Bay windows and garden windows both offer great views and provide architectural interest to your home, but how do you know which one is the best one for your home?
Here’s a guide to helping you decide between a bay or garden window for your Mid-Atlantic home.
Similarities of Bay and Garden Windows
Besides both having names that remind us of nature, bay and garden windows have a lot of features in common. Both of these window styles protrude out of the exterior of your home to open up space and provide architectural interest. This is great for allowing natural light to pour in and making your living space appear larger. You may be wondering, what is the difference between bay and garden windows? There are a few aspects of each that make them unique, and it’s up to you to decide which type fits your needs best.
What Are Garden Windows?
A garden window is appropriately named because they are usually intended for keeping an indoor garden. With a three-dimensional, box-like shape, garden window is popular in the kitchen. There is plenty of space for indoor plants to live and soak up the sunshine on the sill, but garden windows are much smaller than a typical bay window.
Garden windows have stationary windows as well as windows that provide ventilation. The upper part of these windows is also usually glass to allow for maximum sunlight. Although a typical garden window contains these features, each one can be customized to fit your personal preference. A garden window is great for adding light and providing a display area for artwork or décor if you aren’t much of a green thumb. Learn more about the different types of garden windows and features here.
What Are Bay Windows?
While garden windows have sharp 90-degree angles and a glass roof, bay windows contain softer angles and contain a roof that is simply an extension of the house or a ledge. They are made of three windows, angled anywhere from 25-45 degrees depending on your preference. A bay window usually has a center fixed window flanked by two venting windows that can be either double-hung windows or casement windows.
Because of this versatility, bay windows can be made as large or small as your imagination. Typically in the living room or bedroom, bay windows can be big enough to create a reading nook, or a relaxing backyard viewing spot. Installed on the front or the side of the home, and a bay window can capture the most sunlight depending on your home’s positioning. Since bay windows are significantly larger than garden windows, they tend to open up a room and allow much more natural light into the room.
Garden and bay windows play two very different roles. If you’re still second guessing your decision about a three-dimensional window, there are always other similar options to choose from, such as bow windows. Whatever you choose, Thompson Creek is here to help you build your dream house with expert window advising and installation. Call us today for a free consultation.