A Guide to Bay and Bow Windows

By Elizabeth Rogers
Note: This was originally published on JELD-WEN's website in early 2020.
Learn why our exceptional selection of bay and bow windows will give your projects a distinct beauty.
Every room has a unique focal point, where your eye is immediately drawn to that defining area or feature. Both bay and bow windows can offer that distinguishing architectural element. These projection windows have the unique ability to create an expansive feel to a space of any size, offer a grander view of the outdoors, and add curb appeal.
Here at JELD-WEN, we construct our bow windows and bay windows with the finest materials, offering a variety of aesthetic design options from glass types to grille designs. Because these windows extend outward, they are available with both head and seat boards as well as support systems to ensure reliable installation. Read more to learn why our exceptional selection of wood and vinyl bay and bow windows will give your home or projects a distinct beauty, and discover which product line will best suit your needs.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are popular among homeowners because of their ability to capture large amounts of natural light from different directions.
A bay window consists of three windows: one large fixed window in the middle, with a smaller window on each side. These flanking windows can be fixed, casement, single-hung, or double-hung windows. Due to their extension past the wall of the home, bay windows offer a broader view of the outdoors. Bay windows are popular with homeowners because of their ability to capture large amounts of natural light from different directions.
Regarding specialty windows, bay windows are one of the most functional, adding space and dimension to the inside of the home. Because the bay window juts out from the wall, its deep sill area allows for a cozy reading nook or shelf to decorate and display plants.
Generally, bay windows best fit exterior wall spaces with at least 42” of available space.
W-5500™ CLAD-WOOD BAY WINDOW
The W-5500™ bay window features a central fixed window flanked by operational windows on either side, providing easy ventilation. JELD-WEN® clad-wood windows feature AuraLast® pine, a patented wood product that provides protection against wood rot, water damage, and termites.
PREMIUM™ VINYL (V-4500™) BAY WINDOWS
JELD-WEN® Premium™ Vinyl V-4500™ offers the exceptional look of wood windows with the reliable performance and easy maintenance of vinyl. Featuring thermally-efficient frames and Low-E insulating glass, these vinyl bay windows boast a wider frame and sash profile for improved performance and appearance.
BUILDERS™ VINYL (V-2500™) BAY WINDOWS
Energy efficient and affordable, vinyl is a popular and versatile material for both home builds and remodels. Our Builders™ Vinyl bay windows feature operational windows on each side.
SITELINE® CLAD-WOOD BAY WINDOWS
Delivering exceptional performance and style, Siteline® clad-wood bay windows combine the superior protection of AuraLast® pine with a streamlined appearance and wide range of aesthetic choices.
CUSTOM™ WOOD BAY WINDOWS
A classic, enduring, and eye-catching feature, JELD-WEN® wood windows exude richness and warmth in any space. Built with AuraLast® pine, our Custom™ Wood bay windows are available with our widest range of customization options.
Bow Windows
Bow windows add dimension to a living space. Constructed from wood or vinyl, bow windows are a set of joined windows (typically four to five) that are angled slightly to give the illusion of a curved wall. Due to their combined size and expanse of glass, bow windows offer more panoramic views and let in more natural light than bay windows. However, bow windows are typically fixed (non-operational), so if ventilation is a priority, a bay window might be the more appropriate choice.
Generally, bow windows best fit exterior wall spaces with at least 80” of available space. They create the illusion of a curved wall with a bow window, featuring four sash windows mulled together at slight angles. This model is built with the beauty and resilience of AuraLast® pine and comes with multiple options for color, finish, glass, and more.
W-5500™ CLAD-WOOD BOW WINDOWS
Create the illusion of a curved wall with a W-5500™ bow window, featuring four sash mulled together at slight angles. This model is built with the beauty and resilience of AuraLast® pine and comes with multiple options for color, finish, glass, and more.
CUSTOM™ WOOD BOW WINDOWS
With one-of-a-kind beauty and lasting performance, JELD-WEN® Custom™ Wood bow windows bring exceptional style and design home. A row of four or five gently angled windows, built with AuraLast® pine, create the illusion of a curved wall.
PREMIUM™ VINYL (V-4500™) BOW WINDOWS
Energy-efficient and easy to maintain, JELD-WEN® Premium™ Vinyl (V-4500™) vinyl bow windows feature a wider frame and sash profile for an appearance comparable to real wood windows. This line offers the widest range of sizes, performance options, and aesthetic choices to meet design needs.
BUILDERS™ VINYL (V-2500™) BOW WINDOWS
Give any living space an expansive feel with Builders™ Vinyl bow windows. Modern and affordable, this set of joined vinyl windows opens a space and increases the view from inside the home.
SITELINE® CLAD-WOOD BOW WINDOWS
Expertly crafted, Siteline® clad-wood bow windows are built with superior AuraLast® pine, preserving the beauty and performance of your investment. Choose from our extensive collection of glass and color options and achieve the perfect aesthetic for your build or home.

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