Bow and Bay windows are some of the most design friendly and aesthetic styles available for a homeowner, and they’re commonly compared.  Both windows extend outward from the home helping to maximize interior space, while also providing a unique exterior aesthetic.  They both admit more exterior light than your average window,  and provide picturesque views for a homeowner. 

However, while the two window styles may be similar aesthetically, they hold some important differences. Bay windows, for example, are composed of three windows, while bow windows, are composed of four or more.  This curve in a bow window forms a semicircle, and is ideal for an interior viewing space or design accent.  This semi circle provides homeowners with that unique ability to wrap around corners, a feature that bay windows aren’t able to accommodate.  Bow windows are also known for letting in even more exterior light than bay windows are as well. 

So if you’re looking for a picturesque, cornerstone design element, then bow windows are the way to go.  Plus, they often feature the most amount of glass, meaning if you install energy efficient glass packages with optimal U-factor, VT, and air leakage ratings, you can expect to see consistent and impactful returns on that monthly energy bill.  Furthermore, following ENERGY STAR’s map for SHGC ratings by climate can ensure your bow windows are optimized for your home.