Identification

• Bay windows have three or more panes that join at various angles and project outward from the exterior wall of a building. Many people associate them with homes from the Victoria area, but they've found their place in modern architecture. Most consist of a large picture window in the middle with two smaller ones to the side, but some have four or more windows in different geometric shapes.
  
  

Types

• Homeowners wishing to install a bay window in an existing structure can purchase a factory-assembled bay window, or consider hiring a professional contractor to add a customized window. Some have vented windows, meaning they open and closed while others feature fixed windows that don't open. Bay windows come in aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl and wood. Some builders add transom windows or install tall two-story bay windows to add drama to a home's architecture.
  
  

Uses

• Victorian home designs often feature a bay window in nearly every room of the home, whereas modern homeowners usually adds them to one or two rooms. Install a small bay window over a kitchen sink to create an alcove to accommodate plants or an herb garden. A dining room bay window provides an area for banquette style seating. Placing a couple of comfortable chairs in a bay window creates a reading nook.
  
  

Benefits

• A bay window may increase the square footage of a room, making it appear much bigger. It also offers a more panoramic view of the outside and fills it with natural light, making it a good choice for homeowners wishing to enjoy in a lush natural setting from the interior of their home. Many people like the architectural interest a bay window gives a room and will often consider it an upgrade when purchasing a home.
  
  

Considerations

• A poorly constructed bay window may have structural problems that cause it to crack and leak as the foundation of the home begins to settle. Improper installation may cause it to begin to sag. Some individuals struggle to decide on window treatments for a bay window. Its unique configurations and tight angles make placement of a curtain hardware difficult.