Adding Bow Windows to Your Home
The addition of bow windows to your home will give you a beautiful view of the outside and a dramatic focal point inside your home. These windows are ideal for those who want to plant indoor plants.
Bow windows let more light into your home, much like bay windows. They are usually fixed (non-operational) as opposed to bay windows, which can open to let in more air.
Aesthetics
Bow windows can be a beautiful architectural element on both the interior and exterior of your home. They can be decorated with a variety decorative elements to create an unique focal feature that draws attention and enhances the look of your home.
The curving design of bow windows is a beautiful appearance in any home. Their elegance and beauty are ideal for creating an inviting breakfast nook, or a window seat. The bow windows can also be framed using a curved curtain rod which lets you hang curtains or drapes for added privacy. You can also opt for bifold shutters that block the light without sacrificing the curved look of your windows.
A bow window consists of four to six windows of equal size that are set at a 10 degree angle. They create an overall look and extend your living space by bringing in natural light and offering expansive views. This kind of window is an ideal choice for homes that have ample wall space and want to add a striking feature that is a perfect match to their architectural style.
Both bay and bow windows are ideal for letting in plenty natural light. This will help brighten up your living space in the daytime and help reduce the need for artificial lighting. Bow windows are great if you're looking to add an eating area or a sitting area to your home due to their ability to provide more floor space than bay windows.
Bow windows frames are made from a variety of materials including vinyl, wood, and fibreglass. You can mix features like etchings, internal grids and glass or oak wood grain finishes, and custom paints to create the ideal aesthetics for your home.
Natural Light
Bow windows are curved, allowing them to let light in from various directions. You can adjust the number of windows as well as their positions to control the amount of sunlight coming into your home. This creates the impression of spaciousness and openness in any space. It adds a unique aspect to your home's exterior. These windows are popular because they provide the view of the entire city which is what attracted many homeowners to their home in the first place.
Like bow windows, bay windows let in more light than flat windows, and give your home a larger appearance. They can be used in dining rooms or kitchen nooks where additional floor space is appropriate for tables and chairs. The windows' arcs can be elevated to hip or knee height, allowing the perfect seating area with a breathtaking view.
Bow windows can be constructed with a range of four to six panes, based on the dimensions of the space you wish to fill. You can put shades on individual windowpanes for an unified appearance that allows sunlight to flow through. Shades such as flat-fold Roman shades or cellular shades, as well as woven blinds can be utilized to create this style.
Which one is the best for you? It's all about the priorities you have for your home. Bay windows are more expensive than bow windows, and require a larger structure for installation. You can pair them with double-hung windows, casement windows or picture frames and decorate them with various grilles, roof options, and colors to match the style of your home's architecture.
Ventilation
Like bow windows, bay windows are a great option if you want to increase the amount of natural light entering your home. They can provide this benefit, but without being as far away from the wall as other styles of windows, such as a casement or double-hung window. This makes them an excellent option for homes that don't have a lot of extra space on the outside of their property.
Another wonderful feature that comes with bow windows is the airflow they provide. Because they consist of between three and six separate window panes, you can choose to have any of them open to allow for ventilation. This gives you a range of options to air flow, and can be especially useful on rainy days.
You can add tilt and turn or side hinged casement windows to your bow window based on the design. This gives you many more options for how you let fresh air in. This can reduce the need for artificial air conditioning in your home.
You can also put shades or drapes on your bow windows to customize their appearance. For instance, you can use a rod that is curved to hang curtains that are in line with the curve of the window. This gives a stunning traditional look that matches the bow window perfectly. You can also opt for bifold shutters to cover your windows when you are not making use of them. They can be very effective with the unique look that a bow window provides.
It is best to set up a consultation with an experienced professional installer in St. Louis. Thompson Creek's specialists Thompson Creek can walk you through the different options available for both types of windows, as well as the installation process and costs.
Energy Efficiency
Bow windows offer the same airflow and panoramic view as bay windows, however not extending from your home in sharp angles. They are often made of three sections referred to as "lites" and can be completely customized to suit your taste. They are available in vinyl, wood, and composite materials, each with its own benefits.
For example, vinyl is durable and inexpensive and composite frames are more environmentally friendly than wood. Composite frames can be easily maintained and look like wood however, you aren't able to stain or paint vinyl. Bow windows are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can also choose from a variety of textures and colors to complement your interior decor. Wood has a natural appearance and can be customized to suit your home.
No matter which type of window you choose either way, bow or bay windows enhance the curb appeal of your home and will increase the value of the home when it is sold. Regular maintenance is essential to get the most out of your new windows. Washing glass panels and panes cleaning the hardware, and lubricating moving parts will aid in preventing damage and extend their life span. It's recommended to have your windows professionally cleaned and checked every year for signs of damage or wear.
Energy efficiency is another factor to consider when choosing your bow replacement window. Bow windows are insulated and come with multiple panes, as opposed to double-hung or casement windows which hinge and open from the sides. This allows them to provide better thermal performance than other window types. They're also available in ENERGY STAR-certified varieties, which will help you cut down on the cost of your energy usage. double glazing in bow have Low-E coatings on the insulated glass which block harmful UV rays from the sun and unwanted heat during the summer.
Installation
When installed properly Bow windows, when properly installed, can make a room feel larger and enhance the overall look of your home. A professional window contractor should be responsible for the installation which could involve modifying an existing wall to accommodate bow windows, as well as building an additional header. This requires a lot of framing and drywall, and should only be completed by a professional window contractor who is familiar with building codes and permits.
Bow windows are different from bay windows in that they don't typically have a wider central glass pane than the other frames. The windows are sized to fit the space and placed in a semi-circle which resembles a bay, but without the protrusion. The curving shape of bow windows creates a flat shelf on the inside that can be used as seating to add a touch of elegance to the room, or for storage. The shelf can be raised to knee or hip height, which is ideal to relax and soak up the outdoors.
The unique arc of the windows also offers plenty of floor space for chairs and tables. Some windows even have windows with built-in seating that can be used for reading or chatting with the neighbors. In addition, you'll have to enclose the bottom and top of the bow windows with soffits.
The frame is typically made from composite materials or vinyl. The frames come in a wide variety of finishes and colors. You can also select energy-efficient upgrades and customization options for size or decorative details. The contractor will assist you in selecting the features that will best fit your budget and needs. The contractor will also help you determine whether the project requires structural modifications to accommodate the new windows.