one large center window that’s flanked on each side by two smaller windows.
A bowed window has more windows that are evenly sized, so instead of three windows of different sizes, you might have five windows of the same size. Their appearance is more rounded than the bay window. Bay windows tend to be angular in shape.
What Types Of Bay Windows Are There?
Four types of bay windows exist which are canted, box, oriel, and circle bay windows. You can find canted bay windows on the ground floor of many homes. They’re built in the traditional three-paned shape and supported from the bottom by the foundation and the ground.
Box bay windows have three panes of glass, like the traditional bay window. The difference lies in their shape, which is box-shaped instead of angled like the traditional bay.
Oriel bays, unlike the traditional bays, have reinforcements that allow them to be attached to any side and any story of a building (as opposed to just the ground floor). Usually, these windows have some sort of support arch or similar structure to keep them attached to the supporting wall.
Circle bays are just like they sound. Builders construct a bank of windows around a circular base. Their shape is rounded, though the windows themselves are flat. It’s the home’s construction that makes the round shape possible.
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How Do You Decorate Bay Windows?
Bay windows offer the home decorator a lot of versatility when it comes to decorating. The architecture of these windows allows for bare windows. In other words, the beauty of bay windows is such that many homeowners forego decorative elements like curtains or blinds. If you love minimalism, this may be the decorative route for you.
That said, these windows are designed to be a showpiece in the room they’re in. Decorated correctly, they become the room’s focal point. One obvious example is the bay window that becomes a window seat.
However, you can play around with this idea, even if your bay window comes with no window seat. Instead, cover each individual window with a curtain that’s sized to that window. Next, add furniture elements, like love seats and corner chairs to each window. A center coffee table with a rug underneath it pulls the look together visually.
In the kitchen, the love seat and corner chairs get replaced by a round table and chairs set that nestles in the nook. Fitted blinds cover each window and allow you to regulate the sunlight that comes in and out.
If the idea of decorating your bay window becomes overwhelming, just remember that it’s constructed of separate windows. You won’t have to find one long curtain to stretch over the area. Instead, you’ll find three individual curtains or blinds to put over each window.
What Sizes Of Bay Windows Do They Install?
Most bay windows come in standard sizes, although it’s possible to get custom-sized bay window designs. That said, a popular size for a bay is one that features a 3-foot, 6-inch by 10-foot, 6-inch measurement.
What Can You Do To Modernize Your Bay Window?
If you want to modernize your bay window, you have a number of options. One of the simplest steps you can take is to paint the walls around the bay window a different color than the walls that support the window.
For example, you can do a fool-the-eye trick, like painting the window’s supporting walls a complementary or contrasting color to the walls surrounding it. For example, paint the recessed walls cobalt blue and the surrounding walls a cream color. This adds visual drama to the window, strengthening it as a focal point.
Updating your window coverings also helps to modernize this space. Unless you decorate with very classic styles, it’s a good idea to update your window coverings regularly – perhaps every five years at least – though you can do it more often if you like variety.
How Do You Keep A Bay Window Clean
As you can probably imagine, keeping your bay windows clean involves a number of steps due to the construction of the windows. A shop vac with long attachments allows you to clean the tops of the windows and suck away the cobwebs in hard-to-reach spaces. If the windows have screens, be sure to get those with the vac’s brush attachment, too.
As for cleaning the windows themselves, call the professionals at Squeegee Squad! We have all of the tools, equipment, and knowledge to get the job done! We utilize a five-step window washing process using a mild, non-toxic solution that is safe for the environment. We prioritize safely through the proper use of ladders and the occasional use of water-fed poles using streak-free pure water.
Squeegee Squad crew members are professional, uniformed, and friendly. We take great care both inside and outside of your home.